Today’s post is the second in a three-part series on green living, designed to appeal to everyone on the spectrum of our planet’s well-wishers: preservationists, conservationists, and activists. This blog will focus on being a conservationist, those who have green wish lists that fall somewhere in the middle – they want to save on bills where they can, and can afford to make minor improvements to do so. Caught between greenie and flower-child? Take green living up a notch with these fixes:
• Aerate your faucets
Add a water aerator to your faucets. They work by pumping air into your water stream, so you won’t have to turn the tap up all the way to achieve optimal pressure. And, they’re priced around $2 each – a steal as far as green upgrades go!
• Green your fireplace
Enviro-logs are the latest eco-friendly home accessory. Purchase some at your local home improvement store, or DIY with recycled newspaper and used car oil.
• Repair leaks
Put simply, leaks waste water. Tighten your faucets to stop drips, and don’t put off calling a plumber for the big jobs. Low-flow showerheads also prevent water waste, so consider adding those, too – the environment (and your wallet) will thank you!
• Mind the gap(s)
Drafty windows and doors are common in older homes. Add self-adhesive foam weather stripping or draft stoppers to openings to regulate your home’s temperature and keep more money in the bank.
• Dispose of VOCs
Volatile organic compounds are indoor pollutants found in paint, carpeting and other building supplies. If you’re remodeling, choose items without them, which are clearly labeled as such. To dispose of VOC products you already own, check with local officials for your nearest household hazardous waste collection site.
If you want to make an impact that’s a step above recycling, try these conservation methods in your home – doing just one of these improvements will make a difference. And don’t miss my final post in this series, which will be geared toward champions of environmentally-conscious living: activists. ‘Til next time!
Suzanne De Vita is RISMedia’s Online Associate Editor and social butterfly. When she’s not zipping around in her blue Prius, she focuses on becoming one with her spirit animal, Catherine Zeta-Jones.
