Green, sustainable, energy efficient, and so on. There are so many criteria for “environmentally friendly” that it is difficult for us to imagine being able to make changes in that direction. However, creating an eco-friendly home can start with small and easy steps. While saving on expenses, you can continue to implement bigger changes to continue to reduce consumption. Maybe you never imagined that by saving the planet, you would also save your pocket!
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Method 1 of 3: Taking Small Green Steps
Step 1. Look for an energy calculator to find out your energy consumption
Calculators of this type can be found on many internet sites and can calculate the energy efficiency of your home automatically. If the site can also create graphs or recapitulations that demonstrate the potential that can be done to your home through simple changes, that can be very helpful.
Step 2. Exterminate “energy vampires
“Most electronic equipment drains energy when plugged in even when it is off. Most Americans own more than 25 electronic devices. You can cut your energy consumption by unplugging electronic equipment when not in use.
- You can also connect your furniture with a power strip. By turning off the strip, you can prevent your electronic equipment from consuming energy.
- Put your computer in “sleep” or “hibernate” mode when not in use. You can continue your work right where you left off while saving on computer energy consumption.
Step 3. Replace your bulb
Older versions of incandescent bulbs dissipate 90% of energy as heat. Newer types of bulbs such as Compact Fluorescent (CFL) and LEDs can drastically reduce home lighting energy consumption. Generally, you don't need to change your lampshade. Just buy a different bulb and replace your old one!
- CFLs resemble the fluorescent bulbs found in supermarkets, but they are small coils and are the same size and shape as incandescent bulbs. CFLs have a lifespan of 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Usually, it costs a little more, but the benefits will be felt within a year.
- CFLs are a great option for most home lighting. However, CFLs cannot be dimmed and consume a lot of energy when used in recess lighting. Because CFLs contain small (but rarely harmful) amounts of mercury, you should dispose of them with care as well. The United States Environmental Protection Organization has written full instructions regarding its disposal on their website.
- LEDs can last 35 times longer than incandescent bulbs and 2 to 4 times longer than CFLs. The LED feels cool to the touch because it doesn't use much energy. However, they are usually more expensive than incandescent or CFL bulbs.
- LEDs are a great choice for most home lighting needs. Unlike incandescent bulbs and CFLs, LEDs emit “directed” light, meaning that the light is focused in a specific direction (like a spotlight). LEDs are a great choice for recess lighting. Only Energy Star certified LED bulbs are specifically designed to replace the all-round lighting of traditional bulbs. Look for LED bulbs that have an Energy Star label to make sure you get the lighting you want.
- Better yet, open curtains and windows during the day to let in natural light. You can reduce electricity costs and save energy consumption.
Step 4. Turn your kitchen waste into compost
Many things we throw away every day that we can turn into compost. Coffee grounds, fruit and vegetable peels, egg shells, and even napkins and paper towels can be recycled to make good compost for your garden.
- Preventing food waste from entering the Final Disposal Site (TPA) is an environmentally friendly action. This will prevent the build-up of methane gas (which is a major part of global warming) resulting from the decomposition of food waste in plastic bags, and it will also help reduce the amount of waste in the landfill.
- If you live in an urban area, you can also store a compost box on your balcony or terrace. Many online vendors provide ready-to-use compost kits.
Step 5. Wash your clothes in cold water
80-90% of the energy your washing machine uses comes from heating water for warm water washes. Use the “cold water” or “eco” mode of your washing machine to save energy.
- Some companies like Tide produce eco-friendly cold water detergent. If your clothes are difficult to wash or often get stained, these products can be used to help your clothes clean quickly even in cold water.
- Look for natural detergents and stain removers whenever possible. These products are usually made from plants and can be decomposed by microorganisms, making them more environmentally friendly.
Step 6. Turn off the tap flow
Most young children may learn to brush their teeth while turning on the faucet. According to some dentists, if you brush your teeth for two full minutes with the tap running, you can excrete up to 5 gallons of water at a time. Brush your teeth with the tap turned off, only turning it on when you want to rinse your mouth.
Step 7. Use a ceiling fan instead of an air conditioner
If you have a chandelier, use it whenever possible to cool off in the summer. Air conditioners can drain 36 times more energy than hanging fans. In the United States, air conditioning electricity consumption accounts for more than a quarter of the total daily energy used by the average home.
