AnitaGinsburg

Making your house more energy efficient is going to have a big impact on the environment and potentially save you quite a bit of money in the coming years. If you have decided that you would like to improve your home’s energy efficiency, then you might want to take a look at these simple electrical projects and upgrades. Install a Smart Thermostat Installing a smart thermostat is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to cut back on your energy bills. These devices can usually be installed in just a few minutes, and they often pay for themselves within months. With your smart thermostat, you will be able to adjust the temperature in your home and track energy consumption from anywhere in the world with a mobile app. The devices can also be programmed to turn off or adjust the temperature when your home is empty. Replaced Damaged Outlets Even though modern residential electrical systems are very durable, they can become damaged over the years. When outlets become damaged, they can cost a homeowner quite a bit of money if they continue to draw power 24/7. Replacing outlets isn’t a very complicated task, but that project should always be carried out by a certified electrician. Damaged outlets are very dangerous, and you could start a fire or electrocute yourself if you don’t have the proper tools and training. Add a Few Ceiling Fans If your house is going to be rewired, then adding a few extra ceiling fans is going to be very easy. Ceiling fans are incredibly efficient, and they use much less energy than an HVAC system. When ceiling fans are used strategically, they can lower the temperature inside your home by several degrees when the weather begins to heat up. During the coldest months of the year, you can also reverse your ceiling fans to better circulate the warm air. Consider Upgrading Your Appliances Appliances often require very specific outlets, and that is why it is a good idea to consider replacing them if you are already rewiring your home. High-efficiency appliances are more affordable than ever, and you might even receive tax rebates for replacing your older appliances. At the very least, you should think about replacing your refrigerator, washer, and dryer if those devices are more than 10 years old. Even if you feel comfortable with basic home maintenance, most electrical work should be done by experienced and certified contractors. Carrying out electrical work without a permit and license could result in huge fines and fees as well as safety hazards.

Unfortunately, the future of the planet is in question. Problems like pollution, global warming, and the destruction of natural ecosystems present serious threats to the environment. Staving off these threats and preserving the earth for future generations requires substantive action by businesses and individuals alike. One strategy for becoming greener is to choose more eco-friendly building materials. Below are a few materials that you may be surprised to learn are low-impact on the environment. Engineered Wood When you think of wood as a building material, you may assume that it is significantly wasteful. This is not necessarily the case for a form of wood known as engineered wood. This form of wood includes multiple layers. Some of these layers are composed of things like wood scraps that would have been disposed of otherwise. Reusing these wood scraps in engineered wood allows fewer trees to be cut down. You can use engineered wood for flooring, doors, and many other components of a building project. Structural Steel Something else that you may assume can't be eco-friendly is steel. However, this is not true when it comes to structural steel. Prefabricated steel helps to streamline the construction process. As such, a structural steel erection can be performed quicker, producing less waste and lowering the energy requirements for the work. Steel is, of course, very strong and can support more energy saving insulation in a building. It is also very durable, meaning it won’t need to be replaced any time soon. When it is time to replace the steel frame, steel is easy to recycle. Wool Insulation When you think of building materials, sheep probably don't come to mind. However, wool is now being used as a greener choice for insulation in buildings and homes. It actually produces stronger insulation than other choices and does a better job of dealing with moisture as well. Wool, of course, is also a sustainable resource. A sheep can always grow more of it. Fiber Cement Lastly, fiber cement can be a more eco-friendly choice for your building project. The production of fiber cement involves recycled materials and far less water than regular cement, making it a much more sustainable option. It's a great choice to use for siding for a home or other building. Fiber cement does not contain toxic materials like other siding choices such as vinyl. It will also be stronger, longer lasting, and more resistant to the elements than other choices as well. Choosing more eco-friendly building materials can help to lessen your construction project's effect on the environment. Doing so can help to preserve precious natural resources and can help to slash your expenses at the same time. The list above is only a starting point for the different environmentally friendly building materials you can choose from.

