Eco-Friendly Home & Construction
If you are building a new home, buying a new home, or just looking to make some environmentally friendly choices in your home here are some great resources.
SMALL CHANGES
e-Waste Programs - Participate in local e-waste programs to properly dispose of electronic devices.
Hazardous Waste Collection - Mark your calendars for the Hazardous Waste Collection days to dispose of paints, household cleaners, glues, herbicides, chemicals, grease, oil, gasoline, batteries, insecticides, preservatives, medications, syringes, and other waste properly. Moving forward try to avoid toxic chemicals and materials. So many of these toxic chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides enter our water ways or are disposed of improperly polluting our land and water. Please take advantage of the services to dispose of these items properly through your local waste management company. To read more about these pollutants click here.
LED Light Bulbs - Make the switch, they save on energy and last about 25,000 hours!! Less waste, less energy - win | win !!
Mouse & Keyboard - Instead of wireless opt for devices that you can charge that do not create a constant flow of e-waste.
Printer Cartridges - Support companies that offer recycling services for the used cartridges.
Rechargeable Batteries - If you can avoid devices that are battery operated that is great but when that is not an option try rechargeable batteries.
UPGRADES & REBATES
If you are open to making some upgrades a great place to start to offset some of those purchases is to contact your local city, county, or state agency to see what types of rebates and promotions might be available. Many cities have adopted water conservation policies where they offer substantial rebates to residential customers looking to upgrade their homes. In California there is a campaign known as Save Our Water that promotes these types of programs.
WATER REBATES
Cash for Grass is a common one in California where a municipality will pay customers to remove their lawns and put in native plants to reduce water usage.
Laundry to Landscape Greywater Systems - this is a throwback to how they used to do things where you irrigate your plants by draining the greywater from the laundry, sinks, and bathtubs and channel it underground to the plants in your yard.
Low Flow Devices - this is a rebate for changing out faucets in your sink and shower to low flow devises.
Rainwater Harvesting - storing rainwater for irrigating your landscaping.
Recirculating Hot Water Pump - a pump that offers hot water on demand thus drastically reducing the water usage….no more waiting for the water to heat up.
Smart Irrigation Controller - offers built-in water saving features and sensors to adjust to the current weather conditions.
Toilet Rebates with many of these rebates the cost of the new toilet can be completely reimbursed if you buy one that meets their criteria. Most toilets are the market today are low-flow but check the rebate guidelines before making a purchase.
ENERGY SAVINGS
Another place where rebates and savings are available is purchasing energy saving appliances for your home. You can check with state and local programs as well as your utility company to see if they are offering any rebates. Here are some appliances to consider for energy savings and overall efficiency in your home. Look for products that have the government backed Energy Star Symbol.
Air Conditioners | Heaters (HVAC) - Go solar to offset your energy use. Purchase Energy efficient models sporting the Energy Star Symbol. Continue to watch for advances in the industry for a greener solution to refrigerants. Have your duct work checked; studies show that a considerable amount of air (ie: energy=money) is lost in the duct work of heating and air conditioning systems due to leaks or poor connections. Updating or upgrading your system could give the environment a boost and save you money.
Electronics - Look for the Energy Star Symbol, buy products that are rechargeable, some electronics are working off solar power (remember those calculators that were solar powered - same logic), support companies that buy back or take back used electronics. Make sure you do not dispose of them in the landfill - use e-waste.
Refrigerators - Since these appliances are used around the clock it is important to invest in an energy efficient model, look for Energy Star logo. For refrigerators try to avoid CFCs that deplete the ozone and HFCs that release greenhouse gases. Bosch and Miele make one that are CFC and HFC free! Look for models that are rated A+++. If you do elect to upgrade your refrigerator be sure to properly recycle your old refrigerator, by law they must be disposed of properly due to the refrigerants, oils and compounds. Click here to learn more on recycling an old refrigerator.
Smart Thermostat - Track your home’s energy usage with a smart thermostat, these intuitive systems track the usage in your home and help save money and energy. Smart thermostats map your energy use in live time and can be controlled remotely. An added bonus of a smart thermostat is they can also be tied to your solar panels. This dynamic duo is major eco-friendly upgrade that is all about clean energy!
Washing Machines - A front loading washing machine saves approximately 7,000 gallons of water each year. Look for the Energy Star symbol. The front loading machines boast paying for themselves by cutting water and energy costs. If you want to go really green you can opt for drying your close the natural way on a clothes line or drying rack! Since we are on the subject about washing clothes take the time to consider the detergent you use, see some eco-friendly household tips here.
Water Heaters - Going for an energy efficient water heater can not only save energy, water, and money but it can reduce greenhouse gases. Look for High-Efficiency (EF) water heaters. Tankless water heaters heat on demand and they also boast a longer life span, water savings, and energy savings. The greenest option is a Solar Water Heater, this is clean energy with no harmful environmental side effects.
CONSTRUCTION
Doors & Weatherizing - It is really important to have a good seal on your doors and to have your home fully weatherized to reduce the exchange with the elements outside. Sufficiently weatherizing your home can equate to huge cost savings on heating and cooling.
