Most people want to do what they can to help the environment. After all, this planet is our home, and it doesn’t benefit us if we’re destroying it. That being said, it can be incredibly hard to live an eco-friendly life. It often requires time, money, and resources that the average person doesn’t have. Luckily, there are a few ways that you can live a more eco-friendly life that don’t require any major changes or sacrifices. These are changes that most people can easily make. And, as with most things, change tends to start at home. That’s why, in this post, we’ll be discussing four ways that you can make your house more eco-friendly.
1. Support eco-friendly services
We all make use of services when it comes to our house. We constantly call people in to fix things, or to clean things. So, why not rather support a company that isn’t harming the earth?
Other than doing some research and making the switch, this will require minimal effort from your side but can make a big difference when it comes to the environment. For example, next time you need your carpets cleaned, why not try an earth-friendly carpet cleaning system?
2. Recycle
It’s a well-known fact that recycling is one of the most common topics that are brought up when it comes to living a more eco-friendly life. And yet, many people don’t recycle. That’s because many of them don’t know what recycling entails.
We’re not saying you need to make homemade paper out of your old scraps of paper (although you absolutely can, if the idea interests you) but simply separating your recyclable items from the non-recyclable items will make it much better for recycling companies to do their jobs. If you need more information, click here for a list of what can be recycled.
3. Make use of alternative energy sources
Every single day, nearly every person on this planet uses some form of electricity, and a lot of it negatively impacts the world. That’s why more and more people are being encouraged to make the switch to alternative or renewable energy sources. Wind energy is a popular choice, but it’s not suitable for all regions.
Solar panels, on the other hand, can be utilized by most households. While solar energy used to be a rare luxury that few could afford, the increase in demand means that it’s now more affordable than ever.
4. Make your own compost
Compost is great for various reasons. It’s good for the environment, it means that you waste less product, and it’s great for your garden. So, with all that in mind, we can’t think of a single reason not to make your own compost!
Many people shy away from composting because they find the idea of it unappealing, but the truth is that it can be a very rewarding thing. The least you can do is to try composting – if it’s not for you, you can be eco-friendly in other ways!
Environmental problems have become global. That is why the environmental education of students is not just one of the most important tasks of modern society; it is a condition for further survival. By introducing environmental practices, students take real steps to conserve natural resources and develop environmental thinking.
Not all heroes wear capes, but some carry thermal mugs, recycle, and cut back on plastic. Wr1ter.com has put together 8 ways how students can help save the planet.
1. Save resources
Most of us do not notice how many resources are wasted every day. But saving electricity and water is a matter of a couple of minutes! Turn off the lights and unplug electrical appliances – even an unattended smartphone charger consumes electricity invisibly. When buying household appliances, choose energy-saving models – marked A, A +, and A ++.
Additionally, you can install economical shower heads and light bulbs, load your washing machine fully every time and use a low wash temperature. It can help you cut your energy consumption by up to 80% and save on bills, which is always good news for a student.
2. Separate garbage
People have learned to deal with garbage in three ways: leave it in dumps, burn it or recycle it. Unfortunately, except for recycling, such methods destroy nature and are hazardous to health.
The separate waste collection helps to recycle what is no longer needed into new things and useful materials. Here are some tips for those who have never separated waste:
Start small by choosing one or two types of recyclable waste
Choose what is easier for you to sort or take for recycling or disposal: for example, start with glass, paper, AA batteries, or plastic caps. This way, you will easily remember what should not fall into the common tank.
Organize a storage space
Another advantage of separating is that you will have to take out the trash less often. True, part of it will remain at home for a while. Decide ahead of time where to place the container, boxes, or baskets for this waste and how to compactly fold, bandage, or flatten the waste. If the habit of sorting garbage is still hard for you, use two containers for the first time – for recyclable garbage (it will be easier to separate later) and the one that you usually use.
Create a tradition
Involve the family, have a competition, or once a month, have an eco-day with garbage sorting and preparation for recycling. Such a tradition will not only take you one step closer to an eco-friendly lifestyle but will also be a pleasant occasion to please yourself and your loved ones.
Remember!
Batteries must not be thrown away with the rest of the trash! Taking them to the extended collection points for recycling is better.
