Eco Friendly Homes
Steps towards an eco friendly home
There are many different options available to make your home more eco friendly and you may wish to consider using, some or all of the following ideas-
Energy Efficient Lighting
Changing your light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs through out the house as and when you can afford or they indeed need replacing is good practice for eco homes There are many different types available on the market and they will save you money in the long run by using less power and lasting longer. Remember also to switch them off when you do not need them!
Eco Homes use Energy Efficient Heating
Improve your homes ability to retain heat. Retaining heat cuts huge chunks off your fuel bill and is of course kinder to the planet as less energy is needed to power your home. There are simple steps you can start with which need not be expensive. These steps include filling draught gaps in around doors and windows using low cost insulating style strips available from your local DIY store.
Replacing old blinds or thin curtains with those made of thicker insulators also can make a big difference to heat retention. If you have a bigger budget then consider reviewing and updating the main insulators in your house including floor, wall, ceiling and loft areas. Eco homes can also have more expensive but worthwhile solutions installed, such as solar energy, double glazing and underfloor heating. Today it is now also possible to install a special underground water pipe system to utilise the earths own natural heat for use in your home.
Save Water
Taking fewer or no baths at all or trying to avoid power showers can go a long way to making eco homes today. Fixing leaks may sound obvious but a leaking tap can be a major loss of water. Dual flush toilets are also a great way of saving water by using less flushes when necessary. Fit aerators (to mix air with water) to wash basin / sink taps to help improve the water flow whilst cutting the actual consumption by up to 50 per cent.
Rainwater collection is one of the easiest ways you can save water, money, and energy. Eco homes often make collection possible using old dustbins, a water butt, or by puchasing and filling a large tank under your house. If you really up for it and depending on your location it may also be worthwhile considering becoming totally self sufficient using a dual pond system with natural plant root filtration.
Eco Homes – Save Electricity
For starters try not to use power hungry tumble driers, simple hanging clothes devices are better for your clothes and easy to install. There are many on the market that can be tucked away into the far corners of your least viewable ceiling area. When buying new goods always look for the recommended energy saving logo. This logo is now only given to appliances that are rated A+ or A++. The Energy Saving Trust has an online database of all the models that are made to this superior level of energy efficiency.
Use second hand furniture
There are many places where you can buy good quality second hand furniture which is often better constructed that many modern versions (and better looking!). Choosing this option for furniture reduces the energy used to create new products and also alleviates any concerns as to whether you are buying a product that has used materials from an unsustainable source.
Easy online places to get furniture from include www.ebay.com and www.freecycle.org (where you get items for free!).
Eco Homes – Decorating
Always use eco friendly natural paints and oil based products. These may cost you a bit more than the petroleum-based standard products but you won’t have to breathe in any bad chemicals and they don’t create toxic waste. Contact specialist suppliers for information such as www.ecospaints.co.uk
Cleaning
Always try to use natural, non-toxic detergents and toiletries. Many products today are over-produced and full of completely unnecessary additives which are hamful to the environment. Check out the ever growing range of alternatives in your local store using natural products such as lemon and vinegar.
Gardens
Eco homes use a compost bin for garden and food waste, which is a big help to the environment. If you have any outside space, get a compost bin to recycle all your uncooked vegetable and fruit wastage. Adding left over egg cartons and cardboard boxes to balance the nitrogen with the carbon and over time, you will have a great soil enhancer to use.
Other quick, simple and low cost effective ideas include
Use organic methods to grow plants to help preserve birds and wildlife
Try putting a filled plastic bottle in your toilet cistern (not so big that it makes you flush the toilet twice) to save on flushed water.
Turning your thermostat down just a degree or two saves both money and energy
Recycle all the glass, paper, metal and plastics that your council will take, check
www.recycle-pla.net for more information
Always carry your own bag when you are out shopping
Buy an LCD TV rather than a high energy using plasma screen
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Eco Friendly Homes | admin | 
April 9, 2010 3:06 pm
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By Napoleon Roloson, July 26, 2010 @ 3:03 am
I found your blog on Bing, I am very excited about this blog, I am also very excited about green construction tech., I will be checking on your blog very soon