Earth day is here… the perfect time to evaluate how to become greener and reduce waste in your own home and community. Check out our 12 Ways to Go Green to find out how to take more environment friendly action in your daily life.
With sustainability & environmental issues concerning many homeowners, renters and buyers in today’s real estate market, adopting green practices at your home or rental not only feels good, but may help increase the value of your property over time. Consumers are increasingly exploring ec0-friendly home alternatives as energy costs rise and awareness about pollution and environmental impacts grows.
Whether picking up trash in your own community or evaluating energy/product waste in your own household, you can make your own contribution to the green movement. To consider which ways to go green might work best for you, check out our tips below:
12 Ways to Go Green
Wash Laundry With Cold Water Instead Of Warm/Hot
Washing laundry using warm or hot water uses more energy. Selecting the hot or warm cycle requires fuel or electricity to heat the water in your boiler or water heater. Most clothing items can be effectively washed in cold water, and stains can also be removed effectively with the cold water setting, especially if you pre-treat or use detergents formulated for cold water.
Switch To Energy Efficient Products
When your appliances start to wear out and it’s time to buy a replacement, be sure to look into energy efficient models. Especially for appliances that run continuously like tank water heaters, refrigerators and freezers, buying the most energy efficient model you can afford will save a lot of energy over the life of the appliance.
How you light your home may also warrant some investigation. Replacing any burnt light bulbs with more energy efficient bulbs is a quick and easy way to reduce energy use. Turn off lights when you leave a room or whenever the natural sunlight is bright enough to light the room on its own.
Unplugging devices or appliances when not in use can also help save energy. Taking these steps not only helps the environment, but also lowers energy bills and who doesn’t love saving some money?
Stop Using Disposable Bags
While disposable bags are handy, they are also damaging to nature and the environment. Consider purchasing reusable bags for your snacks, sandwiches, and storage. While this seems like a small thing, it could lead to substantial and lasting impacts on the environment as you keep plastic out of the landfills and waterways.
Make One Trip For Errands
If you have errands to run, try your best to make the run in one trip. Or even better, if you live close enough and the weather allows it, walk or bike to your errands. This reduces the amount of fuel or electricity used by your vehicle.
Pay Bills Online
This is one of the easiest ways to go green! One click of a button puts an end to paper bills filling up your mailbox. The amount of paper wasted by companies sending bills by snail mail is astronomical. Switching over to receiving your bills electronically is a great way to help companies reduce their impact. After setting up your billing online, most utilities offer auto payments so you never have to worry about missing a payment again.
Reuse Scrap Paper
While on the topic of paper waste, reuse scrap paper in your home or office to jot down notes or important information. Instead of throwing out a sheet of paper with a small amount of writing on it, reuse the other side or the unmarked remainder of the page. This reduces the amount of new paper you’ll buy as well as decreases demand for production of new paper.
Repurpose Glass Jars
Glass jars can be used for just about anything. They are great for storing all sorts of household items and food. From left over nails/screws from home projects to snacks and leftover meals, jars are the perfect storage solution. All it takes is a quick cleaning after emptying the jar, and you have a convenient storage container.
Buy A Reusable Water Bottle
Changing how you drink your water may be one of the simplest ways to go green. Instead of going for convenience by picking up a water bottle at a gas station, it only takes a few minutes a day to clean and refill your own water bottle. Just as disposable bags don’t break down well, plastic bottles can also accumulate on land and in our waterways affecting wildlife, water and soil quality.
Switching to a reusable water bottle reduces demand and the number of disposable bottles being produced. Plastic production causes harmful emissions to the environment and has many negative impacts. By using a reusable bottle, you can help curb emissions and improve air quality.
Plant A Garden
There is nothing more rewarding than growing your own vegetables. The simplicity of planting seeds, caring for soil and plants, then going out to the garden to pick fresh veggies for your meal is a process enjoyed by many. There is also peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what was added to your soil or plants. While the organic section is great in super markets, growing your own vegetables reduces fuel used to deliver food from the farm to the store.
Collect Rainwater To Water Plants And Garden
While using your hose is convenient, collecting rainwater is also an option to water your garden and plants. This will reduce the overall amount of water you use at your home.
Buy From Farmer’s Markets
Life is crazy for many in our busy 21st century world, so you may not have time or space to grow your own garden. The next best thing is to attend your local farmer’s market to purchase fruits and vegetables from a local farmer. Buying locally reduces the carbon footprint and helps keep local farms and your local foodshed strong.
Research Whether You Can You Can Sign Up For Local Renewable Energy
Solar and wind farms are popping up throughout the nation! This means renewable energy is becoming easier to obtain than ever before. Many companies that are setting up these farms allow you to join in order to power your home. Research alternative energy options in your local area or contact your power provider to see if more sustainable source options might be available to you.
These tips are just a few ways to go green and make your home and community a better place. To keep it simple, try to remember to reduce, reuse and recycle every day. Reduce the amount of products that you use (fuel, plastic bags & paper), reuse any products that you can (glass jars, water bottles, bags) and recycle products if you can, and if not, reuse.
To learn more about how the green movement and eco-friendly choices are affecting the Lake Placid housing market, or to explore ways to go green to prepare for the sale or rental of your home, contact one of our agents at Adirondack Premier Properties today!