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Tips for Adding Beauty and Value to Your Home the Eco-Friendly Way

When people go about remodeling or adding onto their homes, they often think the involved processes will be overly expensive. Don’t be fooled by this false belief. There are many affordable ways that you can give your home a makeover, and best of all, you can be eco-friendly at the same time. Here are some great tips for adding both beauty and value to your home, while at the same time being mother nature’s best friend.

Replacing Your Roof

Yes, replacing your roof can be a bit costly at first, but if you cover it in shingles or metal that are light in color, this can greatly reduce the temperature in your attic. As a result, you’ll likely reap the benefit of cooler temperatures in your home, which means you can save a considerable amount of money on your cooling expenses.

Decorating with Pallet Racks

Pallet racks are often given away for free from both large and small businesses. By gathering several of them, you can easily recycle them by constructing shelves, indoor and outdoor furniture and lots more. You can paint or stain these racks any color of your choosing, which is an excellent way to add lots of character to your home.

Swap Out Your Showerheads

Being friendly to mother nature involves reducing your water usage. A great way to do this is by switching out the showerheads in your bathrooms to ones that support the low flow of water.

Install Extra Ceiling Fans

Fans can go a long way in adding flair to any room, and better yet, they make it easier to cool your home during the warmer months of the year. Mother nature will truly appreciate it when you turn off the AC and crank up the fans.

Insulate Your Water Heater

There’s a good chance that your hot water heater is already insulated, but if you add extra insulation, this will make it easier to heat your water, and it could save you up to 15 percent or more on the expense of heating your water.

Tint Your Windows

Just the same as you can tint the windows on your car, your home’s windows can be tinted too. In doing this, you’ll be reflecting the sun’s glare, which will make it easier to cool your home.

The Takeaway

Giving your home an eco-friendly makeover doesn’t mean you have to empty your bank account. And even though you’ll be spending money to carry out the projects, you can rest assured that you’ll be saving money at the same time on several of your utility bills.

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Eco Tips Furnishings Home Decor Uncategorized

Eco-friendly decorating tips

Putting your home together in an eco-friendly way is not that hard if you know what type of products and aesthetic you’re looking for. When decorating, think about how you want to minimize your footprint and create a space that is environmentally-conscious. Integrating recycled materials and other items can make a tremendous difference in your décor. If you’re really creative, you can have a charming and classy space without spending a lot of money. Here are a few tips:

  • Make it You

Take the time to think about what brings you joy. Do you love greenery? Do your spaces all simulate an outdoor environment? You can achieve this by having a variety of plants and eco-friendly furnishings throughout your home. You can find eco-friendly sheets and bedding in organic fibers, or use them for your curtains or furniture covers. There are a lot of green furniture products on the market that serve many purposes. From your chairs and sofas, to your table and bathroom fixtures, there are products that will accommodate your needs in all natural woods and other materials.

  • Paint Makes a Difference

Everyone knows that changing the paint color in a room works wonders. To stay eco-friendly, use paints that are low VOC or zero VOC. You can also find these in beautiful finishes to upgrade your furniture for an entirely different look.

  • Recycle Your Glass

One of the quickest ways to spruce up your décor and stay eco-friendly is by repurposing your glass jars or vases. If you’re into pretty colored glass, this is a beautiful way to add a creative display. If you’re really into decorating, use some of that low VOC paint to paint some of your jars or glass containers for a beautiful finish.

  • Bring the Outside In

Incorporate elements of nature into your décor by using seashells, pine cones that you can paint, pieces of wood or other natural materials arranged in collections or large pieces that serve as focal points. Take a minute to survey your current décor and decide how you want to change or enhance your space and take it from there.

If you decide to get rid of some of your existing pieces, donate them to charity or an organization that can use the pieces. This makes a conscious efforts to beautifying someone else’s home and makes a positive contribution to preserving the environment.

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Articles Home Decor Recycling

How to Upcycle Old Wooden Furniture

Looking to add some fun and unique furniture pieces to your home? If so, then you might want to look at what you already have or even check out a local antique shop. You might be surprised at just what kinds of furniture you may be able to upcycle and use to add one-of-a-kind style to your space. Old wooden furniture, such as dressers and end tables, can be upcycled and restored with just a little bit of creativity and elbow grease. Read on to learn how to restore and upcycle old wooden furniture for your home.

Stripping Existing Paint and Varnish
Start by removing any hardware from the furniture that you want to keep intact so that only the wood structure itself remains. Hardware may include knobs, handles, and even metal drawer sliders. From there, you’ll want to apply the remover (using a paint brush or sponge) as directed on the label and give it as much time as needed to work. Attempting to strip the paint or varnish before it’s ready will result in an inconsistent look and will not be fully effective (HowStuffWorks).

