I have heard of an Eco-Home, but unfortunately I didn't pay a lot of attention and assumed they meant less toxins in the home. Toxins are part of it, but there are others steps you can take to help your budget, your home health and the environment. If I had paid more attention a long time ago, I would have made changes in my home much sooner.
There are steps you can take quickly to get things started, which will also help you save some money on your energy bill and help your environment. Here are some areas I have done:
1) Turned down the central & water heating slightly.
2) Use dishwasher, washing machine at full capacity only.
3) Unplug smaller appliances that are not in use. This also includes cell phone and ear piece chargers. Xbox game boxes, computers and nite lights.
4) Hang some laundry up to dry instead of using the dryer, such as dress clothes.
5) Sign-up with the power company for green energy (they will give you a survey on your home).
6) Cut down on watering to certain days a week. Watering only in the early evening or morning hours. The ground stay saturated longer.
7) Recycle (you have probably heard this 100 times, but it matters) papers, cans, bottle, plastic, boxes.
I have also begun working room to room to see areas I can improve on with being more cautious on energy use, eco-friendly purchases, and in the process teaching my family the same. I am showing them that less is better for all of us. It saves money, but also helps our environment in many ways. This is our Earth and home - there is no replacement! I have tried to show and teach them about turning off electronics in rooms when not in use, which includes lights and ceiling fans!
I felt beginning with the smallest room in the house would be easiest, so I began in the bathrooms. The rule we are learning to live by for ourselves, and teenagers is if your not actively using the water, it doesn't need to be running (this means while brushing your teeth and bathing). Additionally, bathrooms towels can be used more than once when showering - I mean you are clean when you wipe the water off! LOL........So, each of us uses our personal towels more than once. We also have recycled toilet paper in all bathrooms. Under the sinks, I have removed all chemical cleaners and they are replaced with Earth friendly, EPA & DFE Stamped Cleaners from Zoegetics, called Zoe Clean. This are safe for our personal health, our home and Earth.
**Fact: Electricity is one of the biggest producers of carbon emissions.When turning on the TV, coffee maker, computer, you are adding to global warming. A third of carbon dioxide emissions are caused by the domestic sector - meaning you and I.
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