In celebration of Earth Month, we want to highlight a few ways on how to make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable. No matter your effort, big or small. Making small changes and implementing more eco-friendly practices can help you, your family, and our environment.
Becoming More Energy Efficient
It costs around $5 a year to run an incandescent bulb compared to about $1 for an LED and $1.20 for a CFL.1 Replace your five most-used bulbs in your home with an LED bulb and enjoy the savings on your electric bill!
Water Pipes
Foam insulation sleeves are among the easiest type of products to install. This simple project can reduce heat loss, and deliver water that’s 2-4◦F warmer than water from un-insulated pipes. 2
Reducing Waste
Water Waste
Dripping faucets or a leaking toilet can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year.3 But the repair parts are low cost and typically easy for beginning DIYers to install. Install a water-saving showerhead or toilet tank system. And, when you replace a fixture, look for the WaterSense label. This indicates the fixture is a water-efficient product!
Water Heater
About 15 percent of the energy used in a home goes to heating water.4 Wrap your water heater in an insulating jacket to reduce heat loss. Set the thermostat to 110-120◦F. And, think about installing a Tankless Water Heater. Instead of heating a whole storage tank of water so it’s ready when needed, heat water only at the time it’s needed. You’ll never run out of hot water from a properly-sized unit!
Composting
Food production and food waste account for 13 percent of carbon emissions.5 Reduce your impact and create a super-charged natural fertilizer for your garden in the process. Build a bin or buy one to collect and process compostable kitchen scraps, leaves, and lawn clippings.
Natural Cleaning
The next time you choose a household cleaner, try a product with low VOC or natural ingredients. Your choice could help reduce water pollution and indoor air pollution. The air inside your home is often 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air.6 Low VOC or zero VOC products like paint or household cleaners can help with your indoor air quality. Especially if you or your family have allergies or asthma.
Sources:
www.acehardware.com
1. Energy.gov: for 60W replacement bulb, based on 2 hours per day of use.
2. energy.gov/energysaver/projects/savings-project-insulate-hot-water-pipes-energy-savings
3. www.epa.gov/watersense/our_water/why_water_efficiency.html
4. energy.gov/energysaver/projects/savings-project-insulate-hot-water-pipes-energy-savings
5. www2.epa.gov/food-recovery-week
6. www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html
