More and more homeowners are concerned about their effect on the environment.
After all, U.
S.
consumers create 21 percent of the world's carbon dioxide emissions while constituting less than five percent of its population.
Reducing your carbon footprint and engaging in low-impact living means more than simply recycling newspapers.
It can expand into nearly every aspect of your life.
Below are some tips for how to do so through green home remodeling and everyday lifestyle choices.
Home Energy Efficiency: Any green home remodeling project should implement plans to make your house more energy efficient.
Measures include adding insulation, replacing windows and doors, buying an efficient hot water heater, and upgrading your heating and air conditioning systems.
Energy-Efficient Appliances: Using only Energy-Star certified appliances conserves energy, water, saves you money, and reduces your greenhouse gas emissions.
Start with your refrigerator, which is often the biggest energy user in the house.
Consider purchasing Energy Star-rated versions of dishwashers, washing machines, and televisions.
Sustainable Materials: Choose sustainable materials like cork or bamboo flooring, furniture made from sustainable wood, and recycled glass tile or countertops.
Also consider how you can recycle materials such as used doors or old furniture.
Lighting: There are lots of ways to reduce your electrical lighting costs.
If you plan any green home remodeling, include plenty of windows and skylights to reduce your need for electric lights.
Choose energy-efficient lighting fixtures and compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs.
Look for LED lights, which are just coming onto the market in full force.
While more expensive, LED lights use very little electricity.
Reportedly each one can last as many as 20 years without a light bulb change.
Composting: Build a composting area into your outdoor design.
When you compost table scraps you reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.
Many gardeners also like compost to use as free, high-quality fertilizer.
Transportation: Carpool or take public transportation; ride your bike; reduce or combine car trips when possible.
Think about how your purchasing choices impact transportation.
If you buy local produce and other products, it decreases the environmental impact of transporting those goods to your home.