3. Recycle
The separate waste collection leads to the next point of saving nature – recycling. Identify “useful” waste and where it is accepted. Find out where the nearest recycling yards are (using the Greenpeace interactive map, for example) and set aside a separate container in your home to avoid confusion.
4. Choose eco-friendly transport
Walking and cycling are the most beneficial ways of transportation for people and nature. In addition, there will be less environmental harm when choosing public transport instead of a car.
But, if you cannot do without a car, use the advice of environmentalists to help reduce fuel consumption and the environmental impact.
First, take care of the car, not only when something is wrong: pass the inspection on time, change the air filters, engine oil, and spark plugs. Secondly, keeping a constant speed and not exceed the permissible limit, saving you up to 20% of fuel. Thirdly, turn off the engine when you stop for more than a minute. And last but not least: maintain proper tire pressure. Under-inflated tires produce more drag and, as a result, increase fuel consumption.
Click here to learn why electric vehicles are the future of green transportation.
5. Reuse and don’t take more than you need.
Reducing waste is just as important as recycling it properly. Today, when almost everything is disposable, there is a reusable alternative. Buy less of what will fly into the bin almost immediately: replace disposable cups with a thermos or thermal mug, and products in additional packaging with those that are by weight (use string bags, your containers, fabric bags).
6. Support and promote eco-friendly initiatives at your college
Become a guide to the world of ecological life for your friends! So forgo the elevator in favor of the stairs, do not forget to turn off the computer at the end of the working day, and take reusable lunch boxes with you.
7. Pay attention to nutrition
Choosing the right food can also help reduce your environmental footprint. Shop for seasonal and local products. Their delivery requires less fuel and produces fewer harmful emissions. In addition, the more recycled a product is, the heavier its environmental footprint. The most “heavy” are semi-finished products and canned food.
8. Use less plastic
It is unlikely that it will be possible to shut the door on plastic – too many surrounding things are made from this cheap material. But you can reduce its consumption and contribute to saving nature. For example, do not buy water in plastic bottles; use reusable stainless steel or glass containers instead.
It’s hard to believe that only a few decades ago we fell into the trap of thinking “disposable” equated to “cool.” We also had an attitude that nature was inexhaustible, messy, and probably needed to be tamed. Times certainly have changed, and from engineers to householders, to small businesses, doing what we can to go easy on the environment has become something we all wished we’d started doing long ago. This awareness has led to some pretty ingenious solutions and ideas. Let’s explore some examples that range from the super-serious to the cute and fun.
1. Tunnels Without the Disturbance
Have you heard about microtunneling? Modern-day life means having access to a great many infrastructure services, most of which come from tunnels that run for miles beneath the surface. Not too long ago, the solution was diggers and a huge mess – not exactly good when sensitive areas were traversed. Now, specialized machinery can dig microtunnels with very little need for surface disturbance. It’s one of those jaw-dropping technologies that few of us are aware of but that are becoming the norm rather than the exception.
2. Trawling Away The Oceans’ Garbage Patches
Massive “islands” of floating plastic are threatening sea-life and the health of the planet is heavily dependent on the health of its oceans. A non-profit organization has come up with a simple yet effective way to clean up floating debris in rivers and in the sea. Will this huge cleanup come cheap? Sadly, it won’t. Support their work if you can.
3. Edible Water Bottles
Stopping the plastic problem at its source would certainly be a big advance. One of the top culprits in plastic pollution, water bottles, may be taking on an edible spin. For now, they consist of coated spheres of water. Pop one in your mouth, bite down, and enjoy a fresh, guilt-free draught of water. Now, we just need to see a similar level of ingenuity being applied to other types of food packaging.
4. Chewing Gum Sneakers
Continuing our journey from the large-scale engineering project to the products that ordinary people use almost every day, we have a truly intriguing idea from the Netherlands: chewing gum sneakers! Instead of using plastics and newly manufactured synthetic rubber, one company has found a way to make rubber from used chewing gum. While the global impact will likely be a small one, this type of ingenuity deserves a big thumbs up!
5. Drowned Bicycle Bottle Openers
Another rather fun idea from the Netherlands, we have drowned bicycle bottle openers! It seems that the Dutch, or at least some of them, have been disposing of old bicycles in canals. A local gin producer has decided to cash in – and clean up the canals – by using bicycle parts to make its own eco-friendly bottle openers.
