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Going green is easier than you think

There are many good reasons for adopting green practices. Whether you’re trying to reduce your impact on the environment or looking to save a bit of money on your energy bills, contrary to what the puppet frog says, it is easy being green! In previous posts, we talked about how to save money while going green at home and how to upcycle things around the house to reduce waste. We’ve got even more tips to help you be kinder to the environment and keep a few more dollars in your pocket!

Reduce water usage

It’s easy to take water for granted when you’ve always been able to simply turn on the tap for an endless supply of clean water. Not everyone in Canada, however, is so fortunate, and in many parts of the world, safe drinking water is in critically short supply.

Reducing your water usage can not only help conserve a crucial resource but if you’re hooked up to a municipal water source, finding clever ways to cut back on the amount of water used in your household will even save you money.

Install low-flow water fixtures

If you’re renovating your bathroom and putting in a new toilet, consider installing one that uses less water with each flush. Also, consider changing out your shower head with a low-flow unit. This simple and inexpensive modification can dramatically reduce the amount of water used and the latest models include various settings that provide a range of options including massage and rain shower functions.

Wash a full load

When it comes to washing your clothes or your dishes, you should hold off until you have a full load. After all, it takes the same amount of water for your clothes or dishwasher to operate whether you’re washing a full or partial load.

Save on electricity costs

Operating your washing machine or dishwasher at full capacity can also help you save on your electrical bill. Here are some additional hydro-saving tips that are very easy to implement.

Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics

While modern LED lights are much more efficient than old-style incandescent bulbs (you have made the switch to LED, haven’t you?), it’s still good practice to switch off lights when you leave a room. It’s also a good idea to put electronics like televisions and computers on power bars so that you can power them off completely when not in use. You may be surprised to know that when you turn off your television and other electronic devices, many simply go into “stand-by” mode and still draw energy.

Keep your fridge coils clean

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t give the outside of your fridge much thought, but you should periodically clean the back and underside of your fridge. This is where the condenser coils are located on most fridges and if there is a lot of dust on the coils, your fridge will have to work harder – and use more energy – to maintain its cool.

Be sure to check the owner’s manual to see how to safely and properly clean and maintain your refrigerator.

Save on heating

For those living in colder climates, heating is one of the costliest uses of energy for most homeowners. Doors and windows are typically the main sources of heat loss in older homes and upgrading to modern thermal doors and windows can be very expensive. However, there are some low-priced things you can do now to address older doors and windows.

Replace worn weatherstripping

Even if your doors are relatively well insulated, the seals around the thresholds and door jambs can break down over time resulting in cold draughts that leave you reaching for the thermostat. Replacing old weather stripping around your doors is a low-cost fix to help keep the cold air out and the warm air in.

Install window kits

Another cheap workaround for old, non-thermal windows is to install a window kit. These are available at most hardware stores and consist of clear shrink-wrap film that provides a seal over the entire window.

The downside to this is that, depending on the quality of the film, your window may appear cloudy. However, this is a small price to pay to help get you through the worst of the winter months more comfortably.

Programmable thermostats

A programmable thermostat makes it possible for you to set up times for your heat or air conditioning to turn on automatically. This means you can set your heating and cooling systems to come on just as you arrive home from work or just before you get up each morning thereby reducing the amount of energy you use when away or while sleeping. Programmable thermostats are an easy do-it-yourself install and can provide a significant saving on your utility bills.

Go green outside as well

There are lots of little things you can do outside as well particularly when it comes to your garden. For instance, composting your food scraps not only saves a lot of waste from going to the landfill, but also provides valuable nutrients to help your garden.

You might want to also look at installing a rain barrel for your downspouts. By collecting rainwater run-off from your roof and storing it for later use, you’ll reduce the amount of water diverted from the drinking supply when watering your garden.

Small things lead to big changes

It’s surprising how a few small changes like the ones listed here can make a big difference. These relatively simple things are easy to implement but, together, they can play a big part in a greener lifestyle.

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The information, materials and opinions contained in this Blog are provided for your information only. This Blog does not constitute legal, financial or other professional advice and you should not rely on it as an alternative to specific advice based on your particular circumstance. This Blog contains links to third party websites. These links are provided for information and convenience; Home Trust does not endorse the content of any third party website, and it makes no representation or warranty as to the information on such third party sites. By clicking on any link to a third party site, you leave Home Trust’s website and do so at your own risk. Home Trust disclaims all liability for any damage or loss that results from your access to or reliance on information contained in this Blog or any third party site.

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