Question by : what are some ways to make your house greener?
I am writing a paper on how to make your house greener as in a better place for the earth and save money. What are some sujestions you have. Right now i have three subtitles; saving electricity, saving water, and recycling. What are some good things to put under these.
Best answer:
Answer by †X€NØNN†
saving electricity:
using low consumption light bulbs.
using alternative energy sources to supplement the others , like solar power (can also be used for heating tough), wind power, hydroelectric power etc..
saving water, have a rain water collector (reservoir) and use a water filter/purifier, thus you save water.
we have one of those setups in our house, its simple and works very well.
recycling, well water used in the sink and such can be recycled to use to flush the toilet for example.
also we have a furnace used for heating , used the wood form 2 trees that needed to be chopped down cause they long since died and could have been dangerous.
with that wood we saved about 3500$ of heating, even if the wood is bought then you can still save up (at least here where gas-heating is very expensive)
besides that just don’t waste anything, and use biodegradable materials.
for refference I participated (and still am) in an extensive design of a house ( purely academic I doubt we will ever have it built, whereas i can’t send you the design..
i can give you a few details
for one
it had a beautiful garden with a waterfall was actually a part of the water filtration dispersion and sewage recycling system ( meaning it also watered the plants in the decorative garden and the lower lying vegetable garden)
the waterfall also provided a little energy by using a hydroelectric motor. which mostly powered the outdoor lights
also the house had quite large solar panels on the roof.
a natural water filtration system for the pool, and a water reservoir neatly built into the house,
large windows, and skylights offered natural light throughout the day, and an economic design of the house allowed more areas to be optimally light with just one light.
double layered isolation, and windows that can be simply set to let infrared light kept it warm during winter . and can be made totally opaque for privacy, or set to not allow some gamme of light through to keep the place from warming up in summer
it had an interior well equipped gym, and the machines where actually tied to dynamos to produce electricity when used. ( this is kinda prototyped as of now)
the electricity gained from it is substantial, but since its a pretty erratic source storage and use becomes a headache.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Conserving Electricity-
Try to use natural lighting as much as possible (windows) instead of turning on the lights.
Use compact fluorescent bulbs in place of the old-style bulbs.
As you update appliances and electronics make certain you buy energy efficient models.
Many items are on standby- and thus still using electricity- when not in use, even when turned off. Purchase a switch that will allow you to turn them off completely.
When using your heat, set the thermostat a little lower and dress warmer.
When using your air conditioning, set the thermostat a little higher and dress cooler.
Make sure your home is well insulated. Use draft guards and/or caulk any drafty windows, doors, etc.
When the weather cooperates, instead of running the heat or air turn the unit off completely and instead open your doors and windows.
Line dry clothes instead of using the clothes dryer. It is one of the biggest electricity consumers. I line dry my clothes if the weather allows and then toss them into the dryer for a few minutes to fluff them up.
————
Conserving Water-
Take showers instead of baths.
Dishwashers are more water-efficient than sink washing dishes, so instead of hand washing them use the dishwasher- but only when there is a full load.
Be sure that you are adjusting the water level for your washing machine when you start a load of laundry.
Try to catch rain if you have a lawn or garden to water- it is better for the lawn/garden and conserves your water.
———-
Recycling-
Reduce how much you use. Much of our products are wasted. It is good to shop in bulk, etc. if you are not going to waste the products. Instead of reading the news in paper form, read it online.
Reuse items. Instead of using paper or plastic grocery bags, purchase the reusable ones (wash on occasion and/or spray with Lysol). Instead of purchasing bottled waters, purchase reusable containers to fill with your own water. Look for products that have more earth-friendly packaging, such as a bucket of laundry detergent that you then refill with a bag instead of another cardboard box.
Recycle-
Rather self- explanatory.
Another sub-title to add would be one related to smart choices in the products you use. Some are more earth-friendly while others contaminate the land, water and air.
Planting your own garden! What better way to go green!