From Mega-Projects to Upcycled Products: Every Bit Helps
Can you add your two cents to global efforts that benefit the environment? Whether you’re an inventor with grand schemes or an ordinary citizen, you can help to make a difference. Reduce, reuse, recycle – and do a bit extra on top of that. Looking for an idea? Why not organize a riverside cleanup or hit the beach with your garbage bags and a few friends. Every bit helps!
The conservation of water, its proper flow, and assured safety for home or industrial use can be achieved by reusing water through renewable energy. However, algae control is challenging even for modern wastewater treatment plants. One of the best ways of resolving this problem is by installing launder covers.
Aside from this concern, water ecosystems also face other issues, the most notable being water and wastewater treatment facilities. So how can launder covers be of any help in such a scenario?
The discussion that follows will serve as a useful reference point when choosing the right launder cover for your water and wastewater treatment facility. Let’s get up to speed on how launder covers can help water environments.
Prevent Algae Growth
Algae growth has a proven tendency of developing in water and wastewater treatment facilities. It causes changes in the hydraulic dynamics of clarifiers, which leads to obstruction of design features found in weir configurations. Once launder covers are installed, they provide an attractive and extremely low maintenance structure to help eliminate algae growth problems.
Also, larger algae can dislodge and move around in plants that utilize ultraviolet disinfection technology. If the floating algae ends up covering UV bulbs, this may cause bulb failure and render UV bulbs ineffective, which are unfortunately very expensive to replace.
That’s why the installation of reliable launder covers, like IEC Covers, is recommended to help prevent algae growth in water and wastewater treatment plants. This would save money on repairs and UV bulb replacement at the same time.
Control Gas And Odor Emissions
Launder covers are useful in providing a continuous protective environment above the effluent stream. They can contain odor and gas to prevent environmental pollution and protect the health of workers in the area.
A reliable and corrosion-free launder cover system prevents direct sunlight from reaching the elevated growth areas of the weir and clarifier launder. Since launder covers serve as odor control hoods, they trap noxious gases that are generated during wastewater treatment processes.
Provide Essential Value To Water Environments
Custom designed launder covers can be placed in rectangular and round tanks, providing essential value for different water and wastewater operations. This page will teach you everything about wastewater treatment.
Here are the advantages of installing launder covers in water environments:
Continuous inhibition of algae growth
Lightweight and cost-effective solution for water problems
Operable access for safety inspections and preventive maintenance
Maintain Weir Structural Integrity And Function
Eliminating direct sunlight inhibits algae growth, which also enhances the flow consistency of weir and reduces the need for maintenance. Launder covers shield other openings where access is normally required, but for safety reasons they need to be covered when not being used.
You can request custom-designed launder covers according to your preferred requirements. Custom-designed launder covers can be used in both round and rectangular clarifiers, as well as channels, sludge thickeners, and other openings.
Acts As Debris Barrier
Plastic bags, leaves, dead tree branches, and other windblown debris often lands in water environments. Launder covers help prevent such waste materials from ending up in your water and wastewater plant.
Also, aside from preventing debris from entering the water stream, launder covers can also be helpful in containing localized odor emissions if present in the weir area (effluent trough). Choosing fiberglass launder covers helps seal water environments in order to control odor.
Protect Launder From Weather
Strong winds, storms, snow, or heavy rainfall may introduce debris to water environments. Installing launder covers helps protect them against debris and damage caused by natural disasters. Choosing high-quality launder covers will ensure that they can withstand harsh weather conditions while protecting water and wastewater treatment plants.
Here’s a quick guide for when you are choosing launder covers:
NSF/ANSI Certified: Choose launder covers that are NSF or ANSI 61 certified. Also, opt for launder covers made of AWWA F101 compliant materials. NSF/ANSI Standard 61 or NSF-61 refers to a national standard relating to water treatment, establishing strict requirements and controls for equipment coming in contact with potable water or other products supporting the potable water production.
Quality Make: Select launder covers with superior strength and corrosion resistance that use FRP components to ensure long and maintenance-free service life. Choose clarifier launder covers that utilize fiberglass and stainless steel hardware, specifically made for municipal or industrial wastewater treatment purposes. These launder covers are easy to use, ensuring smooth operation and meeting the required NPDES effluent levels of Total Suspended Solids or TSS.
