At BelRed, we’re big fans of sustainability, especially when it comes to making your home a little greener. We have many products and service solutions that are centered around not only saving energy and conservation, but going green in general. Energy conservation and energy savings upgrades are a big part of our work, so we’re involved in green home discussions on a regular basis. Whether it’s policy, rebates and incentives or another green home topic, our knowledgeable staff is always on top of the latest and greatest when it comes to a low environmental impact around the home.
In this blog post series, we’ll share a few tips and tricks for making your home, and the way you live in it, as green as it can possibly be. Below is part 2 of the series. Enjoy!
- Make your landscaping eco-friendly. While we spoke about living walls and rooftop gardens in the previous post, implementing eco-friendly landscaping practices around your home in general can have a great impact on energy savings as well. Going along with the theme of saving water just discussed, collecting rainwater whenever possible to use in the garden or on other plants is a great energy savings and eco-friendly practice. Strategically installing trees and shrubs can also help shade your home and act as external insulation, reducing energy needs inside the home.
- Add plants to your home. Speaking of the power of plants, adding some greenery to the inside of your homeLiving walls and roof gardens, while around for many, many years, are making a comeback with the green wave. These plant coverings fight pollution by absorbing both noise and carbon dioxide alike. They can also add an additional layer of insulation to your home. This may be the most literal tip for “greening” your home, but it can be one of great benefit and provide added visual appeal in your home as well!
- Rely on natural light. While we discussed the impact the installation of CFL light bulbs can have on your overall energy consumption, nothing can beat turning off your lights completely and using natural light whenever possible. Make sure windows aren’t blocked so as much outside light can enter your home. If you’re in a position to install new windows (or are building a new home), place the windows strategically so you’ll maximize the amount of sunlight getting into the home.
- Upgrade your light bulbs. If you can’t rely on natural light all time time (which you can’t), This is a small and rather inexpensive change that can have a major impact. Replacing incandescent light bulbs with eco-friendly and high performing CFL bulbs can make a huge (and positive) dent in your monthly energy use and bill. This option is not only good for your wallet, it’s good for the environment.
For a personalized analysis and recommendations on how to go green around your home that are developed just for you, give us a call today. BelRed is happy to help you become more energy independent than you’ve ever been.
