Great Green Idea: Green Living: Simple Steps to Green-up and "Brown" Home

Simple Steps to Green-up and "Brown" Home

Now that you are convinced that making a difference in the environment begins at home, learn how to make the transformation to a more eco-friendly lifestyle as simple as possible. It does not take a lot of money or even very much time to do your part to save energy and natural resources. As a matter of fact, you can begin to green up in the very room you are in at this moment.

For instance, is the room drawing on energy that is not really needed? More than likely there are electronics or other equipment that is not being used while you are reading this article. But did you know that devices are using energy if they are still plugged in, even if they are turned off? It's called phantom energy, and like a vampire it sucks up the energy in your home without you even knowing it. Cell phone chargers, power tools and digital cameras are some of the gadgets that use phantom energy. Including major appliances, phantom energy accounts for around 5% of the electricity use in the average home. Take a few minutes and unplug these devices to save energy and the environment.

Another very simple way to save energy is by choosing green energy efficient products when you shop for appliances. The ratings given to these products are based on their standby energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy publishes the names of these appliances. Take the time to go online and look the over the list before you shop. Even if you are not in the market for large appliances, replace incandescent light bulbs with LED bulbs in and around your home. Compact fluorescent bulbs are an even better choice because they use 75% less energy. Again, not only are you being eco-friendly, but saving tons of money at the same time.

Real green energy is literally at your very fingertips. Take advantage of this fact by using hand tools over power tools. Try using a manual screwdriver or drill for projects in the home. Getting that set of knives sharpened will save money, provide a way to recycle and conserve energy. Outside, a hand rake will be much more eco-friendly than a gas powered leaf blower and provides a good workout besides. A good quality carpet sweeper will remove dust and pet hair from carpet. Even alternating electric tools with manual ones for cleaning the house cuts energy use in half and is a good start.

The U.S. Department of Labor offers some real easy steps to make your home environment green. Using fans instead of air conditioning cuts energy use and saves money. But in warmer climates where air conditioning is needed, just a five degree higher temperature adjustment saves 10% on your energy bill. Other suggestions include turning of all unnecessary lighting and making sure the computer is on sleep mode during the day. Turn the computer off completely during the night. You may already be doing many of these suggestions, and that is good news for the planet. If so, encourage others to green up the ecology, starting with their own home.