HVAC - The household and workplace HVAC units use enormous amounts of energy and the refrigeration systems pose serious threats to the environment with elements that deplete the ozone layer or let off greenhouse gasses. Investing in renewable energy can help offset the energy used by these systems. The refrigeration front is a more challenging problem to tackle. Exploration is being done into non-refrigeration climate control but the tradeoff would be a different type of cool down, not one we are accustomed to.
Insulation - Is key to reducing energy loss in the home. An insulation made from natural, non-toxic products is a great eco friendly avenue. These products are: recycled blue jeans (cotton), aerogel (removing liquid from silica under high pressure - producing a very light-weight insulator - 90% air), cellulose (made from recycled paper and other green fibers). The R-value in insulation signifies the measurement of heat flow restriction. The higher the number value, the better the protection. The traditional pink insulation contains formaldehyde which is linked to cancers. When you upgrade your insulation, go green!
Roofing - Slate, terra-cotta, metal, and white tiles all have varying degrees of green benefits. There are also recycled shingles that are very green made from recycled products (waste, plastic, rubber, and wood fibers). White roofs are known as cool roofs, they reflect the sun rays. There is also my personal favorite metal roofs that are a wonderful green option. As an added bonus you can find recycled metal roofs. Rubber roofing from old steel-belted tires can withstand harsh weather conditions and have a long life. Green roofs are a beautiful option with a great insulating effect, this choice requires some planning and engineering so the structure and roof can withstand the weight of a living roof.
Size Matters - As we are thinking of lessening our impact on the earth it is important to consider the size of your home. If you are building a new home design it with only the important usable rooms in mind and cut the excess where you can. I would also like to give a tip of the hat to those who have adopted the Tiny Home Lifestyle! The cool thing about going smaller is you can use the green that you save to really go green on materials
Smart Thermostat - These intuitive systems track the usage in your home and help save money and energy. Smart thermostats map your energy use in live time and can be controlled remotely. An added bonus of a smart thermostat is they can also be tied to your solar panels. This dynamic duo is major eco-friendly upgrade that is all about clean energy!
Solar - Solar energy is a renewable energy source and can have the power to wipe out your electric bills and even earn you money! One of the major benefits of Solar energy is that it produces no greenhouse gases!! Gas or coal energy plants use massive amounts of water, but with solar there is not the demand for the water or the manufacturing byproduct, water pollution. By cutting down on the harmful health side effects of air and water pollution solar is also being championed as a healthier solution for humans and animals.
Windows - Wood is a good eco-friendly material for windows. Look for products with the FCS certification. Insulating glass is very important because it minimizes the transfer of heat and cold with the outside. It is also very important that the windows have a good seal. Screens can offer an additional heat barrier.
Water Heater - An energy efficient water heater saves energy, water, and money but it can reduce greenhouse gases. Look for High-Efficiency (EF) water heaters. Tankless water heaters heat on demand and they also boast a longer life span, water savings, and energy savings. The greenest option is a Solar Water Heater, this is clean energy with no harmful environmental side effects.
Woods & Other Building Materials - Using sustainable materials and methods when constructing your home is a great way to go green. Look for the FCS Certification symbol for responsibly managed forests. Searching for reclaimed or recycled materials lessens the environmental impact. Here are some great eco-friendly materials to look for: Recycled Steel is great for structural use and by choosing recycled material you are saving the energy heavy production of steel. Bamboo is a great renewable, strong, green material for flooring or under other building materials. Straw bales have great insulating properties they can be placed in the walls or attic. Pre-cast or recycled concrete is a natural material that can be used in construction, flooring, and walls. Reclaimed or recycled wood is a great way to use a wonderful building product without having the environmental impact on forests. Rammed earth homes have been used for centuries and they have great insulating properties, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Plant-based polyurethane rigid foam (made from bamboo, kelp, and hemp) is a newer green product that is not only a great insulator it also protects against pests and mold.
HOUSEHOLD MATERIALS & FURNITURE
The Futon Shop - Natural Mattresses & Furniture
11 Eco-Friendly Furniture Sources For A Stylish & Conscious Home | The Good Trade
How to choose green furniture | Jacob Gordon | Tree Hugger
The Ultimate Guide to Eco-Friendly and Ethical Furniture | L. Christina Cobb | EcoCult
ARTICLES
How To Be Green With Your Green: Eco-Friendly Tech Products | Anna Stewart | JaneGoodall.org
How to Build an Environmentally Friendly Energy Efficient Home | Hailey Robinson | Breaking Energy
How to Go Green Electronics: Home Electronics | Jacob Gordon | TreeHugger
The Future of Electronics: Biodegradable and Eco-Friendly Technology | GreenCitizen
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
When making purchase if you buy local or products made in the US (alternately the country you call home) you can help minimize the transportation footprint.
WEBSITES
E-Waste Collective - A Northern California Resource
Energy Savings Assistance Program
EPEAT - A resource for sustainable electronics.
FSC Certification -Ensures that products come from responsibly managed forests that provide environmental, social and economic benefits.
LEED Certification - A mark of quality and achievement in green building.
Marin Clean Energy (MCE) - Opt up to 100% Renewable Energy | Enroll in Deep Green Energy.
Refrigerator | Freezer Recycling - EnergyStar