By Olivia Stevens
Going green is trendy, and it’s a great trend for the planet. Being eco-friendly helps you create a sustainable environment. It’s also an excellent way to put more green in your pocket and attract millennial buyers. It takes imagination and research, but it’s not rocket science. Just add these eco-friendly design tips for your home.
Saving Water
Being eco-minded starts with conserving water. Simple steps include repairing leaks and turning off the water when brushing your teeth. Go beyond that by installing a low flow showerhead. It can save your family over 160,000 liters of water, and less water use means less energy to heat your water.
For lawn care, install a sprinkler timer, which controls the times your sprinklers come on and how long they run. You’ll also save water by watering in the morning between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. This gives your lawn more time to absorb the moisture.
Heating
Heating your home takes a huge amount of energy. And it’s easy to waste, especially during winter. Save energy by installing a smart meter. This device can be programmed to turn the heat off when you and turn the heat up before you return. Smart meters are the best bet for decreasing energy bills. Smart home features also attract millennial homebuyers.
Lighting your home is also costly if you’re still using older incandescent bulbs. Make the switch to LED or CFL bulbs. They use less electricity and lasts longer than your older bulbs, which means, so you won’t need to replace them as often.
Go Solar
Solar panels can be a smart, long-term investment. They provide clean electricity and reduce your monthly electric bill. But even if you’re not planning on staying in your home for the next 20 years, they raise the value of your home at sale. Another bonus? The state of Missouri offers tax incentives to install solar panels. They are the ultimate in eco-friendly, in many cases allowing houses to become
Insulation
You could be throwing money out the window if your windows and doors aren’t’ insulated. The insulation holds in heat, which translates into saving energy. You can add insulation to the attic and walls to keep more heat in. Another saving idea? Double-paned windows. Floors are also a source of energy leaks, and area rugs are a cost-efficient and attractive way to insulate your home.
Appliances
Replace old appliances with those displaying the Energy Star — they’ve energy efficiency standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. They use less power and are often less expensive. Install an oven light, so you’re not tempted to open the oven door while baking. Go back to the reliable drip coffee maker, so you’re not filling the landfill with those disposable coffee pods.
Composting
Compost bins are trending right now — and for good reason. The compost is great for your garden, and they reduce the amount of waste that goes to the landfill. There’s no need for store-bought fertilizer when you create your own from food scraps.
Forget about what Kermit the Frog said. It is easy being green!
Olivia Stevens designs eco-friendly homes that practically run themselves. You can bet her own home has a self-watering garden, synthetic turf, automatic locks, and lights that turn on at dusk.
