If you\u2019re thinking about renovating your home or replacing appliances, why not make choices that are good for the environment? Going \u201cgreen\u201d doesn\u2019t mean sitting with the lights off or downgrading your lifestyle. Often it means making beautiful, sophisticated upgrades that work more efficiently. Check out these trendy ideas that conserve natural resources, utilize recycled materials, and save water.<\/p>\n
Utilizing solar energy is one of the best ways to reduce your carbon footprint. You have a few options for going solar:<\/p>\n
The most fundamental option is to install solar panels. Choose the system size you want and start putting the limitless solar resource to work, powering your lights, air conditioner and anything you plug into the wall. With a large enough array, you can completely offset your electricity costs. Ultimately, you save money, reduce coal consumption, and decrease the country\u2019s dependency on foreign oil.<\/p>\n
Proper attic ventilation is important to keep your home more comfortable, prevent mold growth, and sustain your roof\u2019s structural integrity. Adding an attic fan is a great way to increase ventilation. A solar powered attic fan lets you enjoy the benefits of a properly ventilated attic without increasing your home\u2019s electrical consumption.<\/p>\n
Water heating is one of the biggest contributors to your energy consumption, second only to heating and cooling. You can offset up to 80 percent of that energy by powering your water heater with solar panels. It\u2019s an affordable upgrade that really increases your home\u2019s \u201cgreen\u201d factor.<\/p>\n
If you decide to renovate the kitchen or bathroom, or replace the flooring in your home, carefully consider where you obtain your building materials. Plenty of green options are available:<\/p>\n
By choosing recycled materials, you re-use resources instead of harvesting new granite or quartz. Vetrazzo countertops are made from recycled glass and Portland cement. The material is resistant to high heat, moisture, chemicals and mold, but all you\u2019ll be thinking about is how artistic and one-of-a-kind your countertop looks.<\/p>\n
Paperstone is another option made from 100-percent recycled paper. Compressing the paper and adding resin and natural pigments results in an end product that looks very similar to soapstone. It\u2019s non-porous and easy to clean for a bacteria-free kitchen.<\/p>\n
Recycled glass isn\u2019t just for making countertops; you can also find attractive glass tiles for your kitchen backsplash or shower wall. Recycled tiles also come in metal, clay, rubber and stone.<\/p>\n
Instead of demolishing old structures and sending perfectly good wood and other building materials to the landfill, a careful reclaiming process gives you the chance to put secondhand wood to good use in your home. A little sanding and a fresh coat of stain will leave you with a wood floor full of character without needing to cut down additional trees.<\/p>\n
Any time you can save water, you reduce your bills and help the environment. Two trendy water conservation efforts include:<\/p>\n
Sometimes, high water flow is a good thing, such as when you want to fill the tub or washing machine quickly. However, when it comes to the sink and shower, low flow is ideal. Lowering the flow of water doesn\u2019t mean losing water pressure. In fact, many aerated faucets and showerheads give the impression of higher water pressure by jetting out water with tiny air bubbles. This way, you enjoy a luxurious shower while conserving water at the same time.<\/p>\n
The water that flows through the plumbing in your house isn\u2019t the only water you need to worry about. There\u2019s also the rainwater that runs through your yard. One great way to prevent heavy rainfall from eroding the soil and picking up pollution on its way to local waterways is to install a rain garden. This is a shallow depression in your yard filled with flowers and shrubs native to your region. Native plants provide ecological value by catching water runoff to reduce street flooding and promote cleaner waterways.<\/p>\n
Your washing machine, dishwasher and water heater are largely responsible for your water and water heating bills. When an appliance reaches the end of its lifespan, choose the most efficient replacement possible. You\u2019ll enjoy high-end features, better performance and lower water consumption for a greener home.<\/p>\n
\u00a0The more of these trendy ideas you can implement, the more eco-friendly your home will become.<\/p>\n