Homeowners are increasingly looking at ways to ‘live green’ by becoming responsible for their immediate environment. This can be achieved by choosing to conserve, protect and respect Mother Earth and her resources in everyday life.
‘Going green’ means choosing environmentally friendly methods and products that reduce your home’s energy consumption and waste production.
Let’s take a look at 10 ways to a greener home.
Green Appliances
Fridge-freezers are one of the biggest energy consumers in the home. Check if your seal needs to be replaced. If your freezer isn’t full, place a brick or two inside, they will become very cold and your freezer won’t have to work as hard. Avoid leaving your appliances on standby and chargers on when not in use, as they consume electricity unnecessarily. Heat only the amount of water you need in your kettle. Wash a full load of washing if you can, if not, use the half-load or economy programme. Use cold water to wash your clothes, and dry them on the washing line instead of in a tumble dryer. Wrap your geyser in an insulated geyser blanket to keep the temperature of the water more constant, especially at night and during winter. These can be purchased from most large hardware stores for about R120.
Energy Efficient Lighting
Try replacing your energy consuming incandescent light bulbs with energy saving compact fluorescent lights. These lamps last considerably longer, provide you with more light and save you money in the long run. Osram has an extensive range of energy saving lamps available at many home improvement stores. Remember to always turn lights off when you leave a room.
Solar Power
Solar energy is a renewable resource that is inexhaustible and readily available. Capturing solar energy requires purchasing expensive equipment, but because renewable energy resources are free, the cost to use them is lower than conventional energy sources. The latest technology in solar panels is Photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV panels cost less than conventional solar power panels and are significantly more efficient. PV panels are completely recyclable, unlike conventional panels. Sanyo, Sharp and Kyocera produce a range of PV panels available from dealers throughout South Africa.
Water Conservation
It is surprisingly easy for households to reduce water consumption by installing inexpensive devices like tap aerators and low flow showerheads. Tap aerators reduce the flow in kitchen and bathroom taps by around 50–75%. The installation of a low flow showerhead can reduce the water flow from 24ltrs to 9ltrs per minute, reducing the volume of waste water. Save running water by using a plug while waiting for warm water and turning the tap off while brushing your teeth or shaving. Full dishwashers use less water than washing dishes by hand. You can also save water by installing a dual-flush or multi-flush device on your toilet and by putting a brick in the cistern to reduce the flush volume. Fix that leaking toilet as it can waste as much as 300 000 litres per year.
Green Architecture
Green architecture involves the practice of non-toxic construction; the use of durable, natural, resource-efficient materials; reliance on the sun for day lighting; the use of renewable energy for electricity; and recycling of building waste. Greening your environment works hand in hand with Green Architecture.
Insulation
The key to making your home green is to reduce the flow of heat by insulating your ceilings. Instead of fibreglass insulation consider using a more natural material. Cellulose fibre ceiling insulation products are made in South Africa from recycled paper and milled to optimum density. It is environmentally friendly, extremely efficient and cost-effective. The product is fire resistant; non-toxic, non-irritant & non-allergenic and uses no asbestos or glass fibre.
Paint
Many paints release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that effect the environment of your house. Low- or non-VOC products are commonly available from most major manufacturers, often at comparable prices.
Flooring
Hardwood floors such as Oak look beautiful, but did you know that an Oak tree has a re-growth period of 80 years. Chemically treated carpets, adhesives and backings emit numerous harmful chemicals. Carpets also contribute to air pollution due to the collection of dust and other pollutants in the carpet fibres. Rather use flooring materials such as ceramic tiles or laminate wood flooring with minimal chemical emissions.
Landscaping
By planting draught tolerant plants that are indigenous to your area, using drip irrigation and composting, you can reduce water consumption in your garden. Start manufacturing your own compost. Simply place grass trimmings, kitchen waste, leaves, or any organic material into a container, add a little water and rotate and mix every second day.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Reduce - the amount of the Earth's resources that we use.
Reuse - don't just throw it away, could someone else use it?
Recycle - Can the materials be made into something new?
There are various organisations such as Pikitup, Mondi and www.freecycle.org that have efficient programmes in place to reuse or recycle your household waste.
When it comes to the environment and being a good global citizen, it starts at your doorstep. So the next time you’re building or doing home improvements make the ‘green’ choice and reap the rewards of sustainable comfort.
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