Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Going Green on Wednesday: Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

Do you know that the United States produces 20% of the world's carbon gases? Do you know that 60% of those gases come from your home?

So what can you do that's easy, fast, and affordable that will make a direct impact? There are several things. Read on.

1. Use more and better insulation. This has an immediate and huge effect for very little cost.

2. Use appliances with Energy Star ratings. These appliances have cycles that use less energy for the same effect.

3. Use recyclable materials when you remodel or build your home. Whether lumber from scrap yards, or recycled tiles, you've got a myriad of choices and price points from which to choose.

4. Use local materials. Sure: you might like an organic product from Asia, but have you considered the shipping energy needed to get it to the U.S.A.???

It's not difficult to go green; it just takes a little forethought and effort.

St. Andrews from the Cathedral