Whether installing solar panels or proper insulation in an older home, a strategic remodel can have a big impact. A green home not only benefits the environment at large, but can also lead to a happier home. By making a few changes around the house, you can upgrade the air quality, improve energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Large-scale remodelling projects can be overwhelming, but there are a few simple things you can do yourself to create a greener home.
Collect Rainwater
Water is an essential and valuable resource, but sometimes we overuse it when cooking, bathing, or watering our plants. Especially during times of drought or low precipitation, our water consumption can be problematic for our communities and our pockets. (Not to mention, that awful feeling when it rains and you just washed your car!)
Rainwater can be an opportunity to use and conserve water at the same time. There are many creative ways to collect rainwater besides surrounding your home with buckets. You can create aesthetic additions to your garden that double as rain collectors. Check out Blogging Corner’s adorable gutter gardens for a great family project.
You can also create your own water collection system. Garden Gate Magazine features a how-to create your own rain barrel that can store rain water efficiently. Collecting rainwater is surprisingly easy and can reduce the costs of your water bill. Just remember that it shouldn’t replace drinking water unless properly treated.
Insulate your pipes
Insulation allows you to conserve energy and make your home overall more efficient. Insulation is important for both newer and older homes. You can insulate your hot water pipes on your own in just a few hours. Insulating your pipes can naturally increase the temperature of your water more quickly without raising your energy bill.
Energy.gov has a step-by-step guide on how to insulate your pipes with low costs. Materials are usually inexpensive. Before you start, be sure to have a clear idea of the insulation materials you will need and the size of the pipe.
Build a recycling center
Separating your bottles and cans from the rest of your waste is a simple enough task for every home, but the design of your kitchen or waste disposal unit can go a long way in ensuring recycling is properly sorted without being an eyesore. On ManMade’s DIY blog you can find his tips for giving your pantry recycling center a makeover. After he realized brown paper bags were just adding clutter to his kitchen, he designed his own recycling boxes that more clearly distinguishes between paper and plastics.
Bob Vila offers a few DIY ideas for small spaces. The key is to label properly and use space creatively, such as creating hanging door recycling bins. Once you have a more efficient system in place for sorting recycling, you can inspire everyone in your home to dispose of waste correctly.
Plan Ahead
The best way to tackle a full-scale remodel or just a DIY project at home is to plan ahead. Homeselfe allows you to conduct a home energy audit and discover the unique needs of your home in a matter of minutes. Don’t go into a project unprepared. You have the resources you need to make a change towards a greener home.