ISO Certified: Choose an ISO 9001 certified launder cover for manufacturing facilities.
Conclusion
Launder covers provide great protection against debris, harsh weather conditions, and direct sunlight. They further help protect weir structures, prevent algae growth, and are handy in avoiding the potential damage that algae can do to UV bulbs in treatment facilities using UV disinfection technology.
Choosing high-quality launder covers would mean having long-term peace of mind that your water quality is preserved and wastewater treatment operations can function smoothly.
Recent projections show that the world’s energy demands are about to increase by close to 25% between now and 2030. Population and wealth growth are the leading factors behind the increased need for energy. Additionally, issues related to pollution and climate change are compelling companies and investors alike with respect to how they produce and use energy.
Energy efficiency is playing a vital role in helping the world achieve its power needs and progress.
Increase in Fuel Prices
The prices of energy have kept rising over the years even when oil prices have dropped as was the case in 2014-2015. Such sudden fluctuations can be difficult for businesses to deal with. Also, declines in energy prices have called into question whether the efforts in energy conservation and efficiency are worth it.
According to various financial analyses, energy costs form a considerable chunk of operating expenses. Worldwide, cement, chemical, mining and metal companies, for instance, spend almost 30% of their operating budget on energy. Additionally, the percent of the budget spent on energy is higher in developing nations due to the cheap cost of labor.
The reports and findings show that it is not a pipe dream for manufacturing entities, which account for almost half of the world’s energy usage, to meet energy requirements in a way that is environmentally friendly and economical as well. Advanced technology could substantially reduce energy usage and save companies more than six hundred billion dollars per year.
There are technologies currently in place that can help companies reduce energy consumption. The ideas cover a range of manufacturing and production companies like cement, mining, oil refining and chemicals. Nonetheless, firms are facing the challenge of how to put energy efficiency technology in place how to renew the technology so that it stays relevant year in and year out.
1. Think Circular
Consider your product to be a future source that can be used many times. In other words, when developing a product, strive to move away from the traditional linear supply chain. Take, for example, a data services provider. Put in place the think circular standard by using an analytics system to develop a facility that restructures energy to its core function. This results in more capacity and less operational expenses.
2. Profit Per Hour
Whenever making any changes, remember to create a comprehensive review of the full profit equation. During the study, evaluate aspects such as yield, throughput and energy. Nonetheless, profit should be of the highest priority before effecting any changes.
3. Think Lean
It is vital for an organization to create a resource productivity plan. Lean thinking and green manufacturing are based on similar principles and will blend in together well.
4. Think Holistic
When making changes, ensure that they not only focus on a specific aspect. Instead, you should also focus on the management system, behavior and mindsets.
There’s no denying that plastic wrap has been a convenient product in most households for many years. However, as most waste disposal companies will tell you, its convenience is only for you – not the environment. It stops your sandwiches from going stale, but it also takes centuries to break down. Your one sandwich wrapper could be responsible for killing a myriad of animals while it sits there waiting to lose its structural integrity. Fortunately, there is a better way.
Read on to discover many eco-friendly wrapping and packaging materials that could end up being better for the environment. Thanks to modern delivery services like healthy food delivery in Miami Dade we’re able to get meals wrapped in sustainable packages.
1. Glass Containers
One of the many reasons why people want to make the switch from plastic is because it can take centuries to break down. However, so does glass, so why use it? Unlike plastic which tends to lean toward being a single-use product, glass is something you can have forever. It’s one of the longest-lasting materials and will prove to offer no end of convenience.
In most cases, you can use glass containers in your fridge, freezer, microwave, and even oven. You couldn’t do that with most plastic products. Glass containers are also an excellent alternative for plastic in almost every way. You can put your unwrapped sandwiches in them and seal the lid shut. You can also put leftover dinner into them for reheating later.
Glass containers are even something you can take to the grocery store. Instead of a supermarket filling a plastic container with their deli items or bulk groceries, you can fill your glass jars. One product can end up having many uses, saving thousands of plastic wrap rolls and containers from requiring waste disposal.
