MAKE AN OLD HOUSE MORE “GREEN”

By Mikkah Sorrells

Houses cause about twice the emissions of the typical car. When most people think of green house gas emissions, they don’t typically turn to houses when considering possible culprits. If they do, it is only after they have pointed fingers at their cars. Truth be told, what goes on inside a house – air conditioner and heat running, keeping hot water, using your stove – the end result is tons of harmful emissions each year.

By the year 2010, half of new homes will have been built using green and eco-friendly standards. Green homes cost less when it comes to maintenance and energy costs. More and more people are using more green and eco-friendly products and methods when it comes to remodeling their homes.

Whether your house is old or new, there are many ways you can go green, from eco-friendly paint to general conservation to planting trees. If you’re buying a new home, look into the benefits of buying a house that was built with efficiency in mind. If you are remodeling, don’t go in blindly, but try to consider ways to make your home more green as you go along.

1. Plant trees. Trees pull carbon dioxide out of the air through photosynthesis, the natural process. Try planting a garden as well. They not only look nice, but also help the environment in the long run.
   
   
2. Use eco-friendly paint. The chemicals released into the air by regular paint are referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and do a good job contributing to indoor pollution. Eco-friendly paints come in the form of low-VOC paints, which contain only a maximum of 200 grams VOC per liter. Some contain as little as 50 grams. Others have no VOC whatsoever, and are a little more expensive. It is also possible (and cheaper) to make your own paints using natural ingredients.
   
   
3. Install a thermostat. Installing one and setting it lower can reduce energy costs dramatically.
   
   
4. Install energy efficient appliances. Want to buy a new refrigerator? How about a new stove or a new washing machine? Check out Energy Star. Energy Star appliances can save energy and water as well as a good chunk of your hard earned money. Likewise, if you explore the Energy Star website, you will come across ways to save energy with appliances you already have and aren’t ready to replace. For instance, try to wash your clothes in cold water as often as possible.
   
   
5. Be with carpets and flooring. Go natural with your floors. Choose carpets that are made from wool or cotton, which are both chemical free. For wood floors, try to use chemical free finishes.
   
   
6. Switch to a different kind of light bulb. EcoBulb® Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs use 75% percent less energy than regular light bulbs and they last longer – seven years! Not only will they save money, but they’ll also take a burden off your conscience.

There are plenty of ways to go green in your home, whether you remodeling, touching up or just looking for ways to save money. The thing about going green is that quite a few of the options work to save a lot of money in the long run, so going green also means going easy on your wallet.