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New Year's Eco-Friendly Resolutions - Getting Started Greening Your Home In 2008
Mon 14 Jan 2008 - 09:11
New Year's Eco-Friendly Resolutions - Getting Started Greening Your Home In 2008
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Laura_Halik]Laura Halik
Have you been thinking about going green but didn't exactly know where to start? Well, the new year is here and it's the perfect time to start taking steps to reducing your home's carbon footprint. Here are 7 eco-friendly resolutions to get you started greening your home in 2008.
1: Start a recycle system:
Start your home's own recycling system by setting up a few extra waste baskets, and storage containers with trash bags. A quick list of a few items you can start recycling are plastic containers, steel/tin/aluminum containers, milk cartons, cardboard boxes/containers, paper, and batteries. Check with your local community to see if they have a recycling program and if regular scheduled pick up is available in your neighborhood.
2: Change old light bulbs:
Change out old bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). They may cost a little bit more up front but not only will they last up to 10X longer, they will save a lot of energy because they use up to 75% less energy than the regular bulbs . They are well worth the little bit of extra investment as they will pay for themselves in energy savings in the long run.
3: Unplug major appliances:
In the average home, approximately 75% of electricity used to power appliances and electronics is consumed in "phantom loads", or while the product is turned off. To prevent this type of energy loss in your home, unplug all TV's, home entertainment systems, chargers, and kitchen appliances while you are not using them.
4: Reduce thermostat:
Heating and cooling consumes THE most energy and money than any other system in your home. Start by reducing your thermostat by one or two degrees. A programmable thermostat can keep your temperature fixed and timed throughout the day and night so you won't be tempted to turn it back up again. Also, change filters regularly. Even these small changes can have real noticeable savings in your home's energy use and cost
5: Fix all water leaks:
One of the most common causes of excess water waste is due to leaks. Do an inspection of your home inside as well as outside and check for any leaky faucets or hose spickets. Fix right away. A leaky faucet dripping one droplet per second can waste up to 9,000 liters or 75 barrels of water in a year.
6. Use cold water laundry:
You can save up to 80-90% on energy use just by washing with cold water instead of hot. The truth is your clothes can come out just as clean by using a cold water wash as a hot water wash and you won't be paying for all that hot heated water either.
7. Buy organic, natural, green products:
Get rid of all chemical or chemical based cleaners and household products that you have around the house which can be very toxic to you, your family and your pets. Instead, buy organic, natural, green products which are non-toxic and safer to use but also, more eco-friendly because they are bio-degradable as well.
For more natural, green, healthy living tips, tools, news and information, subscribe to our free weekly ezine, Natural Life & Spirit at http://www.globalpartnersinternational.net
Or visit our blog at http://www.naturallifeandspirit.com
From Laura K. Halik, author and internet marketer specializing in natural products and solutions for a healthier, green life and environment.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Halik http://EzineArticles.com/?New-Years-Eco-Friendly-Resolutions---Getting-Started-Greening-Your-Home-In-2008&id=923807
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