2. Mason Jars
Mason jars have been around since the 1850s, but it’s only in recent years there has been a resurgence in their use. As consumers come to realize that plastic is not environmentally-friendly, they are starting to use sealable mason jars that serve a whole variety of purposes. Cafes are using them for beverages, and you can even use them for serving at home. What’s more, there’s nothing wrong with using them for produce, soup, grains, and more. Move aside plastic; there’s a new player in town.
3. Parchment Paper
If you are trying to minimize how much rubbish you send away to catering bins, then consider swapping your cling film for parchment paper. Wax or parchment paper is an excellent alternative, while also breaking down far quicker than plastic wrap. It will still keep your sandwiches fresh, but with a much less detrimental impact on the environment.
4. Bees Wrap
Bees wrap is a relatively new product to hit the market, but it’s already making waves. It consists of cotton muslin cloth dipped in beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil. When you heat them with your hands, you’re able to seal food within. Both the jojoba oil and beeswax are also antibacterial which can offer exceptional benefits with preservation.
When you have eaten your sandwich, you don’t need to worry about impacting waste disposal. You can clean the wraps and reuse them.
5. Cardboard
Many countries around the world have banned single-use plastic bags, with New Zealand the latest nation to join the movement. It will only be a matter of time before waste disposal businesses notice the dramatic impact in plastic waste. That’s a good thing – but how will people package their goods, or carry their groceries? Cardboard is about to become far more popular than it is now.
Instead of packaging your items in plastic, you can store them neatly in cardboard boxes. They break down into the environment, are effortless to stack, and you can use them more than once.
6. Go Nude
For the sake of waste disposal, why not consider going nude? We don’t mean take all your clothes off, but why not avoid packaging altogether? Grocery stores are not making this process easy with the number of plastic-wrapped items they have, but you can be more conscientious about the purchasing decisions you make.
Put your vegetables and fruit in cloth bags and your loose bulk bin items into glass jars. Instead of buying pasta, rice, and other ingredients in plastic packets, buy them from bulk stores that encourage you to bring containers to put them in. If you can’t seem to avoid plastic, then draw up a meal plan that differs from what you usually do. You can then make an effort to eat food that will not arrive in packaging.
Conclusion
People used to cope without plastic for packaging and wrapping, and they can do so again. Think of the effects of waste disposal and how you can stop your contribution to the growing problem. Use glass jars and containers, buy ingredients in bulk, and stop using plastic wrap for your sandwiches. These might seem like small changes, but when 7.7 billion people follow suit, we can make a significant difference.
It’s no secret that the world is in trouble. We see the effects of climate change all around us, and it’s clear that something needs to be done. But what can we do? It seems like such a daunting task, especially when we feel so powerless.
But there are things we can do. Small things, everyday things. Things might not seem like they’ll make a big difference, but when added up they can make a real impact. Here are five small things you can do every day to help the environment and fight climate change.
1. Use a reusable water bottle
Saving water is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money. When you use a reusable water bottle, you don’t have to buy bottled water anymore. This is good for the environment because it reduces the number of plastic bottles that end up in landfills. It’s also good for your wallet because you’ll save money on water bills.
There are many different types of reusable water bottles available, so you can find one that suits your needs. Some bottles come with filters, so you can drink clean water even if you’re not near a source of fresh water. Others have special features like insulation, so you can keep your water cold for longer.
No matter which type of reusable water bottle you choose, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment and your wallet. So start using a reusable water bottle today!
2. Use a cloth napkin instead of disposable ones
Disposable napkins or paper towels can create a lot of waste. Bringing your own cloth napkin or towel is a great way to avoid creating unnecessary waste. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also save money in the long run!
Disposable napkins may seem like a convenient way to avoid getting your hands dirty, but they can actually be quite damaging to the environment.
For starters, they require a lot of resources to produce and often end up in landfills where they take centuries to decompose. Additionally, using disposable napkins contributes to the problem of microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic that are polluting our oceans and waterways. By bringing your own cloth napkin or towel, you can help reduce the number of disposable napkins that are used each day.
2. Bring your own utensils to avoid using disposable ones
It is no secret that our world is facing an environmental crisis. With the human population booming and more people than ever before living in cities, the amount of waste we produce is unsustainable.
One way to help reduce our impact on the planet is to stop using disposable napkins and paper towels. By bringing your own utensils, you can avoid using these items altogether.
Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also help reduce the amount of waste produced each year.
Think about it – if every person in America stopped using disposable napkins and paper towels, we could potentially save millions of trees! And that’s just one small change we can make to help the environment.
So next time you’re packing your lunch or headed out to a picnic, remember to bring along a cloth napkin or towel. It’s a simple way to save money and help the planet at the same time!
4. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste
Americans discard more than 33 million tons of plastic each year, most of which is not recycled. This amounts to about 120 pounds of plastic per person.
Packaging that adorns your product can have serious environmental impact.
If we want to make a real dent in this problem, we need to start making changes at the individual level. One way to do that is by buying our groceries in bulk.
When you buy in bulk, you reduce the amount of packaging waste produced. And since most bulk items are packaged in recyclable or reusable containers, you can further reduce your impact by recycling or reusing those containers.
Buying in bulk is also a great way to save money. By buying larger quantities of items, you can often get them at a discounted price. So not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also saving yourself some cash!
The next time you’re at the grocery store, try buying some of your favorite items in bulk. You may be surprised at how much money you can save – and how much less waste you produce.
5. Educate yourself and others about environmental issues
In order to make a real difference in the amount of waste we produce as a society, it’s important that we start taking small steps at the individual level. One way to do this is by educating ourselves and others about environmental issues and ways to help the planet.
If every person in America became more environmentally conscious, we could make a real difference in the amount of waste we produce each year. And that’s just one tiny step in the right direction!
There are many ways we can help the environment, and it’s important that we educate ourselves on as many of them as possible. By doing this, we can start making small changes in our own lives that will have a big impact down the road.
So if you’re passionate about helping the environment, don’t be afraid to spread the word! Talk to your friends and family about the issues, and share articles and videos you come across online. The more people who know about these issues, the more likely we are to see change.
Conclusion
Every little bit counts when it comes to helping the environment, and by making small changes in our everyday lives we can collectively make a big impact. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental footprint, start with some of the tips we’ve shared in this article. And don’t forget to spread the word!
Talk to your friends and family about environmental issues and ways they can help make a difference. Together, we can make the world a cleaner and more sustainable place for future generations.
Over the last decade, it seems that the cost of electricity has risen in most areas. This is one of the reasons why so many people are getting solar energy systems installed in their homes. Due to its rise in popularity, we have seen prices for solar panels and other equipment needed to make your home more eco-friendly decrease.
Because solar energy is still fairly new technology, many people still know very little about the industry. To help you out, we have compiled a few interesting facts about solar panels which you might find interesting.
As the industry grows, you will probably be hearing much more about solar panels and the benefits of using this eco-friendly method to provide energy for your home. Below are solar panel FAQs to remember:
1. The First Solar Panel Cell was Discovered in 1941
Although it seems like solar panels have only been around for the last few decades, the world’s first solar panel cell was invented by Russell Ohl in 1941. Shortly after the invention of the first solar panel cell was invented, Bell Laboratories came up with the world’s first commercial panel in 1954.
Although it seems we are still at the stone age of solar power, photovoltaic (the conversion of light into electricity) was discovered by French scientist Alexandre Edmond Becquerel in 1839.
2. In the Long Run, Solar Power can help Save you Money
Although the initial cost of installing a solar system in your home might be frightening, the overall running cost of the system can save you a lot of money. Although prices of installation and equipment are becoming more affordable, it still is expensive for the average household.
However, try to keep in mind that you won’t ever have to pay to heat or cool down your house again (assuming your solar panels power system can provide enough energy throughout the year for your home). The average household spends $1,300 annually on their electricity bill.
Throughout the world, it seems more and more governments are trying to encourage homeowners and business owners to invest in solar panels. Lots of governments have offered people incentives and tax breaks in the hope that the number of households using this eco-friendly method will increase. In some states in America, people who purchase solar panels are eligible for a 30% tax break. Also, some states allow those who own solar power to sell their excess energy, so they can make some profit from their system.
3. A Communal Effort
Community solar systems are becoming more common these days. Instead of just having an individual solar system in your home, more communities are investing in community solar systems instead.
Over the last 15 years or so, instead of each household having individual systems installed, whole communities are getting together and investing in a system that will provide energy for the entire community. If you are considering making your home more eco-friendly, why not speak to others in your community to see if everybody on the block is interested in getting a communal solar system installed instead?
