It's getting colder outside, and we all want to be warmer inside. How we do that is not just a matter of what's better for the planet, it's about saving money too! So, if you don't want to wear a hat inside (which I've been known to do), try a few or all of these tips:
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If you haven't already, walk around inside your house and check for drafts and energy leaks near doors and wndows. One way to do this is to take a lit candle or stick of incense (only an adult should do this), put it near a potential opening, and see if the flame or smoke moves to show that there is air coming in. Your local hardware store will offer a wide variety of products for sealing those leaks: caulking strips, plastic for over your windows, and weatherstripping for around doors and windows are just a few of the available options.
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Other places you can check for escaping heat are around light switches and electrical outlets. Your local hardware store will sell foam inserts which are simple to install: just remove the cover, put in the insert, then replace the cover. These are extremely helpful, especially on outside walls.
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If you're handy around the house, you might be able to install your own programmable thermostat; if not, you can hire someone to switch out your traditional ones. Programmable thermostats will allow you to automatically turn down the heat at night while you sleep, and during the day while you're at work, and have the heat come on before you get up and before you're due to arrive home after work. Information at www.energystar.gov says you can save up to $180 per year on your heating bill by having these installed in your home. At $40 to $90 each, these will pay for themselves in no time.
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If you're remodeling, consider using old-fashioned, chemical free milk paint, available at www.milkpaint.com, in 20 classic colors. It's easy to use and is great not only for walls and ceilings, but also on childrens toys and furniture. The paint contains all-natural ingredients, is biodegradable, and contains no VOC's.
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As reusable shopping bags become more popular, why not get one that's recycled? At www.wavyo.com, they sell bags which are made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles! This New Hampshire company will also make bags printed with your own design if you place an order of more than 50 of them! It's a great idea for wedding favors or for your business logo!
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If you have any Stay Green tips you'd like to share, email them to us at begreen@housingforall.us
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you haven't already, walk around inside your house and check for drafts and energy leaks near doors and wndows. One way to do this is to take a lit candle or stick of incense (only an adult should do this), put it near a potential opening, and see if the flame or smoke moves to show that there is air coming in. Your local hardware store will offer a wide variety of products for sealing those leaks: caulking strips, plastic for over your windows, and weatherstripping for around doors and windows are just a few of the available options.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other places you can check for escaping heat are around light switches and electrical outlets. Your local hardware store will sell foam inserts which are simple to install: just remove the cover, put in the insert, then replace the cover. These are extremely helpful, especially on outside walls.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're handy around the house, you might be able to install your own programmable thermostat; if not, you can hire someone to switch out your traditional ones. Programmable thermostats will allow you to automatically turn down the heat at night while you sleep, and during the day while you're at work, and have the heat come on before you get up and before you're due to arrive home after work. Information at www.energystar.gov says you can save up to $180 per year on your heating bill by having these installed in your home. At $40 to $90 each, these will pay for themselves in no time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you're remodeling, consider using old-fashioned, chemical free milk paint, available at www.milkpaint.com, in 20 classic colors. It's easy to use and is great not only for walls and ceilings, but also on childrens toys and furniture. The paint contains all-natural ingredients, is biodegradable, and contains no VOC's.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As reusable shopping bags become more popular, why not get one that's recycled? At www.wavyo.com, they sell bags which are made from 100% post-consumer plastic bottles! This New Hampshire company will also make bags printed with your own design if you place an order of more than 50 of them! It's a great idea for wedding favors or for your business logo!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you have any Stay Green tips you'd like to share, email them to us at begreen@housingforall.us