Once the remover has been left on as long as is needed, use a scraper and/or steel wool to scoop up the clumps of removed paint or varnish; then, dispose into a safe container to bring to a local hazardous materials facility.

Sanding and Preparing for New Finish
Once you’ve stripped the old paint or finish, you’ll probably want to prepare the bare wood for a new finish. This will involve sanding the wood. The grain of sandpaper you’ll want to use will depend on the condition of the wood; if it needs a lot of sanding, then a coarser grit paper (around 160 grit should do the trick) will be needed. For finer sanding, stick to 240 grit or higher.

Applying the New Finish
Once the furniture is sanded, it’s ready to take on a whole new look. Decide between staining the wood and painting it based on your personal preferences. If you’re looking to achieve a truly rustic and unique look, consider distressing the paint yourself (HGTV). Once the new finish is dry, adorn your new wooden furniture with new hardware if desired to give it even more character.

Save the planet and your pocketbook by upcycling old furniture and giving it new life in your home. You’d be surprised at just how much fun you can have with this project!

~Danielle N. 

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Articles Eco Tips Home Improvement

4 Easy Ways to Save Energy

For many people, the thought of going green and becoming eco-friendly seems overwhelming and costly. However, one of the easiest ways to make your home more “green” is to cut the amount of energy your home consumes. Not only will learning how to cut your energy use be beneficial for the environment, but it will also help to cut the amount of money you spend each month for energy costs. Here are 4 easy ways to start saving energy.

Kill the Energy Vampires

Energy vampires are the electronics and small appliances in your home that continue to “suck energy” when they aren’t in use. By unplugging all the small appliances and electronics in your home when they are not being used, you can save a few hundred dollars each year on energy costs. Some of the most common energy vampires include; toasters, coffee makers, cell phones, television sets, gaming equipment and computers.

Doing the Dishes

Each time you load the dishwasher you are using a lot of water as well as a lot of energy to heat the water. Whenever possible, wash dishes by hand or wait until the dishwasher is full before running it.

  • When washing dishes by hand, wash several pieces and rinse them all at once, instead of leaving the water running to rinse each piece as it is washed.
  • If you use the dishwasher,choose the energy-saving option and/or an air dry option to cut the amount of energy it takes for the dishwasher to heat dry the items.

Is the Attic Insulated?

Many homes, especially older homes, do not have enough insulation in the attic to keep their home at a comfortable temperature, which causes the furnace and/or the air conditioner to work harder than it should. Inspect the attic for areas where air is entering or escaping, such as around windows and in the rafters. For small places, you can use a spray foam, which expands and blocks drafts and if the rafters are bare, it is best to use a rolled insulation to fill them in.

Change the Light Bulbs

One of the easiest and least expensive ways to “go green” and save money on energy costs is to remove traditional bulbs and install LED bulbs. LED bulbs last longer than standard bulbs, so you will save money by not having to replace them as often and they use less energy.

Making the change to have a “greener” home is a process that can’t be done overnight. However, as insignificant as the small changes seem, such as changing light bulbs, each small step you take will have an impact on saving the environment as well as saving money on your home’s energy costs.

~Rene W.

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Home Decor

Eco-Friendly Furniture Buying Guide

A great way to help save the environment is to buy eco-friendly furniture. If you are not crazy about purchasing recycled, refurbished or reused furniture, try and reuse the already existing accent tables, lamps or rugs you might have. You can give your existing lamps a new life by switching out the lamp shade and giving them a new paint job. Here is some information on eco-friendly furniture.

Recycled.  When we mention recycled furniture we don’t just mean your neighbors old couch (although that’s great as well!) We’re talking about a piece of furniture that has been re-built from other pieces of sturdy furniture. For instance a wood frame from a couch made from wood parts of other couches and door frames, etc. Since most of the wood is recycled from other pieces of furniture it often has an antiquated look to it, a perfect fit for some homes and decors.

Refurbished. Instead of going out and buying brand new furniture, a good idea is to have your old furniture refurbished. Refurbishing helps save you time and money as well as having a new eco-friendly piece of furniture.

Reused. Reused furniture is furniture that has at least one previous owner. By having previously used furniture it helps reduce your cost and cuts down the demand for new furniture. You can find some really good deals on reused furniture. Check out your local thrift stores, antique shops, check craigslist or Freecycle.com before heading to the store to buy a new couch.

If you are in the market for brand new furniture try to look for some of these features and attributes:

Materials. Look for furniture that has been built out of bamboo, hemp and even wood. The wood we’re talking about is correctly harvested wood. Bamboo is one of the best options because it grows back very quickly and is a very strong material and will last for years to come.

