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Color Yourself Green

Most of us are aware of the devastating effects of climate change—rising sea levels, melting ice caps, and shifts in planetary weather patterns. Scientists agree that the only way to slow global warming is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere by human activities. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average American emits more than four metric tons of harmful carbon dioxide gases each year. With this in mind, many families are making it their mission to reduce their households’ carbon footprint. However, before you purchase expensive solar panels or wind turbines, consider some easy and inexpensive steps you can take to green your home.

A Bright Idea

If you haven’t already canned your old incandescent light bulbs, it’s time to switch to compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). These bulbs are slightly more expensive than traditional incandescent lamps, but they actually save you money in the long run. CFLs use less electricity and they last ten times longer than regular light bulbs. The new lightbulbs also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit almost any light fixture. Replace all the bulbs in and around your house and you’ll use 75 percent less energy.

A Fresh, Clean Coat of Paint

Anyone who has painted a room knows it can be a difficult and smelly process. The fumes you smell are the result of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are both unhealthy and harmful to the environment. When it’s time to freshen up your home, purchase paint that contains low or no VOCs to help keep your home free of chemicals.

Conserve Water

There are many easy ways you can conserve water throughout your home. Only run your dishwasher and washing machine when you have a full load. Also, consider washing your clothes in cold water instead of warm to save energy. Fixing leaky faucets in the bathroom, kitchen, or laundry areas is another easy way to save water. A single leak can waste as much as 1,800 gallons of water every year. You might also consider installing low-flow aerators and showerheads that reduce the rate at which water flows from your taps. These products are easy to install and cost very little. It is important to remember to conserve water outside your home as well. When gardening, plant species that are native to your area. Exotic plants not only require more water, but also more care. Make things easy on yourself by sticking to plants that are commonly found in your region.

If You Can't Stand the Heat

The energy used to heat and cool your home accounts for about 50 percent of your overall energy consumption. Luckily, you can easily reduce your heating and cooling costs. If your home has an older furnace, get it serviced regularly to ensure that it is running efficiently. You might also consider replacing an older unit with an Energy-Star rated furnace, which must meet strict efficiency standards. Try to keep your thermostat set at about 68 degrees or lower in the winter and set it at 78 degrees in the summer. This prevents your furnace and central air conditioning units from kicking on frequently and using precious energy.

Follow the Three Rs

Reducing, reusing, and recycling still play important roles in reducing carbon emissions. Unbelievably, the average American throws away seven pounds of garbage each day. You can help lower your number by following the three Rs. An easy way to reduce waste is to purchase items with less packaging. Also try to buy items that can be reused. Try switching to cloth napkins instead of using paper towels, and reuse the plastic containers you get with take-out orders. It is also a good idea to check to see if an item can be recycled before you throw it out. If you’re unsure of how to recycle an item, do some research on the Internet or make a few phone calls. Many electronics stores can help you recycle old cell phones and computers, and your local recycling center can offer guidance on other household items.

One of the easiest ways you can save energy is to use common sense. Don’t leave a bunch of lights on when you aren’t home, turn off your TV or computer when you aren’t using it, and don’t leave the water running when you’re brushing your teeth. And be aware of your actions! If we all take the time to remember that what we do affects the planet, then we can take the necessary steps to clean up our act.