© 2009, Melissa Cornett, Home Buying Institute
Introduction: This article explains how you can go green at home, in order to save money and lessen your impact on the environment. At the end of this article, you’ll also find a list of additional resources about going green at home.
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What Makes a Home Green, Anyway?
There are many ways to define what makes a home a green. It could be a home built by a certified green builder using the principles of green design. Or perhaps a home remodeled using green techniques and materials. To some it simply means green living by the implementing the use of non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products and participating in a recycling program.
In any case, a green home is one that uses less water, energy and chemicals that are harmful to the earth and the creatures that inhabit it, and uses practices and products that help to minimize the impact on global warming.
What are the Benefits?
Why should I go to the trouble of making green choices at home? That’s a good question, and it’s one that a lot of folks ask. Going green at home benefits the environment — that much you already know. But if you go about it the right way, green living can also benefit your health and your wallet. Here’s how:
- Less toxins means cleaner air and a healthier environment for those living in the home.
- People who live in green homes use less water and energy, which leads to savings on utility bills. In addition there are many incentives and tax breaks for adding green features to your home. More and more insurance companies are reducing rates for insuring green homes.
- Better for the environment – fewer materials are used in building a green home and less waste is generated during construction. Green homes use alternative sources for electricity and water such as solar and wind power, which do not emit greenhouse gases.
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Building a Green Home
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED for Homes program is a rating system
Green choices when building
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How to Go Green in Your Current Home
Okay, so you’re convinced that it makes sense (and saves your “cents”) to make green choices at home. The next logical question is, how do you do it? What are some of the steps you can take to reduce your environmental footprint and conserve resources? Here are some good places to start:
1. Use less water.
You can install aerators on faucets and install low-flow shower heads to reduce water use indoors. Replace older toilets, as they typically use less water than modern units. Low-flush toilets allow for a maximum usage of 1.6 gallons of water per flush versus the 5-7 gallons older toilets use.
2. Choose the right paint.
Standard paint emits VOC’s (volatile organic compounds), which can affect the air quality in your home and impact your health. Low VOC paint can now be found at most home improvement stores.
- Which VOC paint is the best? (Consumer Reports)
- An introduction to VOCs and air quality (EPA)
3. Repurpose your furniture.
Paint or refinish old tables, dressers, mirrors or frames instead of buying new ones.
4. Recycle and reuse.
Most cities now offer curbside recycling programs, or at least nearby drop-off facilities. Find out which items are recyclable in your community and set up bins in your home or garage to separate those items, if necessary. Purchase products that use recyclable materials and use and reuse containers if possible. If you prefer to drink filtered water, purchase a water filter and use a BPA-free reusable water bottle rather than purchasing a cases of individually bottled water.
- Find recycling centers near you (Earth911.com)
- Recycle City, online games and activities (EPA)
5. Go green in your kitchen.
Look for organically grown products and produce that contain no chemical fertilizers or pesticides, which are harmful to you and the environment. Even better, buy products and produce that are grown or made locally. Less distance to travel from the farm to your local store means less fossil fuel needed to deliver those products and fewer emissions released in the atmosphere. Use your own tote bags instead of plastic when grocery shopping. Plastic bags require the use of fossil fuels in their manufacturing and will not break down, eternally clogging our landfills. Many stores now offer sturdy reusable bags for purchase at a minimal cost.
Start a compost pile or bin in your yard to dispose of your kitchen scraps. There are various types of compost bins made from recycled products readily available through gardening supply stores and websites. Organic compost is rich and full of the nutrients your grass and plants need to thrive. It will reduce the amount of waste in your garbage, put those organic produce scraps to good use and best of all it’s a free source of the best fertilizer around!
- 8 ways to go green in your kitchen (WebMD)
- Learn wow to compost (HowToCompost.org)
6. Choose cleaning products carefully.
Non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products are now becoming mainstream. Many of the “big brands” are now making greener versions of their products including laundry detergents and dishwasher detergent, which are readily available at most local grocery stores. The less toxins released in to the environment, the healthier your home will be.
- List of earth-friendly cleaning products (Ecomall.com)
- Shop for Eco-Friendly Cleaning supplies (LowImpactLiving.com)
7. Update your appliances.
Energy Star is a voluntary labeling program implemented by the Environmental Protection Agency to help consumers identify energy efficient products that also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While it may seem Energy Star appliances cost more, they will save you up to $50 per appliance per year in energy costs while helping the environment.
8. Go green in your yard and garden.
Plant native trees and shrubs and plants that are acclimated to your soil and climate. Look for drought-tolerate plants to reduce the need for regular watering. If it’s in the budget, invest in a rain barrel that can be installed at the bottom of the downspout of your gutter to collect precious water, which can be used to water plants during times when rain is scarce.
Use only non-toxic, biodegradable, organic fertilizers and pesticides, which are not harmful to you, your pets and other critters that may use your yard for a food, water or shelter source.
Plant deciduous trees on the east and west sides of your home, which get the most sun. During summer these trees will provide shade to help keep your home cool and allow the sun to come in to help warm your home when they drop their leaves in winter.
9. Use solar energy.
One of the easiest and cost effective ways to harness the sun’s power is to find a solar powered utility company in your area. Another option would be to install a solar power system in your home. There are three major solar technologies available to homeowners. The one most homeowners are familiar with is Photovoltaic or PV, which uses semiconductors to convert directly in to electricity.
Solar electricity uses roof-mounted solar concentrators to deliver sunlight to special hybrid light fixtures in a building. Solar Heating uses solar collectors that store the sun’s energy to heat air or water, which can then be delivered to a building. The technology for these systems is still considered very expensive to the average homeowner but the US Department of Energy is working to make solar power more affordable and offers tax incentives for qualifying programs. You can find more information about solar energy on the US Department of Energy’s website: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/solar/technologies.html
10. Stop the mailbox madness (i.e., junk mail).
Each year, homeowners throw away thousands of pounds of advertising mail, pre-approved credit card offers and the like. By opting out of direct mailing lists, we can greatly reduce this tremendous amount of waste. It saves trees, and it also helps you prevent identity theft (by stopping the credit card offers). The Direct Marketing Association lets you opt out of receiving unsolicited commercial mail from many national companies. Visit DMAchoice.org to learn more about this.
Conclusion
I hope our guide to going green at home helps you make smarter choices on the homefront. If you would like to learn more about this topic, check out the list of resources we have gathered for you below
If the desire to “go green” leaves you feeling a bit overwhelmed, keep it simple with a “less is more” attitude, advises Bob Lilienfeld, sustainability expert and author of “Use Less Stuff.” You’ll be amazed at how simple lifestyle changes can affect your impact on the environment and your budget.
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