Tag: green home ideas

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Articles Eco Tips Home Improvement Uncategorized

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 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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Lawn & Garden

Keep Your Garden Healthy: Tips for Natural Ways to Prevent Pests and Common Plant Diseases

After spending hours tilling and planting the garden, the last thing you want is for all of your plants to become pest infested and/or covered in fungus or powdery mildew. Applying pesticides will add harmful chemicals to your crops, the soil and future plantings as well as effect the flavor of your fruits and vegetables. There are a range of safe and natural things you can do to keep your current and future garden healthy.

Start With the Soil

The soil is the first place to begin controlling disease and insects in an organic garden. Using soil that is full of organic nutrients and matter will help your plants thrive and produce a healthy, productive crop. Insects and diseases thrive off of injured and weak plants, but when they are strong and healthy, garden plants have an ability to change their chemistry naturally in order to defend against its enemies. Things you can do to strengthen the soil include:

  • Adding compost materials to the soil before planting. Items such as egg shells will provide natural nutrients to the soil.
  • Always mulch the surface of the garden to help suppress weeds, protect soil erosion, increase earthworm activity and prevent slugs and snails from taking over. Leaves, straw, pine needles and grass clippings make excellent mulch for a garden.

Prevent Fungus 

The best way to fight fungus in the garden is by using natural items you probably already have in the kitchen. These simple remedies will help to safely and naturally keep out common problems, such as fungus and disease.

  • Apple cider vinegar is excellent for treating a range of plant diseases, such as black spots and powdery mildew. In a spray bottle, mix 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with 2 quarts of water. Spray the infected plants with the solution when the temperatures are the coolest, such as in the morning or early evening. Avoid spraying the plants when there is direct sunlight on them and repeat daily until the condition is cured.
  • Milk is an ideal virus and fungus fighter for the garden. To prevent fungus, simply sprinkle a few tablespoons of powdered milk in the soil before planting. If you notice fungus on the leaves of plants, spray a mixture of equal parts of milk and water (1-cup milk and 1-cup water) directly on the infected leaves.
  • Baking soda is an excellent treatment for plant fungus. In a spray bottle, mix 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, a few drops of liquid, biodegradable dish-washing liquid and 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Spray the infected plants, including the base of the plant and the underside of leaves.

To help keep your garden healthy year after year, it is important to rotate the crops. Avoid overwatering plants, especially if you are noticing fungus or mildew. An excellent way to improve the health of your garden as well as try new garden foods, is with companion planting. Companion planting simply means arranging plants that are beneficial for each other. For example, planting a strong smelling herb near the vegetables will prevent insects from smelling the vegetable plants.

~Rene W.

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Eco Tips Featured

8 Simple Ways to Use Coconut Oil

Coconut Oil Has Many Eco-Friendly Uses

Coconut oil has become one of the most favored organic and eco-friendly products on the market due to its rewarding qualities.  I noticed the increase in popularity of coconut oil over the last few months and asked myself, “What is so special about this stuff other than cooking?”  I normally use coconut oil as a substitute for olive or vegetable oil in cooking because it contains healthier saturated fat.  So I did some research and learned that coconut oil can be used for more purposes other than a cooking aid.  It can be used for hair, skin, health, and household duties.  Who knew that coconut oil could cover such a broad spectrum of functions?

Coconut oil has the same consistency as lard and Crisco; therefore it is seen primarily as a cooking aid.  However, because of its consistency and natural qualities, it can be used to help with other functions such as body and household care. Here are four of many ways to use coconut oil for personal hygiene.

Coconut Oil Moisturizer – Extra virgin coconut oil would be the best for this.  You can find this at an organic food store or in the health and body aisle of a grocery store.  Just simply take some from the jar and apply to skin and use as much as needed. Simple!

Coconut Oil Deep Treatment Hair Conditioner – This is an overnight treatment, so a shower cap will be needed.  Apply a teaspoon of oil to the ends of your hair and run your fingers through.  For deep treatment, apply a teaspoon of oil to your scalp and massage it through to the ends of your hair.

Coconut Oil Ointment – This can be used for scrapes, bruises, or any other form of “boo-boo” that comes your way.  Apply a thin layer to the scrape or bruise.  This coating protects the area from dust, bacteria, etc.  It also gives a more pleasant odor than the medicinal brand.  Place a bandage over the affected area.

Make-Up Remover – Put some oil on a cotton ball or pad and wipe away the make-up.  It’s like Vaseline but without the harsh smell. It’s impressive how well this works!

Here are some interesting ways to utilize coconut oil for household purposes:

Coconut Oil “Goo Gone” – Mix equal portions of coconut oil and baking soda, then apply the mixture on the sticky residue area.  Wait for about five minutes before scrubbing the “goo gone” with a washcloth or scrub sponge.

Coconut Oil Furniture Polish – Mix oil with a bit of lemon juice for furniture polish.  Work the polish on a small portion of the furniture to test the consistency and strength you desire.

