From Guest Blogger Christopher Austin: Top Five Considerations You Can Make To Go Green with Your Home
Environmental issues are becoming an important consideration even in everyday activities. It is no longer seen as a government issue but as something that individuals can, and should, do something about. Whether you are about to complete a make-over, build a new home or simply looking for a way to be more ‘green’, there is something you can do to help the environment:
- All eyes on the windows
Every home has windows; they are designed to let light into your property and to attract the warmth of the sun. Bright, natural light in your home will make you feel more positive even on the dreary days. They are also useful to allow fresh air in and avoid the need for air conditioning units.
Green windows are those which focus on performance and are made from recycled materials. The latest windows use triple pane glass which is filled with either argon or a mix of argon and krypton. This insulation layer will ensure your home stays warm in winter and cool in the summer. This is because it only lets air flow in one direction. Any window made from recycled plastic is definitely going to be better for the environment!
- Lighting
Natural light is best but it is not possible to see around your home all the time just through the power of the sun. You will need internal lights. These should be LED lights or energy efficient lights. These types of lights use far less power than the standard light bulbs. This will save you money on your electricity bills and the reduction in electricity usage will help the environment.
And since we’re talking about lighting and what we can do to welcome light or trap light from entering our homes, we should also mention blinds. These are an excellent idea in a home because they’ll help you keep your home eco-friendly. Good quality fabric roman blinds for example, are not just stylish but also extremely effective in a home.
- Solar Energy
This is one of the best ways in which you can both save yourself money and help to save the environment. Installing solar panels is becoming a very popular option, although it is not a cheap option. Solar panels may need planning permission and should, ideally, be positioned facing south. The power created by these panels can be used to power all your electrical devices during the day, excess power can be sold back to the grid although you may have to draw some power from the grid in the evenings and at night. Ideally, you will use no more power from the grid than you sell to them. This will mean a minimal electricity bill and a carbon neutral house!
- Sustainable or green materials
If you are refitting any of the rooms in your house then you should consider what products you will be using. Worktops, kitchen cupboards and dining room tables are usually made from wood. Instead of purchasing the worktop down your local hardware store you should look for products which have been created out of sustainable wood. Not only will these products help to prevent environmental pollution they are also likely to reduce your exposure to a variety of toxins which are present in treated wood and can be harmful to your health.
The same principle should be applied to all the appliances and furnishings in your home, you should also aim to choose low energy products and adopt energy efficient cooking practices.
- Recycling
The most obvious way to help the environment and go green at home is actually the cheapest. Think about the products you buy and the rubbish you create. Wherever possible buy items in environmentally friendly packaging and, if at all possible, think of ways to reuse the packaging. Old furniture and even old appliances which are no longer of any benefit to you do not need to be thrown away. They can be donated to a good cause or even sold to someone else who will make good use of it. There are even people who will purchase your broken appliances! But if you don’t want to give anything away, you can always restore them and use them in your home.
