Meghan Belnap

Recycling is an important part of our society. It not only helps to reduce the amount of material that goes into landfills, but it also saves energy and natural resources. Did you know that many people don't realize their recycling bin can hold more than just paper products? Here are 5 materials you may not have known could be recycled. Motor Oil Annually, Americans use an estimated 270 million gallons of motor oil. Many people don't realize that used oil can be turned into other products such as machine lubricants and asphalt pavement. When your oil is about to be changed, don't throw it away. Many service stations and repair shops will recycle motor oil for you. Construction Wood Another material that can be recycled is construction wood. Wood that has been used to build homes and other structures could end up in a landfill if not reused or repurposed. Instead of throwing away old planks, beams, posts, and boards consider donating them for reuse by another company or individual who may have the need for it elsewhere on their job site. Construction wood is also recycled to make new wood products by using the wood fibers to make various products such as new lumber, particleboard, and even toothpicks. Copper Copper recycling is a great way to reuse and keep it out of landfills. According to the EPA, recycling just one ton of copper can conserve 37,000 gallons of water and more than three cubic yards of landfill space—a reduction equivalent to two midsize sedans! Copper has many uses such as wiring for homes and buildings which is why it is important to recycle rather than throw it away. When copper recycling, make sure you are only donating the bare metal since other items like paint will contaminate the process and reduce its efficiency. Fluorescent Light Bulbs Fluorescent light bulbs have a small amount of mercury inside the tube which is why it is important to dispose of them properly. You can dispose of these types of bulbs at your local recycling center. Fluorescent light bulbs are recycled by breaking them down into other products such as new fluorescent light bulbs and glass tile. It is important to not break the bulb while attempting to recycle it since this will release mercury, a toxic metal that should be handled by professionals only. Wine Corks Wine corks can be recycled and turned into many different items such as pencil erasers, garden supplies, and even fishing lures. Wine corks are made out of compressed cork wood which makes them durable, long-lasting, and able to withstand the weight of an open bottle. Businesses are beginning to see how useful wine corks actually are which is why many wineries and restaurants have begun donating, selling or even giving away their leftover wine corks. This has resulted in a large collection of recycled materials that may otherwise end up in landfills. If you have a large number of wine corks at home, don't throw them away. Instead, donate them to your local recycling center so they can be reused in another way. Conclusion In conclusion, there are many materials that can be recycled such as motor oil, construction wood, copper wiring, and even fluorescent light bulbs. If you're unsure of whether or not something is recyclable, all you have to do is ask around to see where it should go.

There are plenty of reasons why humans travel from one place to the other. When you travel, you get exposed to different places of the world and diverse cultures. While it is a nice and fun experience enjoyed by many, it has been realized that some modes of transportation have negative impacts on the climate and the environment at large. Whether you are using a car, train, ship, or plane, your movements will generate toxic gases and wastes that can be harmful to the environment. However, if you want to remain environmentally conscious as you travel, there are things you can do to reduce your environmental impact. Use Eco-Friendly Means of Transport One important and modern way of reducing environmental impacts when traveling is using eco-friendly modes of transportation. With the advancement of technology in the transportation sector, you can now use electric cars and trains, which emit fewer greenhouse gases to the environment. A better example is solar-powered vehicles which have proven to preserve the environment, unlike fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Use Public Transport Instead of hiring a private car or plane, you can consider using public means of transport such as trains, subways, or buses. Public transportation helps minimize the pressure on your environment. Since they carry lots of people at once, they reduce the carbon emissions that would otherwise be emitted to the environment by many private vehicles. Some trains, such as those at Old West Trains or the cat-themed trains in Japan, can even be a part of your experience as a tourist. Take Direct Routes While it may seem simple, taking direct flights can help reduce your environmental impact.. More often, planes release lots of carbon when taking off and when landing. Therefore, if you want to reach your destination while impacting the environment as little as you can, it’s advisable to search for nonstop flights rather than ones with several connections and stops. Carry Waste-Free Tools Waste disposal is another major concern when you want to remain environmentally conscious during your travel. Regardless of the means of transport you choose, you will always generate some waste along the way. In order to reduce their impact on the environment, you need to carry with you waste-free tools. Preferably, you need to carry reusable or biodegradable items. For instance, carry reusable shopping bags, reusable water bottles, reusable utensils, biodegradable wipes, or quick-drying towels, to name a few. Pack Lightly Other than carrying reusable personal items, you need also to ensure your luggage is as light as possible. By this, ensure everything you carry in your backpack carries only the light and necessary items. The principle behind this is that heavy luggage requires more energy and fuel to carry. If you are to travel over a long distance, you will definitely burn more fuel and produce more emissions to reach your destination. Final Thoughts As much as traveling can be necessary and fun, the main interest should be safeguarding the environment and its resources. If you are enthusiastic about traveling, always ensure that you engage in activities that are safe and pose less impact on the environment. These include using eco-friendly means of transportation, public transportation, and direct routes, among other factors mentioned above.

