FUNCTIONAL LIVING

Green your Home

In our quest for more sustainable living, many of us have made green improvements to our home, such as adding energy-efficient appliances or replacing drafty windows. But is this really enough to lower our environmental footprint and make a difference for generations to come?

Green home efforts can have long-lasting impacts on our planet and also help lower our energy costs at home. It’s a win-win.

There are some goals — such as installing solar panels — that can take you months or years to save for and eventually execute. Then there are other goals that are more attainable in the near future.

Read on for tips and tricks to make your home more efficient and environmentally friendly.

Steps to Take Today

What are your daily habits when it comes to creating waste at home? Are you using plastic water bot-tles that you dispose after one use? Consider adding a few durable water bottles or insulated travel cups to your cabinet that will help you reduce your overall waste.

Another idea for an immediate green improvement is looking for leaky faucets that need to be fixed and ensuring that all electronics and chargers are unplugged when not in use. These simple steps can greatly reduce your overall water and energy consumption.

Steps to Take This Month

Follow these tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when tackling some relatively immediate projects that can make a positive difference.

Install new insulation to conserve energy and spend less on heat and air conditioning.

Use a programmable thermostat to time your heat and air conditioning for when you are in your home. These types of devices will shut off while you are away, giving you big savings in energy and money.

Weatherproof your home by caulking, sealing or weather-stripping outside openings.

Conserve water by installing aerating and low-flow faucets and shower heads.

Steps to Take in the Future

Looking for a major upgrade? Check with your local home improvement stores for their options on tankless and on-demand water heaters. These units have been proven to save up to 30% of energy compared to standard natural gas tank heaters.

Installing solar panels can be a costly investment, but one that pays off for years to come. Using the sun’s energy to power your home versus a traditional energy company can reduce your environmental footprint and help lessen your dependency on non-solar energy sources.