Celebrate Earth Day at Home by Going Green
By: Dave Armstrong, President
Southern Heritage Homes
On April 22, 2008, we celebrate all that is green with Earth Day, the only event celebrated simultaneously worldwide by people of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities. First held 38 years ago, nearly half a billion people now participate each year in Earth Day events. This year, the Earth Day Network hopes to have 10,000 events around the globe to commemorate the day, including marches, parades, lectures and clean-ups. In the unlikely case you don’t have an event in your neighborhood; following these simple “Save the Earth” household suggestions can make you an Earth Day advocate along with the best of them.
Handle Household Chemicals Properly
In every household kitchen you can find a multitude of toxic chemicals. They hide beneath kitchen sinks and in bathroom cabinets guised as everyday household cleaners, grease, oils, plastics, and even some food and paper products. But before resorting to Saturday morning cleanings with only Ivory soap and water, take note of these alternative solutions.
Never dispose of household chemicals via the kitchen sink or the bathroom toilet; pouring such chemicals down the drain can corrode pipes and disrupt septic systems. Many cities have hazardous waste collection centers for such reasons. Also, never empty chemicals onto lawns; the soil cannot purify most chemicals and they can contaminate runoff.
Try less- or non-toxic alternatives—preferably water-based products. Available at most local supermarkets, these products can be just as effective as their harsher alternatives, plus they’re safer for your family and better for the environment. Make sure any household chemicals you do have are secured in a locked cabinet to prevent leaks or access by children.
Conserving Water—and Your Pocketbook
The average American household uses 127,400 gallons of water each year. Much of that is wasted through things such as leaky faucets (2,000 gallons a year) or running a dishwasher that’s not full (10-20 gallons a day). A few behavioral changes in your water usage can make a big difference to the environment, and to your pocketbook.
Don’t over water your lawn. Make sure not to water during the hottest part of the day or on an extremely windy day; this will prevent unnecessary evaporation. During the summer rainy season, be sure to adjust your automatic sprinklers so they do not run during an afternoon thunder storm.
Make sure dishwashers and clothes washers are full and set with the appropriate water settings before running them. Low-flow showerheads can be installed to increase water savings even further. An estimated 5.4 billions gallons of water would be saved per day if all U.S. household installed such water-saving features. That’s a saving of more than $4 billion per year.
Purchase Low-Energy Features for Your Home
When the time comes, replace appliances with low-energy models that have remarkably high energy efficiency. This is one of the easiest, and best, ways to save on water and power consumption.
Another easy green option is to replace your old thermostat with an automated one.
Let the Sun Shine In
Solar energy is a rapidly growing way that homeowners can help out Planet Earth. Utilizing solar energy betters the quality of life on our planet. But it can also have a positive effect on cash flow. The federal government has tax credits for those who use solar energy, as well as an increasing number of state governments. But solar heating isn’t just reserved for water heaters. Solar technology can also be used for space heating and swimming pool heating, as well as many other household applications.
Use Your “Green” Thumb
Think about environmental factors when planning and designing a landscape. Using native plants that are well-suited to the region’s climate and pests will reduce the need for irrigation and chemical applications. Cluster plants and trees with similar water needs in the same area so as to not waste water on plants that don’t need it
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg. For more information on green household practices, contact the Home Builders and Contractors of Brevard at (321) 254-3700 or visit the National Association of Home Builders website at www.nahb.org/forconsumers.