One of the most common requests being heard by real estate agents from across the nation for homes that use energy-efficient materials. Roofing, especially, is a long-term investment and has a large effect on the overall efficiency of your home’s HVAC system. Younger home buyers entering the market tend to be even more environmentally conscious than their predecessors, and they understand the importance of energy efficiency for the sake of the environment as well as your utility bills. Therefore, if you're in the market for a new home or simply looking at replacing your current roof, here are some of the best roof materials that you can use to increase energy efficiency. Metal Roofing Many homeowners are often surprised to find out that metal is actually one of the best materials to help the home become that much more energy efficient. The biggest reason for this is that the metal material, although it may seem hot to the touch, actively reflects the sun's rays away from your home, thus providing you with a much more comfortable interior. In fact, metal is also a very durable material that can last up to 50 years, thus reducing the need for roof repair or replacement for several decades. Metal roof replacements are definitely a great investment if you are looking for a long-term solution. Asphalt Shingles When thinking about asphalt roofing, you probably have traditional asphalt shingles in mind. However, many modern shingle manufacturers are creating quality shingles that you can afford on a lower budget. Although they have a relatively shorter lifespan of 25-30 years, they can be a great option for young families and those looking to sell their home in the near future. These types of shingles also do a great job of insulating your roof and preventing that summer heat from entering your home. Tile Roofing If you have ever looked at a tiled roof, one of the first things you will notice are all the gaps between each one of them. These gaps are exactly why going with tile roofing can make your home that much more energy-efficient. This is because, unlike a traditional flat roofing that attempts to reflect or absorb the sun's heat, tile simply allows airflow to move throughout the area and guide the hot air away from your home. As a bonus, tile roofing material can be found in a wide range of colors and styles, thus making it much easier to fit them into your home's current aesthetics. Classic clay tiles go especially well with a southwestern design style, and more cool-toned tiles can be great for a modern design. As demonstrated above, there are plenty of roofing materials that do a great job at keeping your home feeling comfortable as well as reducing your monthly energy bills. This will give you peace of mind knowing that you are doing your part to minimize the energy usage of your home in order to create a more sustainable society. Additionally, each of these roofing types compliment a variety of styles, so you can find the exact look that you’re going for when designing your home’s exterior and optimizing its curb appeal. To learn more about your options, make sure to get in touch with an experienced roofing company in your area.

Did you know that nearly 300 million tons of plastic waste are produced every year? Unlike other types of waste, such as paper, cardboard, and discarded food, plastic doesn't decompose and stays in the environment forever. You know that recycling plastic is a good thing, but what happens to your old water bottles and margarine containers after you place them in the bin? Here are four common uses for recycled plastics. Bottles, Containers, and Packaging One of the most common uses for recycled packaging is making more packaging. However, recycling plastic isn't as simple as washing and reusing it or turning it back into the type of container it was before. Because plastic degrades every time it's recycled, that water bottle you threw out must be turned into a lower quality plastic for its next life. This also means that plastic has a limited number of times it can be recycled. Clothing and Apparel Would you wear a shirt made of saran wrap or a pair of jeans created from old bottles? Turning trash into clothing is more fashionable than you might think. Discarded plastic can be turned into a strong and durable yarn for weaving textiles. This yarn is used to make t-shirts, pants, bags, furniture and more. Companies like those at BionicYarn.com harvest plastics from the ocean and beaches to make into these special textiles. Shoes and Footwear Recycled plastic fashion doesn't stop at your feet. From stylish dress shoes and pumps to sneakers that can take on any basketball court, recycled plastic is a great material for making shoes and footwear. If you love the look of leather but want to avoid animal products, vegan leather created from recycled plastic is a beautiful and environmentally-friendly alternative. Outdoor Decking Where do plastic shopping bags go after you return them to the store? Many of them get turned into attractive, low-maintenance planks for outdoor decks and patios. Reclaimed wood is mixed with recycled plastic to create sustainable decking that stands up to the elements and doesn't require frequent staining and sealing like hardwood decking. Although there are many useful ways to recycle plastics, remember that reducing your consumption of single-use plastics is also important. Because plastics can only be recycled so many times, they can still end up in a landfill, or worse, in the environment at the end of their useful lifespan. Look for package-free or sustainably packaged items, and always bring your own reusable shopping bag to the store.