Factories and other facilities dispose of tons of industrial solid waste every year. As the government makes environmental regulations stricter, your company needs to understand safe ways of disposing of industrial waste. Improper handling and disposing of industrial waste can have a detrimental impact on the environment. If harmful waste finds its way into water, soil, or air, it will have devastating effects on living creatures in the region. In addition to harming the environment, improper industrial waste handling damages your company's reputation. What Counts As Industrial Waste? Industrial waste covers any remains of industrial operations. Here are types of industrial waste. Solid Waste This is the most common type of industrial waste. It includes non-recyclable glass, animal and food remains, and electrical components, to mention a few categories. In most cases, this waste is disposed of in landfills. Chemical Waste A significant number of plants, factories, and other types of processing-based centers generate chemical waste. While many of these chemicals are fairly innocuous, others can be incredibly harmful to plants and animals exposed to them through improper disposal. Additionally, if not disposed of carefully, these chemicals can mix poorly, creating more dangerous substances. Keep in mind that even residue chemical waste, such as that left on the inside of a container, can be hazardous. Containers and other items that might have had contact with certain chemicals should be carefully disposed of as well. Hazardous or Toxic Waste Toxic waste is potentially harmful to animals, humans, and the entire environment. Hazardous waste can contaminate water sources such as rivers and lakes, causing immense damage if not attended to on time. There are various ways of disposing of industrial waste in an environmentally friendly way. You can check with a local facility to confirm whether they will accept the type of waste generated by your company. Rubbish Removal Services There are myriad benefits of hiring specialists to handle industrial waste. Hazardous waste poses a serious health risk to company employees. Specialists from rubbish removal services have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle hazardous waste and use the latest technology and machines to dispose of it. Also, a waste removal company will dispose of waste in the recommended way to help your business comply with the law. Why Should You Choose a Licensed Rubbish Removal Service? Industries generate a large volume of waste. When working with a licensed waste removal company, you will be assured that the waste will be disposed of in the right way. Also, a licensed waste company will usually be insured. Therefore you won't be held liable in case of an accident during the removal process. In addition, staff from a licensed company are trained in handling emergencies that may emerge during the industrial waste removal process. Where Is Industrial Waste Taken? Reputable rubbish removal services prioritize disposing of the waste in an eco-friendly way. The first option is recycling the waste. If the waste is not recyclable, junk removal services ensure they dispose of the garbage in a manner that doesn't harm the environment. No matter the size of your company, a rubbish removal company will clear waste from your premises. They have a workforce to get the job done.

Many homeowners are surprised to hear that they can actually make quite a bit of money from some of the materials that are already laying around their houses. Copper is especially valuable, and you could have more than you think. If you would like to make some extra cash, then it might be worth it to spend a little bit of time searching your home for recyclable copper. Old Electronics Many old electronic devices are very difficult to recycle because they take quite a bit of time to break down and are often filled with some toxic materials. That being said, getting the copper out yourself could be relatively easy. Older TVs and computer displays generally have copper spools and wires that can quickly be taken out with nothing more than some basic tools. If you can’t find any pieces that are obviously copper right away, then the wires could be insulated. To remove the insulation, you will need to use a wire stripper or another similar tool. Large Appliances You probably shouldn't rip out your new appliances for a little bit of wire. However, when you’ve got old appliances to replace, you might want to open them up before throwing them out. Much like TVs and monitors, appliances often have long strands of copper wire that are used to transfer power to all of the various components. In addition to copper wires, you might also be able to find some copper pipes in your refrigerator or washing machine. If you notice copper pipes in your appliances, then you will probably need a wrench to loosen or remove the brackets. Your Plumbing When it comes to copper recycling, your plumbing could be a goldmine. For many years, copper was the preferred material for residential plumbing systems because it was very easy to work with and resistant to bacterial growth. Recently, many homeowners have switched over to PEX and other polymer pipes because of their durability. Those individuals should consider keeping all of the old pipes so that they can be recycled. Recycling the old copper pipes could help you cover some or all of the costs of your new PEX pipes depending on how much metal can be salvaged. In addition to copper, you might also want to consider recycling some of the other unused metal items around your home. Two of the best options are iron and aluminum, and those materials can be found in a wide variety of products.

Pests invading your homestead garden can ruin not only entire crops but also your plans to live off-grid. Managing garden pests is especially frustrating when you don’t know what type of pest is eating up your garden. Identifying your pests is an important first step, before you can take action to protect your crops. Large Animals Animals such as deer, raccoons, rabbits, and birds will all find the vegetables growing in your garden irresistible. The good news is, these larger animals can be easier to control than insects. A 6-foot tall fence should keep out deer and even raccoons. Digging a trench a few feet deep around the garden, and embedding chicken wire can also help discourage burrowing animals, such as rabbits, from getting into your veggies. Finally, adopting an outdoor cat will help keep rodents under control. Insect Pests On the other hand, insects are nearly impossible to keep out with a simple barrier. Identifying the culprits is the first step. First, take note of the type of damage. If there are holes chewed through the leaves, you have some type of chewing insects, such as caterpillars or locusts. Sickly, yellow leaves could indicate aphids; look under the leaves for this sap-sucking pest. If you see squiggly lines on the leaves, you have leaf miners, which are likely the larvae of many different types of flies, beetles, and moths. Natural Pest Control Natural pest control methods include fostering beneficial insects to eat the bad insects munching your veggies. For example, ladybugs love to eat aphids, and praying mantises will capture and eat all sorts of pests, such as grasshoppers. Nematodes are another type of insect that kills other insects. Another way to help control insect pests is to plant bug-repelling plants, such as marigolds, geraniums, or chrysanthemums. You can also plant herbs like basil, garlic, onion, parsley, and peppermint to repel insect pests. Plant these among your vegetables. Insecticides Finally, insecticides can be used. For example, you can mix one part garlic juice with four parts water, and spray it onto your plants. You can also dust your plants with diatomaceous earth. This a fine, white powder made of fossilized phytoplankton. It’s harmless to people and animals, but will cause insects to dry out and die. If your garden is infested with snails and slugs, place a few shallow bowls of beer around the garden; snails love beer, and they’ll crawl in, get drunk, and drown. If these natural solutions aren’t working, you’ll want to contact a pest control service. They can help you identify your pests and understand why your solutions haven’t worked yet. They can also recommend alternative pesticide solutions. Pests are a pain, and they can do a lot of damage to your food supply if they’re not caught and removed quickly. Do some research to learn what kind of pests you’re dealing with and how to keep them out.

