Are you the type of person who wants their impact on the environment to be minimized? It is easy to feel like going green is just too complicated and too expensive. The time to start is now, and this article will show you some simple, but effective ways to color your home green!
If you're designing any kind of outdoor lighting, you may want to think about installing solar-powered lamps. These lamps require now power source, except the sun, and are generally inexpensive. This saves a lot of energy! It means you don't have to wire up outdoor lights.
Wear natural fabrics during the summer in order to avoid wasting energy on air conditioning. Natural fabrics, such as cotton, allow skin to remain cool by drawing moisture away from skin. Wearing lighter colors will also help, because they tend to reflect light.
Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. Even if you are not charging your laptop, cell phone or mp3 player, just having it plugged in uses energy.
Do you or your family own a farm? If so, or if you have family who does, consider renting out some of your land to a company that will install a simple wind turbine. Everyone surrounding the area where these turbines are installed are sure to benefit, and the installation doesn't take up that much space.
If you heat your home with fuel, talk to a technician about using biodiesel. Many heating systems can be switched over to run on biodiesel without needing extra modifications or parts. Biodiesel burns more cleanly and will improve your carbon footprint.
Window coverings should remain closed while you are away. This simple act blocks the sun from entering and heating your house in the summer, while in the winter, it keeps the heat from escaping through drafty windows. Usually, the windows facing the south get more sun because of where they are in the house. Therefore, it is especially important to use heavy window coverings on these windows.
Heating your water with the power of the sun can be very efficient. If you live somewhere where you don't have to be concerned with temperatures that are freezing, you can use a system that circulates water through the solar heater before it gets pumped into your home. However, it's best to keep a traditional heater for times when you need a lot of heated water, or if the sun does not come out.
Take time to maintain your fridge properly. Since refrigerators are one of the high-consumption appliances, it's crucial that you keep it running efficiently. Make dusting the coils part of your weekly cleaning routine. In addition, be sure your door seal is tight and clean.
What must you do in your home to use greener energy sources? This article has provided you with the answer, but it's up to you to start using the techniques listed here, in your own life. Once you begin using this advice, the outcome will shock you.