Work on home projects that benefit environment

With so many of us homebound because of the COVID19 pandemic, we are starting on some home improvement projects. Spring is here, and we can work outside and indoors.

We hope, in the coming few months, life will regain some normalcy. But underneath our “normal” is another slowly evolving crisis that is no less severe: climate change.

Let’s help alleviate the climate crisis right now. Our improvement projects can make our homes more resilient to weather extremes and reduce the toll they exact on the environment. More good news: The whole family can participate in positive actions to make the future safer and healthier for all.

In Pennsylvania, one of the main impacts of climate change is increased rainfall. To prepare for future deluges, homeowners can make many improvements themselves: maintain and/ or upgrade gutters, ensure water runoff away from the house, install rain barrels with directed overflows, and create drainage ditches.

We can reduce energy waste inside our homes, lowering our monthly bills. Up to 30% of heat is lost through gaps in the building — a great target for doit-yourself projects. Attic hatches and basement doors are usually big “thermal holes” and could be substantially improved.

Energy savings also can be achieved by modifying behavior. Unplug items when they are not in use, as they continue to draw up to 6% of your electricity. Dry clothes outdoors on nice days.

When millions of us take these not-so-small steps, the benefits add up for the planet. Professional recommendations for DIY projects can be found at getenergysmarter.org/diyresources. LUCYNA de BARBARO

Squirrel Hill