20 Easy Ways To Make Your House ‘Green’

Going green now isn’t just a sign of the times to be hip and cool.  More people every day are going green to plan for the future, think about the environment and to save money on expenses like utilities.  Trying to be frugal and on a budget has made me reach out, research and learn new ways to leave fewer footprints in my household.  These are ideas for everyone to try to help save money and take care of our household as well.

1. Buy produce locally.  You’ll be getting fresher, healthier produce, supporting your local farmers and leaving a smaller environmental impact since the product is not sent by semi-truck across the country to get to you.
   
2. Recycle your water.  When turning on the shower to warm up collect the cold water with a 5-gallon bucket.  Use water to water your garden.
3. Avoid plastic water bottles, K-Cups, sandwich bags, grocery plastic bags and other plastics when possible.  Use reusable containers and bags.
4. Go Solar!  By making your home more energy efficient you’ll be saving money and using less electricity.
5. A solar water heating (solar thermal) system does not replace your existing water heater. It works with it by preheating the water with the warmth of the sun to help your hot water system use less energy. This way you always have hot water, day or night, rain or shine. (You can also get a rebate from SoCalGas with their California solar initiative).
6. Enroll in paperless statements for your bills and remove  yourself from junk mail and catalog lists.
7. Switch to LED or CFL lights.  This not only will save you money on electricity, but will keep your house cooler (LED and CFL light bulbs don’t get hot) and they last longer.
8. Seal gaps around doors and windows.  In states with extreme weather get double pane windows.  Add blackout drapes for warm climates.
9. Installation Information/ DIY Tips SoCalGas has a Free Workshop you can register for to learn more about installing solar water-heating systems.
10. Go ‘Less Green’ by getting rid of your grass.  You can apply for California’s Drought Rebate too.  Save money on water, gardner, and sprinkler repairs by removing your grass and planting drought-friendly plants.
11. Collect Rainwater to water your plants.  Some water agencies have 100% rebates on water barrels or you can just buy a large trashcan with a lid from your hardware store.  Collect water when it rains and use that water for your plants or garden.
12. Install an attic fan.  I had my brother-in-law put one in my house.  It is set on an automatic timer to kick on when the attic gets above 90 degrees.  By pushing hot air out of the attic the rest of the house stays cooler.
13.  Purchase energy- and water-efficient appliances.  Look for ones with the Energy Star label.  Some are even eligible for rebates from the utility companies.
14. Unplug it!  You can save up to $25 a year by unplugging one television that isn’t being used.  Do the same with your toaster oven and other things that are plugged into an outlet but rarely used.
15. Grow household plants and literally improve your air quality in your house.
    

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16. Plants fruit trees in your yard. They definitely require water but if you have a few of your favorite fruits or vegetables available in your yard you’ll eat healthier and get produce without going to a store.
17. Use concentrated detergent!  Not only will you be using a smaller container but you’ll be leaving a smaller footprint due to the cheaper transportation cost.
18. Ride your bike to work. Walk to the store. Save gas and get in a little exercise by getting outside without your car.
19.  Watch Your Temperature! Most energy companies suggest you set your thermostat to 68 degrees in cold weather and 78 degrees in warm weather.  Dressing in layers in the winter or in shorts and t-shirts in the summer.  Install ceiling fans. Open the windows at 4am to let in cool temperatures and close the windows when it starts heating up outside.
20.  Go Low!  Get low-flow shower heads, low-flow toilets and save money by using less water.
    

    Check out the Birksun backpack!  It has a solar panel in it to charge your cell from the sun.