Current gas prices and new reports of global warming have put increased focus on helping the environment. The problem seems so vast and so complex that you may be thinking, what can one person do? Surprisingly, there's a lot you can do.
The home is one of the simplest and most convenient things you can begin with. Making your house environmentally friendly is a project that will provide you a sense of satisfaction as well as a increased market value should you decide to sell. Just use some extra time that you have on the weekends to get dirty and work on the house. You can even rope in the rest of the family.
One of the most useful ways to make your home environmentally friendly is the use of a solar panel on your roof or nearby. Solar panels collect the power from the sun and convert it into usable electricity. Now sometimes you can use that electricity directly or you can sell it back to your electric company to reduce your utility bill. If you can't afford new ones, consider purchasing used solar panels. As long as it gets the job done, it doesn't matter how old it is.
Collect rainwater. Placing rain barrels under your downspouts can collect hundreds of gallons of water, which can be used to water your plants or wash your car. Most rain barrels sold in stores have a spigot that makes it easy to get the water out.
Make your house more air-tight. You want to make sure that cold air stays in the house during summer and outside during the winter. Make sure your insulation is thick enough and installed in walls and the attic. Fill all cracks and gaps around doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping.
Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. The old incandescent bulbs use a lot more energy and emit a great deal of heat. CFLs, although more costly, save energy and last longer, allowing you to get a return on your investment. At the very least, replace your old bulbs in rooms that you tend to have the lights on more frequently.
And you don't even have to spend any money to save energy and natural resources. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room and conserve water by taking shorter showers or turning it off while brushing your teeth. Small changes in habit can add up.
Some of these things may not seem like a big deal, but each bit helps, and over several months or years, they will make a difference. Check online or go to your library to learn more. Very soon, you'll be able to feel better about doing your bit in protecting the environment.
The home is one of the simplest and most convenient things you can begin with. Making your house environmentally friendly is a project that will provide you a sense of satisfaction as well as a increased market value should you decide to sell. Just use some extra time that you have on the weekends to get dirty and work on the house. You can even rope in the rest of the family.
One of the most useful ways to make your home environmentally friendly is the use of a solar panel on your roof or nearby. Solar panels collect the power from the sun and convert it into usable electricity. Now sometimes you can use that electricity directly or you can sell it back to your electric company to reduce your utility bill. If you can't afford new ones, consider purchasing used solar panels. As long as it gets the job done, it doesn't matter how old it is.
Collect rainwater. Placing rain barrels under your downspouts can collect hundreds of gallons of water, which can be used to water your plants or wash your car. Most rain barrels sold in stores have a spigot that makes it easy to get the water out.
Make your house more air-tight. You want to make sure that cold air stays in the house during summer and outside during the winter. Make sure your insulation is thick enough and installed in walls and the attic. Fill all cracks and gaps around doors and windows with caulk and weatherstripping.
Use compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. The old incandescent bulbs use a lot more energy and emit a great deal of heat. CFLs, although more costly, save energy and last longer, allowing you to get a return on your investment. At the very least, replace your old bulbs in rooms that you tend to have the lights on more frequently.
And you don't even have to spend any money to save energy and natural resources. Remember to turn off lights when leaving a room and conserve water by taking shorter showers or turning it off while brushing your teeth. Small changes in habit can add up.
Some of these things may not seem like a big deal, but each bit helps, and over several months or years, they will make a difference. Check online or go to your library to learn more. Very soon, you'll be able to feel better about doing your bit in protecting the environment.
About the Author:
Isla Hitchcock commonly writes articles referring to the home trade and has in the past covered subjects such as above ground pool ideas and outdoor rugs.
1 comments:
December 10, 2008 at 3:09 PM
It is good to have solar panel but countries with high population density like Singapore does not have a chance to install solar panel.
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