send an email
As a writer, educator, and parent, I'm all about the simple changes that you can make to live a gorgeous and green life.
Ring in the New Year By Going Green: Green New Year's Resolutions (4 comments)
Twitter
Facebook
Yahoo! Buzz
Digg
Stumbleupon
Change a bulb (or two). Switching to CFL light bulbs is one of the easiest ways to go green without changing the look of your home. Plus, since CFLs use 75% less energy than your traditional incandescent bulbs and last longer, you'll be saving money (another favorite New Year's resolution).
by Mitchell B. Kohn Lighting Design
Go low flow. In this one bathroom, you have five inexpensive opportunities to make a big difference. Just replace the showerheads with the low-flow variety (my favorite ones use aerators to make the flow feel just about as strong as the old-fashioned kind). Add aerators to the faucets ( only about $1 each at your local hardware store). And if you've got to replace an old toilet, consider a dual flush system.
by Nathan Kipnis Architects, Inc.
Choose Energy Star applicances. If you're going to buy a new appliance this year (and you probably should if they're more than 10 years old), make it Energy Star. Most utility companies offer rebates on Energy Star appliances, helping you to save green while going green.
by K & M Designs
You may not be ready to replace your paper napkins with cloth, but consider replacing your paper towels with cloth towels. Not only do they come in more designs to complement your kitchen decor, but you'll save money. If you currently use two rolls of paper towels per week, you'll save over $100 year by switching to cloth.
by HERMOGENO DESIGNS
Go native. When you landscape, consider using plants that are native to your area. Not only do they last longer (after all, they're perfect for your area's climate), but they use less water and require less maintenance. This Mexican Sage is thriving beautifully in this arid climate.
by Dan and Hila Israelevitz- Architects
Permeable is the new "green" of hardscape design. This attractive stone path makes an elegant walkway, while allowing water and air to flow into the soil.
by Dan and Hila Israelevitz- Architects
Cold is cool. It doesn't sound like much, but washing your clothes in cold water instead of hot gets them just as clean, and saves energy (the average family will save over $100 per year).
by c3d design
Kill those vampires! No, not the ones in Twilight. Vampire appliances are those that suck energy even when you're not using them. Just turn off your computer at night, and be sure to unplug your cell phone charger when you're not using it. Every little bit makes a difference!
by Feldman Architecture, Inc.
comments
emilyphillips says:
I agree- go green! Great ideabook!
kateskouros1 says:
i must disagree on the use of CFL bulbs. although many are being produced with different coloration and tones the light is disturbing. worst of all these can hardly be considered "green" since they contain mercury. if one should break you need to follow a very specific clean-up plan not to mention disposal of the bulbs after they burn out must be delivered to places that accept toxic waste. i replaced two of our outdoor fixtures with CFLs and i regret it every day. they take forever to reach full strength light and the color is an awful blue tone. i'm getting rid of them just as soon as i can figure out how.
fredtd says:
Yeah. Keep it simple. The wonderful thing about going green is that it almost always saves you money! So you don't have to be an environmentalist to do the right thing-you just have to want to save a few bucks. I can do that.
lk_meyers says:
Thanks for your comments! Your best bet for recycling CFLs (or to recycle anything at all) is to go to earth911.com, type in the item that you want to recycle, and your zip code. You'll get a list of all of the stores in your neighborhood where you can recycle that item. In my neighborhood, I found 12 places to recycle CFLs within 3 miles (including Home Depot and Ikea).
And about your outdoor CFLs fixtures, consider replacing them with new CFLs. Unfortunately, the older bulbs took too long to warm up and produced that cold fluorescent lighting. Fortunately, the newer bulbs are indistinguishable from your incandescents (other than that they'll save you money and last longer)!
And about your outdoor CFLs fixtures, consider replacing them with new CFLs. Unfortunately, the older bulbs took too long to warm up and produced that cold fluorescent lighting. Fortunately, the newer bulbs are indistinguishable from your incandescents (other than that they'll save you money and last longer)!
Browse over 30,000 home design photos and save the photos you like to your own ideabook!
email
rss
Browse over 30,000 home design photos and save the photos you like to your own ideabook!
"It's the Flickr of design idea sites"
"The best showcase of houses on the internet"
- Baltis Architects
Open Photo in New Window
Add to Ideabook
add to my ideabook