It’s not hard being green today, no matter what that frog used to say. In fact, it’s harder not to be green than it has ever been before. That’s the good news. If you haven’t embraced sustainability, energy efficiency and environmental awareness in your day-to-day life, why not? And what are you waiting for? Today’s homes and offices, stores, schools and factories are all interested in making life better and easier, less expensive and more enjoyable for current users and residents. The benefits will also accrue to future generations. Today, green doesn’t mean “new to the field” or inexperienced and unproven; it means pretty much the opposite. Green living is a goal to be achieved. And you can be green at home, even on a budget.
Be Aware of Materials
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Whether you live in an old home or a brand new one, a small cottage or an executive estate, you are most likely aware that some building materials are better for people and for the environment than others. Today, if you are looking for a home, there are regulatory standards designed to protect citizen health and welfare. Building codes no longer look kindly on such things as lead paint or lead pipes, water-guzzling plumbing fixtures, energy-draining appliances, inadequate insulation, and substances like formaldehyde or asbestos and chemical-laden lumber, plastics, carpets and coatings.
Homes are safer and better today than in the past. But not all homebuilding materials are equal. If you are concerned about the materials, energy efficiency or air quality in your home, ask about local standards, investigate online, check with your realtor or builder and insist on the highest standards that you can afford. It will cost you nothing but some time upfront, but the savings in terms of dollars and cents, health and long-term benefits are well worth it. That “new house smell” may not be a bargain when it come to detrimental out gassing. Always know what you’re getting.
Try to rid your home of other environmentally harmful products as well. Be careful of the products that you use every day, and substitute natural ingredients whenever possible. Investigate natural pesticides and cleaning products.
Recycle, Reuse, Reinvent
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Environmental consciousness dictates a concern for preserving existing resources whenever possible. Most communities today pick up recyclables along with garbage. Make the effort, even though it might take a little extra time to sort glass, paper and metals; kids love becoming involved in this “work” and it teaches good life lessons. If you enjoy gardening, start a compost pile; your garden will become the showplace of the neighborhood. Keep cloth tote bags in your car to use as shopping bags, whether you’re going to the farmers market or the mall.
Become involved (or begin) a neighborhood sharing group. Trade services, form a bartering or exchange club, pass on outgrown clothes or unwanted household items. Share books, and even toys with other local children on a “lending library” basis. Start a cooking group or a baking club not only to trade recipes and have fun, but to save some money on bulk ingredients as well. Have neighborhood “cookoffs” periodically. These kinds of activities — the quilting bees and canning days, the barn raisings, fence-repair rides and shearing fests of the past — are what fostered community on the frontier and made small town life pleasant and cohesive. Returning to those times can enhance and enrich communities and individual lives today as well. Going green does not have to be a solitary pursuit.
Conserve Energy
Being energy efficient at home is a primary way to demonstrate your environmental awareness. But you don’t have to spend big to save big. It’s also not necessary to install solar collectors on your roof or lobby for wind turbines in your neighborhood. Most utility companies today offer options for service. Take advantage of the choices for alternative suppliers if it makes sense to you. Add extra insulation in your attic or install attic fans if you can; even a little extra heating and cooling can save thousands of dollars over the course of your home’s life.
Install a setback thermostat, or consistently wear slippers and a sweater at home rather than turning the heat up. Open windows when it’s cool instead of leaving the air conditioning running. Always fix a dripping faucet, not only to save water but also to forestall a major leak. Collect rainwater to use for your flower garden. Plant a vegetable garden. Plant fast-growing shade trees in your yard; They will not only cool your space, but they’re good for air quality and wildlife as well.
Stay Close to Home
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Whenever possible, buy locally. Walk to shops if you can, or go shopping with a neighbor whether it’s for food or clothes. Carpooling is as least as much fun when it’s for fun as it is for school or work. Plus, buying locally is good not only for the environment, but for the local economy. Make changes slowly if this is all new to you. You’ll find creative ways of your own to save energy — your own — and connect with the world. It’s a great adventure.
Being green is a thought process and a commitment to a lifestyle. It’s not restrictive, but freeing. And it’s easy. So side with Kermit: Go Green!
2 Point Highlight
Building codes no longer look kindly on such things as lead paint or lead pipes, water-guzzling plumbing fixtures, energy-draining appliances, inadequate insulation, and substances like formaldehyde or asbestos and chemical-laden lumber, plastics, carpets and coatings.
If you are concerned about the materials, energy efficiency or air quality in your home, ask about local standards, investigate online, check with your realtor or builder and insist on the highest standards that you can afford.