If you have recently decided to install solar panels, then you need to start thinking about some ways that you can make the most out of that technology. Even though modern solar panels require very little maintenance, quite a bit can be done to improve their efficiency and prevent unnecessary damage. Here is a look at a few tips and tricks that will take your solar energy system to the next level. Feed Less Energy Back Into the Grid Using the energy as it is being produced is going to reduce waste and lower your overall bills. That is why many experts suggest using high-consumption devices during the middle of the day. That includes your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. You should also consider upgrading to an electric water heater to further improve the efficiency of your home and reduce your monthly expenses. Install a Backup Battery In addition to being more affordable than ever, residential lithium batteries are also exceedingly efficient. With a high-quality battery system, you might be able to use almost 100 percent of the energy that your solar panels produce. If your local power company increases the cost of electricity during certain hours of the day, then you can simply switch over to the battery during those hours and save some money. Installing a backup battery is a relatively simple project, and an experienced contractor should be able to finish the job in a single day. Maintain the Panels Themselves As a general rule, you should carefully inspect all of your solar panels at least two or three times a week. You want to be absolutely sure that the panels aren’t caked in mud, covered in leaves, or under thick branches. Depending on where you live, you might need to clean the panels once or twice a month as well. Most dirty panels can easily be cleaned with a hose, but you might need to use a sponge and some warm water with a little bit of soap in it if there is quite a bit of grime. Upgrade Your Roof Before your panels are installed, you should consider contacting a company such as Landmark Roofing to upgrade your roof. A roofing company can replace your old tiles with metal sheets and improve the angle of the roof itself. In most locations, solar panels work best when the roof is between 30 and 45 degrees. Panels that are perfectly flat will be exposed to sunlight for longer stretches of time, but the energy production is going to be much lower. Once your panels have been installed, you need to keep a close eye on your energy consumption each and every day. Sudden changes to your input or output could be the result of a serious issue that needs to be addressed.

Most people today would agree that the world and environment is in far worse shape that it was even just 50 years ago. While increased emissions, growing mounds of garbage, and other factors are impacting the world, this trend can be reversed if all people work together. There are several ways in particular that you can help to mend environmental damage. Be More Environmentally Friendly If you are trying to find ways to help mend the environmental problems of the past, one of the best things that you could do would be to be more environmentally friendly with your choices. Today, there are many great things that you can do including being sure that you recycle, trying to reduce the amount of time that you drive, trying to use renewable sources of energy, and looking for ways to help clean up the Earth. Encourage Others One of the best ways that anyone can leave the world in a better place is to encourage other people to be more conscious and friendly towards the environment. While you can do all that you can to recycle and make good decisions, being able to make others make good choices can go even further. You should try to motivate and encourage other people to make good decisions and find ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Recycle Materials If you are trying to improve the environment, another great thing to do would be to recycle as many materials as possible. Today, most people will take the small step of recycling their goods when it is available and convenient. However, there is often far more that you can easily do. For example, if you have an old car, you could sell it to a scrap metal company that will then be able to use the metal again. Collect Rainwater One of the largest growing environmental concerns today is the water supply across the world. While some areas are very rich in water, others are lacking it considerably. One way that you can reduce your public water usage is by collecting your own rainwater. If you have a well or other storage system, you could collect water that could then be used for some services including gardening. Ultimately, when you are trying to improve the environment, the little changes that you make do add up quickly over time. If you are able to find even a few small changes, it could lead to a big improvement for the environment.