Coconut Oil Bronze Polish – Simply put some oil on a wash cloth and rub it over the bronze surface for a lustrous shine!  This will clean and deepen the color of the bronze.  This also works on stainless steel.

Coconut Oil Bug Repellent – Mix with some peppermint extract and rub into the skin.  No more chemicals and has a pleasant smell!

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Eco Tips Featured

Be Green on Halloween

Halloween is a fun time filled with candy, costumes, and most importantly fun, family bonding time. It might be scary to think of all the waste that accumulates on Halloween but have no fear, we have come up with tips that will help reduce your Halloween waste.

  • Instead of buying plastic pumpkins  for trick-or-treating that might get ruined, make your own candy knapsack. Take old pillowcases and decorate them with your children.
  • Buy re-usable decorations instead of one-time-use ones. This might seem like a no-brainer but you would be surprised at the number of people that buy disposable decorations because of convenience or price. I personally think that you should invest a couple more dollars for products that will last a couple of years compared to one Halloween.
  • After Halloween is over, don’t throw away your costume. Re-use it or donate it to a local thrift store.  If you want to keep your costume, you can always take certain pieces of each costume to make a new one for next year!
  • Before buying decorations, make your own. A simple Pinterest search turned up creative and cleaver decorations using all sorts of household items. One popular craft is to make your own ghost lanterns out of old gallon sized milk jugs.
  • Make your own scarecrow out of old clothing and household materials. Your scarecrow doesn’t have to be scary, you can decorate him or her with leaves, hats, flowers, old scraps of material, and old clothing. Make your scarecrow unique, like you.

What are your green Halloween tips?

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Eco Tips Featured

5 Money-Saving Eco Holiday Tips

Time and money are in high demand for almost everyone during the Yuletide season. How do you keep our environment and your pocketbook from suffering the effects of all the holiday excess? Here are five helpful tips.

Bulk Up. Buy holiday nuts and spices in bulk from bins at your local health food store or supermarket. When you buy in bulk, you can purchase just the right amounts of spices or nuts you need without paying for excess packaging or more of a product than you know you’ll ever use.

Green Décor. Use citrus, nuts in the shells, cinnamon sticks, pomegranates, rosemary, and pomander balls to make gorgeous centerpieces or table arrangements.

Organic Wines. A bottle of conventional wine may contain hundreds of different chemicals and preservatives. Think organic wines are more expensive? It’s a myth. You can pick up a bottle of Tarantas 2007 Cava Sparkling Wine at $14.95 a bottle at EcoVineWine.com.

Creative Ornaments. Deck the halls and your tree by recycling vintage toys, jewelry and small photo frames into ornaments by attaching a hook and ornament hanger.

Reduce Disposable Plastics. Having a holiday party? Don’t spend extra dollars on plastic plates and trays for treats. Ask each guest to bring a favorite Christmas themed metal or ceramic plate. Everyone will enjoy admiring the different designs and there’s less to throw away.

Check back later this week for more green living tips from Ecohomeideas.com.

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Eco Tips

7 Eco-Friendly House Cleaning Tips

Most standard cleaning products and processes are either wasteful or just plain hazardous to humans and pets. Green your cleaning routine by putting these tips into practice.

Keep Cleaning Solutions Simple. Use simple, readily available cleaning solutions made with vinegar, salt, lemon juice and baking soda to make your own safe homemade cleaning solutions. Vinegar and water is great for cleaning glass windows and tile floors.

Naturally Freshen Air. Skip all those toxic artificial air fresheners and boil cinnamon or cloves to scent the air instead. One of our favorite ways to naturally scent the air is by sticking cloves into an orange to make a fragrant orange pomander ball.

Wash Clothes Wisely. Wait until you have a full load of laundry to run the washing machine. You’ll save big bucks on your water bill and spent less time listening to a noisy washing machine.

Recycle Your Rags. Make your own dust rags from old t-shirts, sweatshirts, and socks.

Conserve Cleaning Water. Don’t let the water run unless you are filling a cleaning bucket. Sweep instead of wet mop when possible, and put a tracking mat at the door to collect dirt so you don’t have to wash the floor as often.

Call for Household Hazardous Waste Pickups. Call your local recycling center, town or city hall. Most communities have several Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Days each year.

Start a Compost Bin. Composting food waste minimizes landfill burden and supports healthy soil in which you can grow your own food. Buy or make a compost bin and get the family involved. Household waste that can be composted includes things like paper towels, paper bags, cotton clothing (torn up), egg shells, hair (human, dog, cat etc.) Use all these items in moderation.

 

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Articles Featured Gadgets & Gear

Saving Money with Power Strips

Guess what? If your electronics are plugged in, they are leaching electricity … even if they are turned off. This is referred to as “phantom load” and it accounts for nearly 20% of all electricity that is used in your home. What a waste, right?

You can eliminate “phantom load” and go greener by plugging most of your appliances into a power strip. A power strip will halt the energy drain as long as the switch on the strip is in the “off” position. Flip the power strip switch to “off” or unplug as many appliances as possible before going on vacations or leaving home for long periods of time.