Method 2 of 3: Making Your Home Eco-Friendly
Step 1. Install a programmable thermostat
A programmable thermostat can monitor your home's temperature, keeping it warm or cold when you're not at home. For example, if you are going to the office, a programmed thermostat can keep your house warmer than usual, and it will only turn on the air conditioner when you get home. By using this thermostat, you can save more than IDR 2,400,000 per year.
Do a little research before installing a programmable thermostat. If your thermostat is not easy to use, the savings you want will not be achieved
Step 2. Replace old electrical furniture
The old electronic equipment you have like your water heater, refrigerator, and stove can waste a lot of energy. Replace it with an Energy Star certified product that will guarantee a reduction in your home's energy consumption.
- Oftentimes, you can get a tax credit for replacing old, energy-intensive products with new, eco-friendly products. A full list of these credits can be found on the United States Department of Energy website here.
- If you can't replace your water heater, buy a special insulating casing and wrap it around the water heater. The shroud can be purchased at most home supply stores and it only takes a few minutes to install. This will help reduce energy wastage.
Step 3. Replace your toilet
Traditional toilets can consume up to 7 gallons of water per flush. That amount is a huge waste. Look for eco-friendly “low-flow” toilets.
Look for toilets that are labeled WaterSense. This type of toilet water consumption is 20% lower per flush compared to standard toilets in general
Step 4. Replace your shower head
17% of most Americans' indoor water consumption is caused by shower heads. By replacing your shower head with the “low flow” version, you can reduce your water consumption by up to 2900 gallons per year.
Look for shower heads that have a WaterSense label. This type of shower head has been certified to the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency
Step 5. Insulate the attic and basement
A large amount of energy can seep into the attic and basement of your home. By isolating the two places, you can reduce the energy consumption of your home. It can also reduce home heating and cooling bills by making it easier to maintain a consistent temperature in the room.
GreenFiber cellulose insulators are an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional insulation methods. GreenFiber is made from recycled newspaper scraps. You can attach it to the small holes in the cold so that it is easy to use when you are remodeling. You can search for sales locations on the manufacturer's website
Step 6. Recycle furniture
Instead of buying new furniture, try going to thrift stores and sites like Craigslist and Freecycle. By recycling old products instead of buying new furniture, you can cut down on tree cutting and make savings.
Step 7. Use eco-friendly paint for walls
Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be continuously released into your home's atmosphere for up to 5 years after painting. Look for paints that are plant-based and water-soluble.
If you can't find a plant-based paint, look for a paint labeled "VOC-free". Many major paint manufacturers, such as Benjamin Moore, produce VOC-free paints
Step 8. Seal your windows
If your funds don't allow you to replace old and inefficient windows, window insulation can help increase the energy efficiency of your home. It's easy to insulate your windows and keep your home comfortable all year round.
- Use caulk and weatherproof tape around windows to prevent air from entering (or escaping). This reduces the heat released in the winter and keeps the air cool in the summer.
- Providing a thermal or light barrier on windows can also help reduce energy wastage by blocking out the sun's rays. This will help in hot climates.
- Make sure you use the baffle under the door as well. You can buy it in many stores or make your own.
Step 9. Install the light with motion sensor
Motion sensor lights are often used outdoors such as garages or walkways. However, you can also install an inexpensive motion sensor indoors. The sensor will turn on the light when you enter the room and turn it off when you leave. This can be especially useful if you often forget to turn off the lights when you're away.
Step 10. Use outdoor lights that use sunlight
You can buy a variety of solar-powered outdoor lights, from powerful car park spotlights to small walkway lights. If you live in an area that gets a lot of sunlight during the day, this product can reduce energy consumption while ensuring that your lights are on.
Most home improvement stores sell a variety of solar-powered lamps, but you can also find them at a variety of online stores
Step 11. Install the solar panels
The sun is a clean and renewable source of energy. With an abundance of panels, surplus energy can be channeled into a battery and stored for future use. Installing solar panels can reduce your home's carbon footprint by, in general, 15957.38 tons. This amount is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed by 88 trees. Installing solar panels will cost a lot of money at first, but the benefits will be felt in the long run for you and the planet Earth.
- In some places, you can even sell the surplus solar energy to local power plants.
- The solar panels must be connected to an existing electrical wire in your home. Instead, ask for installation by an expert.
- Many states in the United States and other countries offer tax incentives when you install solar panels.
