We have a very energy efficient home* - double/triple glazed windows, ridge vents, ample insulation in the ceiling, water heater wraps, and reduced flow shower heads. We use CF bulbs in our fixtures, close the blinds on the sunny side of the house, and try to keep chargers unplugged when not in use. We've always recycled aluminum, paper and plastic** and have just recently started composting. I use cloth bags whenever possible when shopping and when purchasing my last car, dropped back to a better gas mileage 4 cylinder engine. These are just a few of the little things.... but they all add up.
Here are a couple of websites I ran across awhile back that you might find interesting.
Earth911
The Freecycle Network
* We originally built it this way over 20 years ago. When I was drawing house plans in college 30 years ago we were designing them using solar panels, berming, etc.!
** We live outside the city limits so this involves carting all our recycle stuff to the center ourselves rather than just putting it curbside.
The Freecycle Network
* We originally built it this way over 20 years ago. When I was drawing house plans in college 30 years ago we were designing them using solar panels, berming, etc.!
** We live outside the city limits so this involves carting all our recycle stuff to the center ourselves rather than just putting it curbside.
12 comments:
But that's just it. All this strident screeching by the Green Puritans seems designed to have us back in caves. When what's needed is that everyone in their personal habits just do their best. Most of the things to do with the house insulation just make financial sense anyway.
Kelly, you are an angel, pure and simple. I mean that, too.
Me, I'm a tree hugger but it's because I love trees. I hang my clothes on the line to save money and conserve energy. We have no recycling centers in our town except for aluminum cans which I do recycle, but it's for the money. I do save tin cans and paint them and use them for artwork. I also save cardboard boxes for artwork and recycle plastic and use it for my gardening, starting plants in them and in jars. I'm accidentally green, I guess. Our old house is paid for or I'd design one that used solar energy, etc. if I had the $$$
Great post, Kelly. Blessings!!
Vince - Actually it was for financial reasons that we built our house the way we did. Just trying to save money on our heating and cooling bills. Worked, too.
Marion - I'd do solar (or some alternative), too, if I could. But as you say.... it takes $$$ to do that and it's just not economically feasible now. Of course when you mention your clothes line I think of your rooster story!
You can make the earth green and save money at the same time. Hooray!
We do most of this stuff too. It really isn't all that hard and the more we do it, the better it is. Plus, on so many of those things, you get a financial benefit anyway!
Tired, too many typos, so let me try this again!
I started to recycle some 20 years ago when I lived in San Antonio and it became available in my area. Today I have 2 recycle bins to my 1 trash bin that the city picks up every week (every other week for the recycle).
I use only energy-efficient light bulbs, inside and out. Closed blinds are a habit, as is turning off lights. Plastic bags I use but reuse for many things. Those I don't use I recycle at Wal-Mart.
Any new appliances I might need will be Energy-Star. If I'm ever in the market for a new car I'll look at hybrids. I would love to retrofit for solar and other options that are on the market now, but I don't have the $$$$. Last spring I got programmable thermostats and kept my house a few degrees warmer than my comfort level. I survived.
All of these things have easily become second-nature. I see no reason not to lessen my carbon footprint if I can, in ways that I can. Makes sense.
We have always tried to do our bit and are pasionate about recycling our household waste - bottles, newspapers etc - but I must confess to hating those energy saving light bulbs.
As a matter of interest it has only recently become law here in England that we recycle before then it was purely voluntary and even now different areas recycle different things and in different ways so it can be quite confusing.
Jen, Jenners - yep, it's nice when you're saving money while you're feeling good about doing the right thing.
Pamel - Sounds like you're doing quite a bit yourself.
Tracy - interesting that it's law there!
Recyclying makes sense -- it's not a liberal or conservative thing, it just makes sense. I'm fairly green myself.
You're right, Bob, and right now I'm so sick of liberal/conservative/politics I could scream!!
You two were "before your time" in building the house.
quid
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