We all want to do our part to help the environment. However, going green doesn’t mean you have to invest in a bunch of costly energy efficient upgrades. Here are a few cheap and easy ways you can make your home a little more green.
Perform an Energy Audit
You’ve likely heard the term “energy audit” tossed about over the last few years. In fact, you’ve probably received more than a few direct mail pieces from your utility company advising you to get one. So, what’s the big deal? It’s simple, really. A contractor comes out to your house and analyzes its energy usage and efficiency. They’ll identify any problem areas that are wasting energy and advise you on what you can do to fix them. Once you know where you’re wasting energy, you can take the necessary steps to start saving it. Don’t want to pay for an audit? Learn how to perform your own at energystar.gov.
Go With the Flow
How many faucets do you have in your house? How many are water efficient low-flow faucets? If you said none, you’re wasting water and money. Installing low-flow showerheads and faucets to reduce your water consumption is one of the easiest things you can do to ease your environmental impact. Check with your water provider or EPA to learn more.
Bag It
If you didn’t already know, reusable grocery bags are all the rage. And while it’s easy to amass a stock of cheap (and cheaply made) reusable bags, we recommend spending a little more to get a few durable bags that will last more than a few trips to the store. We love the stylish designs from Envirosax (www.envirosax.com). Want to make your own? Visit Design Sponge to learn how to make your own fab farmers’ market bags.
Greener Cleaners
Never mind that conventional cleaning products cost you cash, they’re also loaded with all sorts of harsh chemicals. Want a better, safer, greener option? Make your own cleaners. Get a couple of stainless steel spray bottles and put white vinegar in one and peroxide in the other. You’ll have a solution that’s just as effective as conventional cleaners at a fraction of the cost. To clean bathroom surfaces, use a half a cup of vinegar and baking soda.