Though there is a continuing argument surrounding global warning, many people understand that it is a very real issue. As a result, they’re doing what they can to save the environment. Even though you might not feel like what you can do matters in the grand scheme of things, it really does. Consider these four ways you can change your home habits for the sake of the environment. Purify the Air According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air pollution is one of the main environmental dangers in the world. This is why air purification is so important. You can take small steps towards purifying the air within your home. Start by purchasing a few plants. Develop a green thumb, and place plants in every thousand square feet of the home as plants are natural air purifiers. Open the windows of your home each day for 15 minutes at a time. This allows air to circulate throughout the entire home. It’s also a great idea to purchase an air purifier. Use Homemade or Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products You can easily switch all of your current cleaning products for each eco-friendly products. Sure, there might be a cost difference. However, your health and the environment are worth it. If you’re not ready to make that jump and purchase higher-priced cleaning products, you can make them yourself. Lemons, baking soda and other natural ingredients are excellent for cleaning different household items. In fact, many of these natural ingredients are more effective than the ones with tons of toxins in them. Go Paperless It’s safe to say that most billing companies will allow you the option to go paperless. Utilize that option. Get rid of junk mail, bills and other papers that pile up in your home. With the usage of your smartphones, tablets and laptops, you really don’t need to use paper. Plus, too many trees get cut down to provide the paper that’ll be used and thrown away within days. Consider How You’re Dumping When it’s time to relocate, it’s customary for most people to do garage sales to get rid of as many items as possible. It’s a time of decluttering. When you’re doing spring cleaning haul in your home, it’s also easy to dump things arbitrarily. However, it might be better to utilize the services of a company that can pick up whatever you’re getting rid of. Instead of dumping everything in the garbage, companies that make skip bins will pick up the waste and discard it in an eco-friendly fashion. As you can see, it’s pretty easy to get started with changing your home habits for the sake of the environment. As you remain committed to the process, it’ll eventually feel like second nature. Plus, you’ll be helping Mother Nature as well.

If you love to entertain, you may regularly bring family and friends together inside your home for smaller gatherings and larger parties. While your home’s interior may be well-suited for entertaining, it makes sense to enlarge your gathering areas to include your backyard. However, before you plan your first backyard party, you need to create a space that is well-suited for entertaining. These are essential tips that you should follow to create a truly practical space for get-togethers. Install Upgraded Cooking Features Serving your guests meals and snacks is almost a necessity at most gatherings. While you could cook inside and serve the food to your guests in the backyard, grilling out is a preferred option in many cases. Installing a large grill as a permanent feature in an outdoor kitchen or cooking area can give you an impressive and functional cook area. Remember to choose between charcoal, gas and electric grills carefully so that you can maximize the benefit of your new grill. Choose Comfortable Seating At a very large gathering, some of your guests may expect to stand around and mingle from time to time, but they may enjoy sitting down periodically as well. With smaller gatherings, it may be awkward if only a few guests were forced to stand up because of limited seating. Purchase enough chairs, loungers and other seating features to accommodate your needs for most events, and ensure that these outdoor furnishings are comfortable. While you need ample seating, remember that there should be enough space to accommodate the flow of traffic. Focus on Climate Control To make the most out of your outdoor entertaining area, you need to make the space as comfortable as possible in most weather conditions. For example, install an awning or shade over the primary patio area. Place heating lamps and fans strategically to further control the climate. If you live in an area that is prone to high winds, a wind-blocking shade may be advantageous as well. Add Fun Elements A yard well-suited for entertaining would not be complete without several fun elements. These elements may include a sound system, a large mounted outdoor television, a pool or hot tub, a fire pit, cornhole and other features. Focus on fun elements that your regular guests may enjoy. Remember Lighting Many outdoor gatherings may easily carry over into the evening hours. Most patios have a basic patio light that only partially illuminates the area. It may be more practical to install overhead lighting as well as perimeter lighting. Keep in mind that multiple lighting elements may be used for functionality and to control the ambiance. Some homeowners will complete a major yard renovation, and others will gradually improve their space over time. Regardless of the approach that you take, incorporate these elements into your backyard design plan.

