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Being environmentally friendly is becoming increasingly talked about as time goes on. Everything from vehicles to hair care products are being labeled as “green” or “eco-friendly,” and this trend is becoming more apparent within the household. Going green has an incredible amount of benefits for both the homeowners and the environment. Nearly every aspect of a household has a green, energy saving alternative available, and most of these changes can be implemented quite easily.
Creating a green home promotes an overall healthier environment, and also teaches individuals the importance of tending to the environment whenever possible. Plus, converting to a “green” lifestyle can help a family save large amounts of money in the long run, and a majority of the out-of-pocket expenses necessary to go green will likely be recovered in tax credits and rebates awarded for promoting eco-friendliness.
What is a Green Home?
Creating a green home means that the household is able to reduce costs, meaning that it uses less electricity than the average home, while also reducing the use of products that have a negative impact on the environment. Overall creating a green home can:
• Greatly reduce annual electricity bill expenses.
• Teach family about the importance of being environmentally friendly.
• Reduce a family’s overall carbon footprint.
These are just three of the many benefits of converting to the green lifestyle, and there are various simple green adaptations that can be implemented within the home; each having their own positive benefits. Now, let’s talk about how to implement green practices when building a home.
Use Eco-Friendly Building Materials
When building a home with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly building supplies should be a must in the construction of the home. These products may include items like recycled plastics and glass, or utilizing reclaimed wood when available. Nearly any area of the home has opportunities for the use of eco-friendly materials to be used.
Use Energy Efficient Lighting
CFL or LED lighting options should always be utilized when building a home, since they use a significantly reduced amount of energy to operate, and exceed the average lifespan of an incandescent bulb. As these lighting sources have many green benefits, they should always be a priority in the home.
Use Non-Waste Fixtures
Ordinary faucets and showerheads are notorious for wasting large amounts of water. Converting these fixtures to their low-flow counterparts can greatly reduce the amount of water being used in the home. Ultimately cutting down on water bills, and improving the green aspect of the home. It is also worthwhile to visit other resource-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines.
Use Proper Insulation
When building a green home, finding the right insulation can be vital to a home’s energy consumption. As heating and cooling account for an enormous portion of a home’s energy usage, it is important to ensure a home is well insulated, to reduce any unnecessary energy use to keep the home at the desired climate.
Use a Programmable Thermostat
Utilizing a programmable thermostat can significantly cut energy uses all year round. Simply programing the thermostat to only be set for certain times throughout the day will ensure that no excess energy is being used when it is not needed. After all, the house doesn’t mind being cold – therefore you shouldn’t worry about it while you are away.
Taylor Tomita is a creative writer and musician residing in Boise, Idaho. He loves all aspects of marketing and social media, and spends too much time researching these topics. In his free time you can find him creating music or exploring the town in search of good pizza. Follow him on twitter.