Method 3 of 3: Build and Renovate an Eco-Friendly Home
Step 1. Replace the old windows in your home with new types that are energy efficient
When your house is old, air can seep in through the windows. Single pane window types do not provide as good insulation as newer window models. You can save more than IDR 6,200,000,00 per year by replacing single pane windows with energy efficient models.
In the United States, you can get a tax credit by replacing old windows with energy-efficient models. A full list of these credits can be found on the US Department of Energy website here
Step 2. Install the windows on the ceiling
With proper installation, ceiling windows can provide beautiful natural lighting for your home while saving energy consumption. Also consider the position of your home to maximize the potential of the window. Consult an architect or home designer.
An eco-friendly ceiling window is not just a hole in the roof with glass on the surface. There are many energy efficient ceiling windows that can be purchased in the market, but their installation must be done by an expert to ensure their safety and efficiency
Step 3. Use eco-friendly flooring
Hardwood floors will add to the aesthetic value of your home, but the number of trees used for hardwood floors is overwhelming and can take years to grow. If the floor of your house is going to be replaced, consider replacing it with an environmentally friendly material such as bamboo. Bamboo plants grow very quickly and require a smaller area to grow, but their aesthetic value and durability is the same as that of wood.
Cork is also an environmentally friendly material for flooring. Cork is softer than bamboo, absorbs noise, and feels good on the feet. However, sometimes the level of resistance is lower than bamboo
Step 4. Plant a tree
Dense trees can reduce the amount of energy you use to cool your home on hot summer days. If your home does not have shade trees, this is a step that will take some time before you can fully benefit from it.
- In addition to providing shade, trees absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide and produce oxygen. One tree can produce enough oxygen for four people in one full day.
- If you are constructing a new house, try to build around existing trees. You can even incorporate these trees into the design of your home, such as creating a terrace under a large, lush oak tree.
- Plant seasonal trees (trees that shed their leaves every year) on the South and West sides of your house. This will help block out the hot midday sun in the summer and allow sunlight to reach your home in the winter.
Step 5. Install the “cooling roof
“The cooling roof will reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it. This will reduce the energy consumption of your home and extend the lifespan of the roof. This type of roof is very good for homes in hot climates because it reduces the need for air conditioning.
- Cooling roof liners can be purchased at many home supply stores and warehouses. This type of coating resembles a very thick paint and can be applied quite easily. In general, they are white or light in color with reflective pigments that reflect rather than absorb sunlight. (It is not recommended to apply a cooling roof coating to shingle roofs.)
- If your house has a steep angle of shingles, try replacing it with cold asphalt shingles. This type of shingles has special granules that reflect sunlight.
- If your house has a metal roof, the reflection of the sun's light is enough. However, this type of roof also absorbs a lot of heat thereby increasing energy consumption in summer. Coat your metal roof with a light-colored paint, or apply a cool roofing coating, to increase its energy efficiency.
Step 6. Consider installing a composting toilet
Composting toilets usually do not use water for flushing like traditional toilets. Composting toilets can also recycle various types of waste into fertilizer that can be used in agriculture. Although the installation costs are more expensive than traditional toilets, this type of toilet is more environmentally friendly and will be beneficial in the long run.
Composting toilets are usually easiest to install and maintain in rural or suburban areas. If you live in an apartment or a tall building, installing and managing a composting toilet will be more difficult
Step 7. Use a more durable outer wall
Materials like cedar wood repel pests and water naturally. These materials are also durable and do not require constant maintenance. Replace the outer wall made of aluminum with a more durable material.
There are many eco-friendly exterior wall materials such as fiber cement board and particle board. These materials have high resistance and are environmentally friendly. Look for products made without the use of formaldehyde
Step 8. Discuss with the design team the “whole house systems approach
If you are designing a new home or are undertaking extensive renovations to an old home, discuss with the design team the “whole home systems approach.” This extensive approach includes many factors regarding your home such as local climate, site-specific conditions, furniture required, etc. With all these factors taken into account, a holistic home systems approach can drastically reduce your energy consumption.
Many designers and architects are experienced in the whole house systems construction approach. Visit the National Association of Home Builders for input on the design team's search
Tips
- Even small changes can pile up into big ones! Don't feel that you have to completely renovate your home to start being more environmentally friendly.
- Do your research every time you want to buy a new energy-efficient product. These products are constantly being developed. Therefore, look for products on the internet that get good reviews.
