A few green nuggets to SAVE THE ENVIRONMENT while SAVING MONEY
Keep the sun from increasing your electric bills.
If your windows are oriented to the West, tint your windows or install blinds, or put trelises with vines to filter the sweltering heat.
Better yet, plant trees along the west side of your house and generally reduce your air-conditioning bills.
Find low-flow showerheads to replace your current ones. Less water used means less energy needed to heat, thus saving 350lbs. of Carbon Dioxide yearly. Time your showers well, limiting to 5 minutes or less and see the big impact on your water bills.
Cardinal directions are most important in configuring windows for better day-lighting. South facing windows are best to catch sunlight and regulate temperatures, even better when properly shaded. North facing windows are also good as they absorb natural light while producing little glare. Avoid East and West-facing windows since they might cause glare and admit a lot of unwanted heat during the summer. These are musts especially for new homeowners.
Lighter shades cool your home when in a warm climate; while darker shades are more suited for colder environments.
Dont forget: use non-toxic paint!
Low-flow or dual-flush water closets save hundreds of gallons of water a year. Why use an entire gallon when you only need half?
Gadgets and chargers left plugged still consume a sizeable amount of power yearly. The best way is to unplug but if you just can't help it, use power-surge protector strips and turn off the strip's power.
Visit http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator to help you determine your carbon dioxide emissions. Results can be tracked over durations of time to better help you think of ways to reduce your carbon footprint.
Almost 14% of household water is unnecessarily by leaks. Imagine running a toilet that wastes almost 3 gallons per minute! Find out by mixing food coloring to the tank without flushing it. If it seeps into the bowl, there's a leak to be squeezed!
When buying paper, look for the recycled product market. Purchase those that have been made with at least 50% post-consumer waste and those that weren't produced with chlorine to bleach the paper.
Native plants in your landscape will greatly cut down on watering requirements. In addition, give a home and nourishment to local wildlife.
Water plants at night to avoid rapid evaporation.
Use your dishwasher at maximum capacity and save at least 100lbs. of Carbon Dioxide yearly.
AC filters must be cleaned as often as recommended to save at least 300lbs. of Carbon Dioxide.
If you cannot shut down your computer, conserve substantial energy by putting it on "SLEEP MODE" rather than using a screensaver.
Houses configured with a North-South orientation allow passive cooling to pass through the house for better indoor temperatures. On the other hand, putting retractable vents by the ceiling allow hot air to move away from the house.
An average household consumes more water by hand-washing clothes and dishes. It is better to use washing machines and dishwashers.
Maximize your fan's and air-conditioner's cooling potential by making sure ducts are fully closed. Try using rubber sealers for gaps between floors and doors.
Use insulation for your ceilings and walls for air to circulate and thus avoiding heat traps!
Green Asia Real Estate and Development | Live in Quality. Tels. (02) 470-5057 & (0917) 823-ASIA (2742) E-mail: mail_greenasia.com.ph
PromptDesignRoom
