Goal For The Green

Guest post by Amanda Green

When it comes to going green, one of the greatest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is by making your home more efficient. In addition to being one of our greatest expenditures, homes are also often one of the greatest ways in which we use energy.  However,with a few quick and fairly affordable updates, you can have your home running more efficiently in no time – allowing you to both go green and save green.

English: The carbon footprint as it is understood by people. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Insulation
Poor insulation can cost a home hundreds of dollars in utilities every year because they allow both hot and cold air to easily escape. To ensure that your home’s heating and cooling system isn’t overworked,make sure that your attic is well insulated, and even consider re-insulating your walls if you find that they also lack adequate insulation.

Low Flow Water Supplies

While taking a 5 minute shower is a good way to watch how much water you use on a regular basis,installing low flow shower heads and a ultra high  efficiency toilet or two in your home can greatly reduce the amount of water you use without sacrificing function. These items can be purchased for a relatively inexpensive price, and can be self-installed in a few minutes.

Weatherstripping

If you have an older home, there is a good chance that there are spaces between your exterior doors and their frames, as well as between windows and their frames. These spaces easily allow outside air in and inside air out,which makes your home’s heating and cooling system less efficient.
If you find gaps around your doors and windows, apply weatherstripping to prevent unwanted air flow.

Upgrade Appliances

Older appliances tend to be bigger energy wasters than newer ones.  So, if you can afford to make the switch, consider buying new Energy Star appliances. While the initial upfront cost may be a bit high, the savings that they will provide you with over the course of their life will have them paying for themselves.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal units are becoming more affordable than ever before,and they are a great way to lower your utility bills while simultaneously doing something great for the environment. Not only will they reduce your bills, but there are several local,state,and federal grants and tax rebate programs that will put additional cash back in your pocket. Some utility companies will even pay you for putting power back into their system.

Going green, is possibly one of the best things that a person can do for their budget, as well as the environment. However, going green doesn’t have to stop at buying organic or using reusable shopping bags. By making your home more efficient, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint, and make an even greater impact in the green movement than those reusable grocery bags ever allowed. Together, we are working toward better tomorrows!