Living in an area where the climate is especially dry throughout the summer can be a challenging ordeal. You’re at greater risk of becoming severely dehydrated or suffering from heatstroke if your local weather is exceedingly hot and dry for long periods, so you’ll want to do everything you can to protect yourself. Here are some of the best ways to survive the summer months while living in a dry climate. Plant Some Trees Certain types of trees are known to tolerate the heat well and can provide more natural shade for your home. This natural shade can keep the inside of your home cooler and help you reduce air conditioner usage. Hotgardens.net recommends olive trees because they often require low water usage. Chitalpa is a hybrid of the desert willow tree that also provides ample shade. Other options include the Chinese elm, California pepper tree, and Palo Alto plant. Use the Right Bedsheets If you have sheets made from flannel or other materials that can make you overheat while trying to sleep, you should switch them out in the summer for sheets with more breathable materials. Cotton is an excellent choice for its natural cooling effect. Changing your sheets often is an additional way to help your bed feel cooler and less stale. You can also avoid getting too hot while in bed by sleeping on a buckwheat pillow that naturally traps in pockets of cooling air. Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected You’ll obviously want to have your air conditioner repaired if it isn’t working, but your unit may still not be performing up to standard without you realizing. Your system might not be blowing out as much air as it should. The air temperature from your system could also be too warm because of an unknown mechanical failure. A professional from an air conditioning repair service can inspect your unit and perform any needed repairs. Cook More Often Outdoors On days when the outdoor temperatures aren’t unbearably hot, you should consider cooking your meals outdoors to keep the inside of your home as cool as possible. An outdoor barbeque grill can be used to prepare chicken, steak, and grilled vegetables. If you don’t already have an outdoor kitchen, you may want to invest in a unit that includes an oven and a rotisserie grill. Staying cool in a hot and dry environment can be done with a little extra effort. By warding off the excessive heat, you’ll have a better chance of surviving the summer with less difficulty.

If you want to do your part to help the environment, there are some positive changes that you can make in your life. Living an eco-friendlier lifestyle isn’t hard to do, and you can improve your life and benefit the planet in many ways by taking the right steps. Here are a few great ways to become a more eco-friendly individual. Grow Your Own Food Some of the fruits and vegetables that you eat can be grown at home. Growing your own food items cuts down on the fuel and other resources that are needed to cultivate mass amounts of produce that are often transported long distances to grocery stores. Tomatoes, carrots, and strawberries are just some of the food items that can be grown in a home garden. You can also use containers to grow beans and peppers indoors. Buy a New Vehicle Many of today’s vehicles are manufactured to be fuel-efficient and emit fewer pollutants into the air. Certain vehicles also run on electric or other alternative fuel sources that are far less hazardous for the planet. A hybrid vehicle, which uses two or more types of power to make it run, is another great choice. You can buy a new car from a dealer that sells cars for sale some of the most environmentally friendly vehicles on the market. Limit Resource Use There are many ways to cut down on using resources like water, electricity, and gas. Simply turning off lights in rooms in your home that you’re not currently occupying is a great way to conserve energy. You can also install water-saving faucets in your home or install attachments on your faucets that reduce water use. Replacing your old gas-powered appliances with modern a-rated energy-saving models can also help you conserve energy. Turn Trash into Compost You may be surprised to learn that much of your household waste can be turned into compost with a compost bin and used in your soil to help your vegetation grow. According to Conserve Energy Future, this compost provides a nutrient-rich food source that allows plants, grass and other forms of vegetation to grow healthier. Composting household waste can also reduce the amount of trash that ends up in landfills. Some of the items that can easily be converted into compost include food scraps, used napkins, and shredded paper documents. Doing your part to preserve the planet is possible if you’re willing to modify certain aspects of your life. You’ll likely notice a big difference and feel more encouraged to maintain a greener lifestyle after you’ve made these changes.

