Save and Have an Earth-Friendly Home
We all know that our environmental awareness is very important in order to ensure a higher quality of life for our children and future generations. We should be eco-friendly not because it is “cool”, but in order to preserve our world as it is (and to save some money).
Replace ordinary light bulbs with eco-friendly ones
One of the easiest things we can do for the good of our planet is to change the bulb. In addition to those standard ones, today’s market offers variety of different “green” light bulbs. They are available in almost all stores. They produce more light than standard ones, consume significantly less energy than regular bulbs, and their life span is from 8 to 12 thousand hours. In addition, the American experts point out that if every household in the US replace ordinary bulbs with eco-friendly ones, total saving would be the same as that one million cars were removed from the roads for one year. It would be ideal if you replace all the light bulbs in the household with eco-smart ones. In case this is not possible, their installation is recommended in rooms where you use the most artificial light. Thus, in the kitchen, living room or in the hallways.
Insulate windows and doors
Half of the total energy spent in one household is spent on heating and cooling. If you simply lower the thermostat by one degree, it can lead to a great savings in energy and thus in your budget. Even though research have shown that the optimum temperature in homes should be 20 degrees Celsius, the fact is that most households are still heated above this temperature.
In some European countries, these 20 degrees in strictly controlled, which means that the thermostat are even sealed at that temperature. However, if you don’t want to disturb your comfort by reducing the temperature on the thermostat insulate your windows and doors. Good insulation will prevent heat loss in your home. This requires minimal investment and it will bring more money to your wallet.
Install solar panels
Solar power plant on your roof means tens of thousands of dollars in your home. The money you invest in the installation of solar panels will return to you in the period of 5 to 6 years, because you will not have to pay electricity bills, and after this period, your electric energy will be almost free of charge. If you find this project challenging, you can install fewer solar panels for water heating and save money by not using classic water heaters. You shouldn’t be scared of solar panel installation process, because, according to decking supports by Elmich, everything should be easy. Measure the space where you want your solar panels to be placed, in order to know how much pavers or beams you will need. Then, use sight or laser lines to mark the intersections of the corners of each paver to be laid. Position screwjack pedestals without tabs where edges and corners are to be supported. After that start paving by positioning the first paver in a corner and place the solar panels on paved surface.
Think about new cleaning agents
Instead of throwing a bunch of money on purchasing various agents, you can make more effective means in your own home with products that you already have. You’ll be surprised how much cleaning power some everyday products have, such as lemon, vinegar or baking soda. If you do not have time for making homemade cleaning agents, at least remember, when buying cleaning agents, to get those that do not contain phosphates.
Think green, the Earth is still the only planet we have and we must take care of it.
About the author
Marie Nieves is student of economics who loves unusual trips, gadgets and creative ideas. She is an avid lover of photography interested in interior and exterior design. Marie loves to talk about her experiences and she is regular author on Smooth Decorator. You can find Marie on Facebook or follow her on Twitter and G+.
Photo credits: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6
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