4. The Industry is Growing Extremely Fast
Between 2018 and 2010, the number of households and businesses having solar power installed in their buildings grew 23 times in the United States. Solar power is not only becoming more appealing to homeowners in the United States, but it seems like people all over the world are deciding to go green and install solar power systems into their homes.
China uses more solar power than any other country on the planet. The Chinese government has been offering the residents of the country plenty of incentives that has resulted in many people installing a solar power system in their home.
If you are thinking about installing a solar power system inside your home, check out Solar Panels Network USA for more information. If you are still on the fence about joining the solar power movement, ask them for advice.
5. Maintaining a Solar Power System
Maintaining your solar power system tends to be fairly cheap too. In fact, once the system is fully installed there is actually very little maintenance needed. Apart from cleaning the panels now and again, and making sure that it’s getting sunlight and not shaded, it should work smoothly. You may have to trim some trees at times but that’s about it.
Most solar panels have been installed on a tilted roof, so when the rain hits it will clean any dust and dirt from the panel so you won’t have to clean it too often.
Most solar power system suppliers offer 25 year warranty, but it is not too uncommon to see a quality solar power system last for 40 years. If your system does manage to last for that length of time, you can imagine how much money you will save on electricity.
As the climate warms, it’s more important than ever to consider how you can lower your carbon footprint as a homeowner.And lowering your carbon footprint has another huge benefit: you can often save money as a result of green upgrades to your home. For example, solar energy can save you around $600 a year in energy costs. Of course, there are many other reasons why you should use solar energy, but the primary reason to use it is that it is a renewable source, i.e., it will last for billions of years.
Besides making structural changes—like adding solar panels, for example, to your home, there are other ways to save on your utility bills such as turning off lights you’re not using. Below, we’ve gathered our tops tips for saving money on utility bills – and helping out the planet, too!
1. Take advantage of sunshine during the winter
The sun is basically free heat for your home. Homeowners can take advantage of what’s called passive solar design. During the day, open the curtains on south-facing windows to let the sunshine inside so it can warm up your house. This will keep your home considerably hotter during the colder months.
Don’t forget to close the curtains when the sun sets so you can keep as much of that trapped solar heat as possible. Consider investing in thick, insulated curtains, which will help keep heat inside your living spaces.
2. Pay attention to your ceiling fan’s rotation in winter and summer
As you may know, warm air rises. Instead of letting that warm air go up, up and away, you can leverage your ceiling fan to keep that warm air close to you and your family. Reverse your ceiling fan’s rotation so that it turns clockwise instead of counterclockwise. This will keep the hot air in your living spaces. And during the hotter months, make sure the fan is spinning counterclockwise to pull hot air away from you. It is also advisable to hire reputed electricians like ADC Electric who provide quality service and safety to electrical systems in residential properties.
3. Get a new roof
A new roof can make a huge difference in your energy savings. Best of all? Energy-efficient roofing helps you save money in both the colder and warmer months. Many new types of roofing are “cool roofs” which reflect more of the sun’s rays instead of allowing solar heat to permeate into the home. This means that you don’t have to run the AC as low or as often. In the winter, a new roof helps prevent warm air from escaping.
Plus, in many areas, you might be eligible for a government tax incentive for replacing an old roof with an energy-efficient version.
4. Seal drafts around windows, doors, and other areas of your home
One of the best methods for determining what areas of your home can be more energy-efficient is by conducting a DIY energy audit. To do an energy audit, light an incense stick and watch to see if smoke is pulled to cracks in the windows or under the doors. You can also sometimes feel drafts by simply putting your palm up around the edges of windows and doors. Once you find drafty areas, it’s important to seal up those holes with weather stripping or caulking.
Fixing air leaks will benefit you both in the summer and the winter because it helps keep your HVAC system from working overtime.
5. Invest in a smart thermostat
A smart thermostat is a prudent investment, especially if you regularly forget to turn off the A/C or heat when you leave for work or errands. That wasted energy can add up to a big utility bill at the end of the month. A smart thermostat regulates the temperature and automatically programs a specific range to keep you comfortable but turns off in unoccupied rooms.
