Tips for Green Homes & the Environment

Some houses are designed from the beginning to be green.  Their construction materials, their energy sources, their water supplies and even their waste disposal systems are all planned with the good of the environment (and the people who live in them).  Some things that are put into houses from the beginning that would see them being considered “green homes” include:

• Recycled materials used in construction (e.g. items salvaged from demolition sites);
• Passive solar heating/cooling to avoid the use of electrically powered air-con or heating systems;
• Renewable materials used in construction, such as rammed earth or straw bales;
• Suitable timbers used that don’t need treatment to be insect and rot-proof;
• Alternative energy sources, such as wind or solar generators
• Greywater recycling systems, where water from the bath, the washing machine and the kitchen sink is used for irrigation.
• Composting toilets.
• Rainwater tanks
• Low-toxicity paints
• Solar water heating systems

The ultimate in “green homes” would have to be the earthship, which is completely self-contained with regards to electricity, waste and water – some even use solar incinerators for getting rid of toilet waste, and cook food on solar ovens.

But any home can become a green home.  No matter where you live or what your existing home is like, you can do something to live a little greener and reduce your household energy consumption and waste production:

• Start a compost heap – all your organic rubbish (including paper, wood ash, kitty litter and old rags from 100% natural fibres) can go in this.  Some things take longer to rot down than others.
• Grow your own vegetables (using your own compost).  They taste better and often have less chemicals on them.  They’re fresher, too, and don’t require any energy (apart from muscle power) to get from the “field” to your kitchen.
• Treat the “regular” rubbish disposal system as a last resort.  Reuse and recycle all you can.
• Put a brick in your toilet tank to reduce water use.  Also turn that tap off when you brush your teeth!
• Washing laundry using the cold cycle for full loads only reduces your water use and energy consumption.
• If you pull the curtains during the day and then turn the lights on, you are crazy.  Sunlight is free!
• Don’t use the dryer for drying clothes.  Drying racks and washing lines work perfectly well and they require no electricity.  Drying racks can be placed inside, so they even work on rainy days.
• Walk and bike everywhere you can. This burns calories rather than fossil fuels – good for you AND the planet at the same time.