From Guest Blogger Heather: Three Ways to Create a Sustainable Home This Fall

There is still time before winter hits to create a sustainable home both indoors and outdoors. With these ideas you will be saving the environment one project at a time.

Go Solar

Since 2013 the solar industry has grown 30 percent and has no plans of slowing down. In 2014, nearly 645,000 homes and businesses went solar and there are now more than 20,000 megawatts (MW) of solar electric capacity operating in the United States. It is predicted that we will exhaust the planet’s oil supply by 2052, gas by 2060 and coal by 2088.

Homeowners should consider going solar for many reasons.

• Homeowners can significantly reduce electricity bills will increasing their property value. A 5 kilowatt solar photovoltaic system saves an average of $44 to $187 per month.
• Installing solar on your home proves tax incentives and rebate programs to the homeowner.
• The solar industry heavily contributes to the job market.
• By going solar you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Sustainable Gutter Protection

As we head into the winter, gutter protection is imperative to keep homeowners off dangerous roofs and ladders and to keep your gutters clog-free from leaves, snow and ice damming. Leaves can force water into gutters and when temperatures hit below freezing levels, ice buildup is highly likely to occur. This ice buildup can cause ice damming and push water over your gutters and onto the sidewalk.

It’s important to choose a sustainable form of gutter protection. According to LeafFilter, using stainless steel is theoretically 100 percent recyclable therefore being better for the environment than any other material. Stainless steel also has a long life which is why some gutter guard companies offers a lifetime, transferable warranty on their product.

Homemade Cleaners

If you are a frequent Pinterest user chances are you are always seeing DIY cleaners and scrubs for your home. This is an easy and inexpensive way to stay eco-friendly. Here are a few recipes that have a shelf life of up to 30 days and will not affect the environment.

Oil-Cleanser (Do not use on glass)

• Mix ¾ cup of water, ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol, 5 to 10 drops of lemon or orange essential oil and 1 pump of natural dish soap, then shake and you are ready to start cleaning.

Degreaser (Do not use on wood)

• Mix 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap and 1 tablespoon of baking soda, shake well and begin degreasing.

Rust Remover

• Apply baking soda to a sponge, rub gently over marks, wipe it off and then rinse it for mark-free walls.

If you like the idea of eco-friendly products, but don’t have time to make them there are plenty of companies that sell green products. Seventh Generation, Vitamin Shoppe, Caldrea and puretergent offer green dish liquid, biodegradable laundry detergent, cleaners and hand soap, just to name a few.

Installing solar panels, sustainable gutter protection and using homemade natural cleaners are just a few ways we can help save the environment. If we all take a part in a cleaner future, the environment will be safer for everyone.