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Eco-Interiors
You don’t have to be an expert on sustainability to bring “green living” into your home. There are many ways to “green” the house or apartment you already live in, and while they vary in cost and benefits, they all impact the environment and your household in a positive way. Here are just a few ideas that you can easily implement:
- Lint Hint—Saving energy doesn’t get any easier than this: Lower your energy bill by cleaning your clothes dryer’s lint trap before every load to improve air circulation, therefore cutting down on energy-wasting drying time.
- Good Day Sunshine—On cold sunny days, open window coverings to let the sun warm your home. On hot days, close window coverings on the south and west sides to keep your home cooler.
- Fridge Shui—Refrigerators blasted by the sun’s rays or subjected to heat from an adjacent oven or heating vent have to work harder to chill your food. If possible, relocate the fridge to a cooler spot, or close window coverings to keep the sun off.
- Rock-a-Bye Computer—Enabling your computer and monitor’s power management features so they go into sleep mode when idle can save from $25 to $75 each year in energy costs, according to Energy Star. Also, turn off computers and peripherals at night.
- Run the Numbers—Use the U.S. EPA’s online emissions calculator to find out how many greenhouse gas emissions your household is responsible for. Spend 10 minutes entering your data, and you’ll get a rough estimate of your total CO2 emissions, plus action steps to go on a carbon diet.
- Paint Your Home Green—The air in our homes can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. One of the major culprits? Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that are released from paint, particleboard and other home-improvement products. Most major paint manufacturers now make low-VOC paints, and some offer zero-VOC paints.
- Prevent Energy-Wasting Air Leaks—To stop drafts, install weatherstripping around doors and caulk cracks around windows. Check the heating and cooling systems’ ducts to make sure all joints are connected and well sealed. Use a mastic sealant or foil-backed tape to seal ducts.
- Automate It—Reduce energy bills by as much as $150 a year with a programmable thermostat that adjusts the temperature when you leave the house or go to sleep.
- Consider the Source—When choosing appliances and equipment, remember that not all energy sources are created equal. If you’re in the market for a backup generator, natural gas and liquid propane (LP) engines burn cleaner than gasoline engines, which reduces air pollution and extends the engine’s life.
For the full list of suggestions, click here.