Quality. When looking for eco-friendly furniture be sure to look for quality as well as the important attributes such as, budget friendly and fashionable. You might find that perfect bamboo framed couch, but the quality of workmanship is terrible. If you purchase a well-made couch chances are you won’t have to purchase a new one a couple years down the road because of wear and tear (if you get tired of the couch refurbish it!)

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Articles By Topic Eco Tips Featured

Best of the Best: Green Laundry Detergent

With so many “green” laundry detergents out on the market, how do you know which is the best for the environment and which is the one that is the best for your family? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has created a system that allows consumers to find out which laundry detergents live up to their claims. The EPA asks the manufacturers to submit a list of all the active ingredients and if they are using the safest chemicals they will earn the seal of approval (the Design for the Environment Seal to be more specific.)

Even when you know which chemicals are harmful, the manufacturers don’t have to list them. That’s where the Design for the Environment logo becomes extremely helpful. You know that you’re buying the best eco-friendly product. However when you are picking out laundry detergent and the product does not have the seal, be sure to check the label for some of these worrisome ingredients/chemicals:

  • Phosphates– especially nonylphenol ethoxylates
  • Chlorine
  • Petroleum

According to consumersearch.com these are 3 of the best laundry detergents you can buy to help keep your family and yourself safe and help the environment out as well!

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  • Seventh Generation Natural Powdered Detergent (*Est. 36 cents per load). Currently Seventh Generation is waiting for the Design for Environment Seal; however the consumer reviews are very positive.  You can order online at their website here.
  • Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day (*Est. 24 cents per load).  Mrs. Meyer’s Clean day has attained the Design for the Environment Seal and also has a strong fan base.  Consumers that have reviewed the product have mentioned that the variety of scents is not too overpowering and the detergent does what it claims. Go here for more information or to purchase the detergent.
  • Arm & Hammer Essentials Liquid Laundry Detergent (*Est. 37 cents per load). Good housekeeping has ranked this #1 among 9 detergents tested for effectiveness.  Currently this product is only sold as a liquid and does not have the Design for the Environment seal. Click here to read reviews and purchase this product.

Not ready to make the switch just yet? For consumers unwilling to make the switch to green laundry detergent just yet, try purchasing eco-friendly laundry products and avoid buying fragranced products. That may help eliminate some of the worst chemicals in your laundry detergent (from a health perspective).

Sources: consumersearch.com

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Eco Tips Featured Green Building Home Design Home Improvement

Save Money This Winter With New Windows

Do you have old creaky windows or your winter energy bill outrageously high? Have you recently been considering remodeling your house and replacing your old windows with new energy efficient windows? There are many benefits to replacing your old windows.

How windows lose and gain heat. Windows lose and gain heat by conduction, convection, radiation and air leakage. This heat transfer is expressed with U-values, or U-factors (U-values are the mathematical inverse of R-values. So an R-value of 2 equals a U-value of 1/2, or 0.5). Unlike R-values, lower U-value indicates higher insulating value. Conduction is the movement of heat through a solid material. Radiant transfer is the movement of heat as long-wave heat energy from a warmer body to a cooler body. Air leakage siphons about half of an average home’s heating and cooling energy to the outdoors due to poor weather-stripping or single paned glass windows. For more information on ways windows lose and gain heat check out this website.

Different Types of Energy Efficient Windows.  Make sure to check for the Energy Star rating seal when looking to purchase new windows. Here are the different types of windows you can purchase.Energy Efficient Windows

  • Awning. Hinged at the top and open outward. Because the sash closes by pressing against the frame, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows.
  • Casement. Hinged at the sides. Like awning windows, they generally have lower air leakage rates than sliding windows because the sash closes by pressing against the frame.
  • Fixed. Fixed panes that don’t open. When installed properly they’re airtight, but are not suitable in places where window ventilation is desired.
  • Hopper. Hinged at the bottom and open inward. Like both awning and casement, they generally have lower air leakage rates because the sash closes by pressing against the frame.
  • Single- and double-hung. Both sashes slide vertically in a double-hung window. Only the bottom sash slides upward in a single-hung window. These sliding windows generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.
  • Single- and double-sliding. Both sashes slide horizontally in a double-sliding window. Only one sash slides in a single-sliding window. Like single- and double-hung windows, they generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.

Energy and Cost Savings. Windows have typically represented a major source of unwanted heat loss and unwanted heat gain, but there has been a major technological revolution. According to National Geographic, “Energy Star estimates that homeowners can save at least $27 a year by replacing windows. If you have single-pane windows, replacing them with Energy Star-qualified products will save you between $126 and $465 a year, depending on the number of windows you replace and where in the United States you live. The cost savings of replacing double-paned windows, however, is less than 25 percent of that amount; the most you can save by replacing double-paned windows is $111 per year”.