6. Schedule regular maintenance
Routine maintenance is essential to promote the longevity of your HVAC system and to ensure that your home isn’t wasting energy. Make sure to replace filters at least once a month and keep tabs on how old your HVAC system is, most systems need to be replaced every 15-20 years.
Takeaways
There are a variety of reasons as to why it’s in your best interest to find ways to make your home greener. Not only do green upgrades ultimately save you money, they also help the planet during a time when a climate emergency is threatening our very existence. If you want to see a smaller utility bill and live a more eco-friendly life, utilize some of the tips mentioned in this article. You’ll save money and help save earth, too. However, if you can’t pay your bills with savings, consider getting a loan. KashPilot does not consider your credit history when granting loans.
Since catapulting to the frontlines of news headlines and global consciousness, climate change is one of the most talked about and concerning topics of the modern age. Fortunately with this shift in cognition, manufacturers all across the globe have banded together to create green products in hopes of a more eco-friendly future. It’s these very products that can transform any business from a wasteful guzzler to a green success. With this guide, we’ll walk you through how you can incorporate sustainability into your daily business practice.
1. LED bulbs
Switch out the incandescent light bulbs with CFL or LED bulbs for a longer-lasting and more energy-efficient brilliance. Compact-fluorescent (CFL) and LED light bulbs tend to carry higher price tags than the average fluorescent bulb, however they offer a far more attractive projected lifespan than typical fluorescent bulbs which tend to offer 1,200 hours of light.
LED bulbs, on average, cost around $5 and offer 25,000 hours of light, while CFL light bulbs cost about $2 and offer 10,000 hours of projected lifespan. Not only are CFL and LED lights more practical from a sustainability standpoint, but they will also save you thousands on your business’s electric bill.
2. Biodegradable Kitchen Supplies
Using biodegradable kitchen supplies to save on plastic waste. Unless your office is the type of place where employees keep personal dishes in the kitchen cupboard, you will likely need to keep a stash of utensils, cups, and plates on deck for any catered lunches or work parties.
Instead of giving into the cheap prices of eco-unfriendly plastic ware, invest in biodegradable kitchen packaging for a greener feast. With fewer resource requirements, these biodegradable forks, spoons, and knives will leave your business with a reduced carbon footprint.
3. Ink cartridge recycling
Recycling ink cartridges is a great practice to put in place for businesses equipped with a number of printers. Believe it or not, the vast majority of discarded ink cartridges end up in harmful, toxic landfills that eventually end up in our oceans. Ink cartridge recycling is the most eco-friendly solution to this preventable problem. There are a number of simple ways to take those empty cartridges off your hands and into the hands of a trusted recycler:
Find a local office supply store: Did you know most office supply stores offer recycle programs? Check online or call in to see if they accept ink cartridges.
Consider refilling original cartridges: Do a bit of research on the brand of your empty ink cartridge. You may find that they are able to refill your cartridge and you won’t ever have to worry about tossing them!
4. Opening windows
Opening up windows is an easy solution to a stuffy, warm office. When people are packed like sardines into their tiny cubicles, the air can quickly become stale and stifling. Instead of wasting money and energy on air conditioning, open a few windows to let fresh air flow in.
Air conditioners put hydrofluorocarbons, a type of greenhouse gas emission, into the environment—so while you may feel refreshed, the earth is further harmed. Reduce your business’ contribution by saving the AC for the more-unbearable summer days.
5. Adopt renewable energy
Invest in renewable energy sources for a long-term, energy-efficient, and eco-friendly power solution. Every year, we see more and more solar panels sitting atop rooftops, which means the time to invest in solar panels is now. By converting sunlight into a sustainable power source, solar panels are the greenest source of energy on the planet today. Solar energy can be used heat buildings and provide energy to power lights on.
6. Make use of post-consumer waste
Turning to post-consumer waste (PCW) to escape the cycle of high-volume paper waste is an exceptional solution for any company that uses a lot of paper. PCW paper is paper re-made at recycling facilities. According to the Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator, PCW paper saves on
5,610 gallons of water
5,000,000 BTU of energy
376 pounds of solid waste
1,035 pounds of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions
Bottom Line
In 2021, there are no more excuses for why a business is stuck in the past. The future can be a bright one if we all put our best foot forward and make the effort to make our spaces greener!
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