Transforming your home into a green home is a lofty and admirable goal. By achieving this goal, you may decrease your carbon footprint on a regular basis, and you may save a tremendous amount of money on energy costs. The good news is that this goal is attainable, and you can walk through these tips at your own pace to gradually improve your home’s impact on the environment. Upgrade Your Appliances It makes sense to use your outdated appliances for as long as possible. After all, there is some waste associated with making an upgrade before it is necessary. All of your appliances, however, may drain energy unnecessarily. Older appliances may consume much more energy than newer appliances. Now is a great time to assess the condition of your appliances and to explore replacement options. Remember that you can always donate functional appliances to keep them out of a landfill. Use Recycled Materials during a Renovation When you renovate your home, you understandably will generate a considerable amount of waste. Some of this waste must be tossed out, and using skip bins is a convenient way to contain and remove the waste. Some materials, however, may be recycled on-site or donated to others for their own projects. Always look for ways to reuse materials before tossing them in a waste bin. Update Windows and Doors If your home’s windows and doors are older, there is a good chance that they are not as energy efficient as they could be. Replacing windows and doors with features that offer more insulation may help you to conserve a tremendous amount of energy. If you determine that now is not the time to update your home in this way, consider resealing the doors and windows annually. Add More Insulation Insulation in your walls and ceiling will not last forever. It can deteriorate with age, or it may be damaged by pests. Fiberglass insulation can also sink down into the walls so that it does not offer full protection. From time to time, you may need to replace insulation or supplement existing insulation. Choose Green Energy In many areas, homeowners can choose which provider they want to use for energy. They may also be able to choose the exact type of energy that they want to use, such as pure solar energy or half solar energy and half wind energy. If this is not an option for you, you can install solar panels or wind energy features on your property. You can see that it may cost you a small fortune to make your home as environmentally-friendly as possible. Remember that you can progress through these steps at your own pace as time and funds allow.

Taking care of the environment is something that all people are responsible for. For many people, one of the best things that they could do would be to start being more environmentally friendly at home. There are several things, in particular, the average homeowner could do to be more environmentally friendly at their home and help to improve the environment as a whole. Conscious of Waste Removal One of the most effective things that someone could do to be more environmentally friendly is to be conscious of their waste removal. Many people try to recycle on a regular basis but still have a lot of room for improvement. Through the use of skip bins, recycling bins, and other products, most people could find ways to improve their recycling habits. Home Automation One great upgrade that you could make would be to invest in a home automation system. When you have a home automation system in your home, there are many different controls that can help to make you more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. Home automation systems frequently include smart thermostats that are designed to help predict your patterns and reduce energy bills. Furthermore, they can be used to turn off lights in rooms that are not used, which will also help to reduce energy usage. Avoid Plastic The amount of plastic used in the world today is very concerning as it is taking up landfill space at an alarming rate. For you to do your part at home, you should try to avoid plastic as much as possible. By switching to paper or canvas as much as possible, you can do a little to help the environment. Water Usage One of the biggest concerns that the world is facing today is an overall water shortage. Today, you may live in an area that has access to clean water. However, there are many places around the world that do not have access to clean water on a daily basis. Because of this, you need to be conscious about how much water you are using to ensure your local water supply remains high and to also find ways to give more water back to areas where it is in need. Overall, there are many different things that people could do to be more environmentally friendly in their home. In general, it is important to find ways to be better for the environment that also works with your lifestyle. This will help to keep you motivated and focused on doing right by the environment.

Restaurants are not well-known for being environmentally-friendly. Through the process of running an active establishment, producing huge amounts of food and meeting customers’ needs, a tremendous amount of energy and water waste can occur. In addition, excessive physical waste may be generated, and this often winds up in a landfill. If you are preparing to start a new restaurant business, these tips may help you to create a green venue. Use Green Recycling Bins Trash from a restaurant is derived from two primary sources. These include waste in the kitchen from food containers and waste in the main dining area from your customers. A smart idea is to invest in a green recycling bin such as skips and to require your staff members to use it appropriately. While you cannot force customers to use it, you may be thrilled to see how many people will participate in recycling when they are given the opportunity to do so. Minimize the Use of Disposable Items Another idea is to reduce the use of disposable items altogether. For example, if your restaurant currently uses disposable plates and utensils, exchange these for reusable items. You may have to pay your staff to clean the reusable items, but this may be more cost-effective overall. Use Recyclable Disposable Items If you must use disposable packaging utensils, such as for take-home orders, choose items that are made out of recycled materials. Ensure that these items can be recycled. Using a non-recyclable material, such as Styrofoam, ensures that your customers cannot make a green choice with regards to the disposal of the items. Install Low-Flow Faucets Water waste is another cause for concern in a restaurant. The same amount of water may be needed to fill your customers’ glasses and to prepare certain dishes. However, water used for cleaning and in the bathrooms may be reduced with the installation of low-flow faucets and toilets. Invest in Energy-Saving Appliances Another area to focus your attention on is energy waste. There are many general energy-saving tips to follow, such as to ensure that doors and windows are sealed properly. In addition, purchase energy-saving appliances. Commercial-grade appliances can consume a large amount of energy, and saving even a moderate amount of this energy can have a beneficial impact on the environment. You can see that there are numerous areas in typical restaurant operation that can be detrimental to the environment. Now that you are aware of these negative impacts, you can take thoughtful steps to improve the situation. It may be easier to plan to be green from day one of your operations than to make green improvements after your restaurant is up and running.