Sources: Green Living,  Efficient Windows, Energy.gov

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Articles Gadgets & Gear Green Building Home Design Home Improvement

Energy Saving Appliances

It seems that every company on the market claims to have energy efficient products that can lower your bills. How many times have you been walking through the store and you see the claims of “lowering your heating bill” or “eco-friendly dishwasher”? Just because an appliance company might claim to be “energy efficient” that does not mean it is necessarily true.

Every appliance is different and every appliance has a different rating scale. The good news is that the United States Department of Energy and the United States Environmental Protection agency have started working with Energy Star to label products when they are energy efficient thus protecting you from .

The Energy Star label states that the products either exceed federal energy consumption standards (normally by at least 15 percent or more) or they have energy saving features built into them. All products that have the Energy Star label are energy efficient products made to save you money and save the environment.

All products have different types of ratings and rates. When shopping for a new energy efficient product make sure you check the labels for the corresponding rating.

Central Air Conditioner:  SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the measure that is used to rate efficiency. The higher the number the more energy efficient the unit is try and look for a unit with a SEER of 12 or more.

Washing Machine:  EF (Energy Factor) indicates the number of complete cycles a washer will operate while using one kilowatt-hour of electricity. The current federal standard for energy efficient washers is an EF of 1.18, while Energy Star washers require an EF of 2.5.

Dishwashers:  EF (Energy Factor) indicates the number of complete cycles a dishwasher will complete while using one-kilowatt hour of electricity. Dishwashers that qualify for the Energy Star label have an EF of 0.52 or greater.

Refrigerators and Freezers:  The labels indicate the number of kilowatt-hours of electricity the appliance will use in one year of operation. The smaller the number, the more efficient the appliance and lower your bills.

In addition to saving you money every month, buying certified Energy Star appliances can also give you a tax credit at the end of the year. To find out if your new appliances make the cut check out Energystar.gov here for a complete list and details and to see if you qualify. Buying energy efficient appliances will help reduce your carbon footprint and will also lower your water bill and electric bill.

Source: housewares.about.com

 

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Articles Home Improvement

Give the Gift of Green

Everyone probably has a little box of tools in their garage meant for screwdrivers, hammers, measuring tapes, and other random but helpful items. But did you know you could have “green” tools instead of regular tools? The green tools not only cost about the same as regular tools and power tools but they are also a lot better for our earth and are completely sustainable. A lot of the green tools are made from recyclable materials which helps reduce the amount of  The green tool box is not only a good idea for yourself but makes it the perfect present. Give the green tool box to your favorite handy-man and include a how-to book for ideas and you can pick it up from your local thrift store.

Battery-operated Drill

This one might seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised by the amount of people that are still using electric drills. Not only is the cord annoying and gets in the way but they use a lot of energy. A rechargeable drill packs a lot of power while using far less energy.

Measuring Tape

An important and basic tool that everyone needs in their toolbox is a measuring tape. Manufacturers offer a greener option when compared to traditional measuring tapes. Green measuring tapes are made from recycled materials and have many features traditional measuring tapes have such as your desired length, a cam-activated lock, etc.)

Screwdriver

Another really important “must-have” tool is a screwdriver. However you don’t have to have your traditional basic screwdriver, they offer rechargeable battery-operated screwdrivers. They also have screwdrivers that are made from corn and other recyclable materials.

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Eco Tips Featured Home Improvement

5 Reasons to use Zero-VOC Paints

 

According to the EPA indoor air is up to three times more polluted than outdoor air and is considered one of the top 5 hazards to human health (eartheasy.com). Paints and finishes are among the leading causes. Do you have a new baby or pets? These are two very good reasons to improve the health and eco-friendly aspects of your home. Also you can’t forget your long-term health.

You’ll want to look beyond the furniture, cleaning products, and carpet: Start with the walls themselves. Choosing a paint that’s low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — or, even better, totally free of them — can improve indoor air quality (and your health).

But keep in mind that even paints labeled “low” or “zero” VOC aren’t always created equal. The current standard for a paint to be labeled low-VOC requires that it have fewer than 250 g/L; zero-VOC paints have to meet a less-than 5 g/L requirement.

Health.

Reduced toxins benefit everyone, including those with allergies and chemical sensitivities.

Environment.

Reduces landfill, groundwater and ozone depleting contaminants.

Effective.

Low-VOC products perform well in terms of coverage, scrub-ability and hide-ability (covering flaws on previous coats).

Water-Based.

Easy cleanup with soap and warm water.

Little or No Hazardous Fumes.

Low odor during application; no odor once cured. No off-gassing. Painted areas can be occupied sooner, with no odor complaints.

Not Deemed Hazardous Waste.

 Cleanup and disposal greatly simplified.

Sources: eartheasy.com, (http://eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm)