Friday, December 21, 2012 marks the end of the Mayan long-count calendar. On this day, some believe the world will end when a planet called Nibiru, discovered by the Sumerians, will collide with the Earth. Chances are, just like previous end-of-the-world predictions, December 21 will come and go without incident so why not green your routine for a more sustainable future?Send VOCs packing
Conventional house paint emits harmful volatile organic compounds (aka VOCs). Consider giving your walls a green makeover with “low” or “no VOC” paint to cut down on your family’s exposure to these toxic fumes. Carpeting, pads and glues can release harmful VOCs as well so when you shop for your new floor covering, consider ec0-friendly options.
Conventional house paint emits harmful volatile organic compounds (aka VOCs). Consider giving your walls a green makeover with “low” or “no VOC” paint to cut down on your family’s exposure to these toxic fumes. Carpeting, pads and glues can release harmful VOCs as well so when you shop for your new floor covering, consider ec0-friendly options.
See the light with greener lightbulbs
Incandescent bulbs are a huge waste of energy since less than 10 percent of the bulb’s energy is used to produce light (the rest escapes as heat). When shopping for a greener light bulb, you will be looking at brightness (lumens), color, life, energy use (watts), and estimated operating costs for the year. Check out this Green light bulb guide put out by Consumer Reports to see what type of bulb is right for you and your home
Make those old appliances green with envy
Upgrading old appliances to new, Energy Star-rated ones can save you about a third on your energy bills along with the added benefit of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. To entice consumers to steer towards these energy saving appliances, rebate-with-purchase are offered from time to time. Check out this Energy Star Rebate Finder to see what is currently available before you hit the stores. Want to save even more? Try unplugging while not in use. No matter how energy efficient your electronics and appliances are, if they are plugged in, they are using energy. Stop this energy suck known as “phantom energy” in its path and keep about 10% of your energy costs in your pocket. That’s like getting a FREE month of energy a year!
Be a heat miser
Did you know that a properly pre-programmed thermostats can save you about $180 every year in energy costs and that your air filter needs to be changed every 3 months? How about the fact that by sealing and insulating ducts you can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by as much as 20 percent — and sometimes much more? These little changes can make a huge difference in the environment and your bank account.
Love Low E
Low emissivity aka Low E windows offer significant improvements over the traditional window. These windows are energy efficient and block most UV light which protects the fabrics, carpets and finishes of your home from the effects of sunlight. These windows are also often eligible for tax credits.Just say no to water bottles
You know you should be drinking filtered water so you have a few bottles a month delivered. This might be good for you but not so good for your bank account and mother earth. Consider installing a whole house water filter and never worry about storing giant plastic water bottles, using excess fossil fuels having it delivered and no more water delivery bills! If you can’t install a whole house filter you can still reap the same benefits and save money filtering tap water using one of the many pitcher filters available in any big box store or supermarket. Either way, a small investment now, saves a tremendous amount of money and resources vs buying bottled or delivered water.Be a Greener CleanerGreen your cleaning solutions by making them at home. Homemade cleaning solutions are:
Low emissivity aka Low E windows offer significant improvements over the traditional window. These windows are energy efficient and block most UV light which protects the fabrics, carpets and finishes of your home from the effects of sunlight. These windows are also often eligible for tax credits.Just say no to water bottles
You know you should be drinking filtered water so you have a few bottles a month delivered. This might be good for you but not so good for your bank account and mother earth. Consider installing a whole house water filter and never worry about storing giant plastic water bottles, using excess fossil fuels having it delivered and no more water delivery bills! If you can’t install a whole house filter you can still reap the same benefits and save money filtering tap water using one of the many pitcher filters available in any big box store or supermarket. Either way, a small investment now, saves a tremendous amount of money and resources vs buying bottled or delivered water.Be a Greener CleanerGreen your cleaning solutions by making them at home. Homemade cleaning solutions are:
- Cost effective
- Have multiple uses
- Healthier to use
- Environmentally friendly
Small changes over time can make a huge impact so don’t fret if you can’t accomplish these all at once. Most of these tips are so simple and easy, we know you won’t Mayan them one bit.
Just got the whole idea that these thoughts will surely gives me all the reason that I can save with every penny. I super love this. Two thumbs up! Looking forward for any updates or new post that you might want to share.
Such great reminders! People don’t realize in the long run the savings and benefits are so worth the investment to make the switch in so many ways!
[…] did it! We survived the dreaded end of the Mayan Calandar and lived to tell the tale but now what? Here we are on the cusp of a new year and a fresh start. […]
Yes. Definitely better to make long term plans for sustainability thank to bank on the end of the world!
The green cleaning service that cleans my home had a few of the same kind of ideas for me. I used a few of them as gifts.
My fingers are crossed I get a reverse osmosis for Christmas!
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Armageddon Green, are YOU? #WhenWillYouLearn GREEN is the way to go! http://t.co/O9VxFEYh
Armageddon Green, are YOU? http://t.co/YvzJMiT9