Friday, November 19, 2010

Five Easy Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Projects

Five Easy Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Projects for Under $50
(So easy, you have no excuse not to make them)

  1. Install aerators on faucets - These screw-on mesh screens break up water droplets, so you use less water but get just as much rinsing power.
  2. Clean your refrigerator coils - If they’re coated with dust, refrigerator coils can’t transfer heat efficiently, so it takes more energy to cool your food. Get at them (they’re usually found underneath the unit or at the back) with a long-handled brush.
  3. Replace weatherstripping - Over time, the seals around windows and doors wear out, letting in the chill of winter air and prompting you to crank up the thermostat.
  4. Reduce light pollution - Put a motion sensor on your all-night garage floodlight. Not only will you save electricity; you will get to enjoy one of early fall’s greatest pleasures: a clear view of the night sky.
  5. Clean green - You don’t need dozens of toxic products. Soap, baking soda, and vinegar or lemon juice can take care of most household cleaning needs. For recipes, get the book Clean and Green, by Annie Berthold-Bond.
(courtesy of greenhomeguide.org)

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Window Replacement: What's the Greenest Choice?

Are your windows collecting condensation or a frost buildup? In the winter, does your window feel colder than the rest of the house? Is the trim rotting, cracking or missing? You may be due for a replacement window or two. Anyone who has done a recent price-check on windows knows they are not a cheap update. While making such an investment in your home, why not be eco-friendly? The Greenandsave.com website offers a great article on updating or replacing windows: Window Replacement: What's the Greenest Choice?