How to Go Green in 2018
Let’s start the New Year off right by saving money! There is no reason to spend hundreds of dollars every month on expensive utility bills. Even better, let’s make a plan to be more green, saving energy and helping the environment along the way.
The following tips can help you create a cleaner and more energy efficient home for you, your family, and the environment.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
It’s an old adage that still rings true today. Recycling is a great way to keep our environment clean and green. And the best part…it’s free!
Give your waste a second life by taking glass and plastic bottles to a local recycling facility. You can make a positive difference on the environment, while making a little extra money.
Don’t Dump, Donate
Recycling can also be applied to items of clothing. By donating your items to a thrift store or local charity, you can significantly reduce your carbon emissions. Eliminating the need to produce a new product and keeping useable clothing out of landfills can reduce carbon emissions by 27 pounds per item!
Consider Composting
We know composting seems like a lot of work. But it is a great way to give back to the environment. All of your “green waste,” like grass trimmings, newspapers, old vegetables and more can be thrown into a compost bin. This bin will act as a “garbage area” for waste, but becomes organic soil, to be used for planting flowers, vegetables and trees. Compost areas cost very little to create and make a big impact. They are a great way to eliminate waste and reduce global emissions.
Change Cleaners
Do you know what makes up your standard, household cleaners? Neither do we. That’s why it may be a good idea to switch to a green cleaner. Plant-based cleaners and sprays will reduce air pollution both indoors and out. Natural products are less likely to trigger allergy symptoms and do not contain chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Look for products that have a complete list of ingredients on their labels or check out products online before you buy for more information.
Improve Insulation
Eliminate leaks to improve your home’s energy draw by up to 30%. It may seem daunting to completely overhaul your home’s insulation. Start small. Invest in thermal shades, to block the sun in the summer and retain heat in the winter, and make sure all of your home’s thresholds are covered with draft guards.
HVAC Use
We love to use our HVAC systems as much as the next person. Especially during the cold winters and hot summers. But have you considered greener alternatives? Instead of cranking up the heat when it’s cold, invest in a cost-effective item, like an electric blanket. It will use much less energy and is completely mobile, so you can use it in any part of your home. When it’s hot, go outside and relax in the shade. If that doesn’t work, a small fan will keep you cool without breaking the bank.
At Alps, energy efficiency is one of our top priorities. If you have questions on how you can save money while helping the environment, give our team a call at 800-994-2577.