Owning your own home comes with plenty of responsibilities, not the least of which is ensuring that your home has as small of an impact on the environment as possible. This sounds great in principle, however, in practice, this can be a difficult goal to achieve. Here are a few tips to beginning a “green” lifestyle while still maintaining the lifestyle you currently enjoy. Upgrade Your Home on Time Your appliances and HVAC system use the majority of energy in your home. That’s why it’s so important to replace them using energy-efficient models when the old units break down. That’s the key, though. You need to wait until the old units are no longer operable before replacing them with new models. Sure, new models are likely to use less energy, however, the energy required to produce the new model and dispose of the old one will far outweigh any energy savings you gain through early replacement. Recycle It All Recycling is, of course, a great way to ensure that the materials you don’t need anymore do not fill up the landfill. What’s crucial with recycling, however, is to truly consider how to recycle all that you can, not just those materials that are “easy,” such as cardboard, glass, and aluminum. One category that can be more difficult is electronics. Since they contain so many precious metals as well as harmful materials, proper electronics recycling is absolutely crucial. Utilize a company such as Ranch Town Recycling Center Inc. that is trusted and works to keep all waste produced in the United States instead of shipping it off to contaminate another country. A Note about Pets Pets, for people of any age, can be wonderful to release stress, build responsibility, and provide many years of enjoyment. If you’re seeking to live “green,” however, the environmental cost of owning a pet must be considered. Whether it’s a dog whose food puts a big stress on food supplies and shipping resources or fish whose tank accessories are operating 24/7, pets can do more than their fair share of harm to the environment. Taking steps like buying locally-made dog food or utilizing a fish tank that can cycle itself without electricity are good ways to lessen the environmental impact of your pet while still retaining all the benefits of owning one. Turn off Those Lights Though we all know the importance of turning off lights when we leave a room, it’s a habit few of us actually practice. If you find yourself consistently unable to remember to flip the switch, consider investing in some automatic light switches that turn off after a period of inactivity in a room. These work especially great in areas that people don’t frequent, such as a bathroom or a basement, but where lights are still frequently left on. Reach out Though the impact of the steps you take in your own home is certainly important, the biggest change happens when others take notice of the changes you’re making and seek to make some changes themselves. Be open with those who ask and have the information handy to help them make changes in their own lives, as well. The cumulative effect of many people making changes will truly make a big impact on making the world a better place.

Trying to be as environmentally-friendly as possible is something that most homeowners want to do. Some are doing it because it ends up saving them money while others worry about the kind of effect they are having on this earth. The following are five tips for eco-conscious people moving into a new home. Good Appliances It is important that you replace some of the appliances in your home. You need to make sure you install eco-friendly appliances that will not drain your electricity or will not use so much water. You do not have to switch all your appliances at once, but start as soon as possible. Water Management Homes can waste a lot of water due to mismanagement. You can take steps to ensure your home manages water in a few ways; for example, you can install automatic sprinklers. These should be set to wet your grass at night or early in the morning to avoid heat, which evaporates water and ends up wasting it. It might also be a good idea to think about using drought-resistant plant life to reduce water use. Recycling Is Key Sometimes, it is overlooked but it is important that you contract rubbish collectors as soon as you move into your new home. The right company can ensure your home recycles early on by providing containers such as skip bins for your needs. The waste removal company should be able to tell you what happens to your trash and recyclables if you are wondering. Get Educated You need to take steps to learn about living eco-consciously. There are a few things that you can learn so that you can be more eco-friendly like composting some of your trash, which can be used to feed lawns or gardens. Taking steps to becoming knowledgeable in everything eco-friendly should make things easier for you. Consider an Inspection It is important that you have your home inspected as often as possible. You probably already went through an inspection before purchasing your new home but that does not mean there haven’t been any changes. What you want to pay attention to are leaks, which could be wasting water or cracks or window seal issues. These problems could make it harder for your AC to work, which ends up using more energy and that is not what you want. Hopefully, some of these tips make it easier for you to live as eco-conscious as you can. Be sure to talk to other eco-friendly homeowners to see if there are other steps you can take.