Taking green action around the home does not mean giving up home comforts, sometimes it means a better life. From DIY Eco Projects to simple lifestyle changes, you can may significant changes to your eco-impact and save money to boot. The dreadlocks are quite optional. Yes it does mean you need to do things a little differently but like most things, it soon become a new habit a the way you do things. Let's look at just a few small lifestyle changes that if nothing else are things that you should consider in any case.
Water supplies are becoming a real concern around the world and you can do your bit.
A cheap and easy DIY project in the bathroom - place your full flush toilet with a low-flow, this translates into significant water savings, as much as 70%. Dual-flush cisterns are also great because they control the amount of water being used. If you don't want to replace it, there are gadgets that fit in the cistern that can regulate the flush for just a few dollars. Check your water authority as some now offer rebates when water saving devises are used.
Walk into your kitchen and have a look in your fridge and cupboards. Look at what you buy and how it's packaged. Is there a similar product that comes with minimal packaging or in produced locally. With kids, you need nibbles and food on hand and it's easy to "overshop". One in four produce items that the average family brings into their homes ends up in the garbage, with a little "menu planning", you can save some shopping headaches on what to buy on shopping trips and cut back on over-buying. What you don't throw is money saved.
Consider Passive Cooling with trees. Research what shrubs and trees suite your local climate and soils and plant them to regulate the sun and winds that affect your home. Trees have a significant and beautifying role in greening your home. They break up cold winds in winter and provide cool breezes and shade in the summer. Deciduous trees shade windows in the summer while letting sunshine through in the winter.  Â
Be more aware of how you flick those switches and use household appliances. Many household appliances draw a surprising amout of "juice" over a year and really don't need to be left on standby. Turn off all the lights & fridge and go check your power meter - the damn thing is still spinning huh!Â
Up to 10% of residential electric charges are down to standby power. It sounds like small stuff but across your budget it adds up quickly. Power off the computer screen, stereo/s and TV/s are energy guzzlers and can be turned off. Your digital box does however need to stay on to keep its settings.
Consider a simple DIY Solar project, how can you put a few extra wats of electricity to work around the home. 1 watt of standby power equates to about $1/year in consumption. This may not seem like much, but when you have a number of them drawing about 5 watts, this can add up, a solar panel can supplement that.
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