According to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Green Building Guide, green homes are expected to make up 10% of new home construction by the 2010. The green housing movement is rapidly growing. Here are some simple ways to help the environment as well as your wallet.
Lighting
Allowing natural light to filter through your home will help trim down your electric bill. To increase the amounts of natural light in your home:
•Install skylights—preferably double-glazed skylights.•Display window curtains with sheer or light fabric.•Place trees in areas that won’t block natural sunlight from filtering through windows and skylights.When natural lighting isn’t an option, here are some guidelines for indoor lighting.
•Opt for compact fluorescent light bulbs.•Turn off lights when you leave a room.•Install task lighting, or a small lamp instead of using big overhead lights.Technology Savers
•Turn off and unplug your computer when it’s not being used.•Opt for a laptop instead of a desktop. Laptops only use 15 watts of electricity while a desktop uses around 130 watts. •Plug printers, fax machines, computers, lamps and more into a smart strip. Smart strips sense when a machine isn’t in use and reduces energy flow.•Unplug all electrical devices when not in use.Water Usage
•Take a shower instead of a bath—showers use less water.•Ensure that you don’t have leaks in toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks and outdoor faucets.•Try and keep showers to 5 minutes.•Purchase energy-efficient dishwashers and clothing washers.•Use aerators on your faucets and install low-flow shower heads.