In the past few decades, home improvement has taken on more and more of an emphasis on green remodeling. To help protect the environment, these remodeling strategies are focused on lowering energy consumption and improving resource management. Here are four of the most popular green home updates and how they benefit the environment. Purchased Reclaimed Supplies The materials that you need for your home improvement project, such as wood and tiles, are likely available as reclaimed components of previous construction projects. Even your countertops and insulation can be made from recycled materials. Reclaimed materials are becoming all the rage with homeowners who want to minimize their environmental footprint. In addition to being a healthier alternative from an environmental perspective, these reclaimed materials are often more affordable than new ones. Plug the Leaks With Better Insulation One of the biggest environmental burdens that American homes pose is the energy that is lost around poorly insulated windows and doorways. In the summertime, too much precious air-conditioned air can escape through cracks around the windows and doors, and in the wintertime, warm air can seep out. You can cut down on your energy consumption and save substantial money on your heating and cooling bills by filling the cracks around windows and doors and by checking the insulation in these areas. Update Your Windows In addition to the heat lost through worn or poorly sealed door and window frames, you may also be losing warmth through your old windows. Traditional windows are single-paned, which provides very little insulation against summer’s heat or winter’s cold. When it’s time to update your home, choosing replacement windows with two panes of glass can go a long way in helping you lower your energy usage. Use Eco-Friendly Paint Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are fumes that are commonly found in commercial paints. They can be dangerous for humans as they can cause nausea and difficulty breathing as well as many other health problems. They can also cause ozone pollution as well as other environmental hazards. However, the trend is reversing as many manufacturers now produce low or no-VOC paints for the environmentally-conscious consumer. Low and no-VOC paints represent a superior alternative to paints containing VOCs because the compounds can leak into the nearby soil and water supplies, endangering both human and animal life alike. Solar Energy The sun is indisputably the greatest source of energy that we have. Until now, though, harnessing the power of the sun to power our homes was overly expensive and just not feasible for most homeowners. However, that is rapidly changing as more and more tech companies pour money into developing solar technologies into viable consumer products. Now, more solar-powered home appliances are available than ever before, at prices that can fit even a modest budget. You don’t have to do a complete overhaul of your home all at once to make it more eco-friendly. However, when it comes time to make normal repairs or renovations, consider choosing the greener option. The great thing about making these changes is that, in addition to doing your part to conserve resources, they also come with significant cost-savings that make good economic sense as well.

When it comes to protecting your home, your roof is the true hero. But if your roof is over 20 years old, it might not be as eco-friendly as you'd like. Thankfully, many roofing materials are now designed to be better for you and the environment. If you're trying to go green, here are four different roofing materials you should consider. Wooden Shingles If you want to make your roof more eco-friendly, there’s no better place to start than by adding wooden shingles. Shingles are the material that covers the exterior of the roof and prevents things from infiltrating the interior. The most common type of shingles you see are asphalt. While these are primarily eco-friendly, asphalt shingles may give off toxic fumes should they be heated. Alternatively, wooden shingles are very durable and can even be any color you want. However, wooden shingles are a bit on the pricey side and require ongoing maintenance. A Metal Roof Metal roofs may be something you’d least expect to be on this list, but the truth is that they are a very eco-friendly roofing option. Metal roofs are incredibly low maintenance and can last as long as 70 years. Additionally, because they reflect sun’s rays instead of absorbing them, you lower your energy usages for heating and cooling. Metal roofs can also come in many different styles, so you can find one to match your home. Keep in mind that metal roofs are one of the most expensive options at your disposal. Metal roofs may also be more susceptible to hail damage as hail can leave it dented. Tile Roofing Tile roofing is another eco-friendly, versatile roofing option. There are many types of tiles to choose from including: Copper Concrete Ceramic Stone Composite Clay Polymer-Sand Metal Each of these tiles come with their own benefits. For example, clay tiles are energy efficient, which means that it’s easier to insulate your home. Depending on the type of tile you choose, you may need to add support to your home. Tiles can weigh more, so you need to have adequate support if you choose to install tile roofing. Solar Panels Lastly, consider solar panels. While they won’t cover the entirety of your roof and you will need a traditional roofing option under the panels, they are a great investment for eco-conscious homeowners. Solar panels absorb sunlight and use it to power your home. Solar panels are one of the most energy efficient materials you can add. However, like everything else that's listed here, they can be expensive. When it comes to making your home eco-friendly, you should never leave your roof out of the equation. It could end up playing the biggest role when it comes to being more eco-friendly. Remember these roofing materials in mind if you decide to replace your roof.

There are many reasons to make a home more energy efficient. It is the socially responsible thing to do, as scientists across the world continue to warn of the dangers of unfettered energy use. It is also financially responsible, since energy bills can constitute a large hit to a monthly budget, especially during the height of either winter or summer. Taking even small steps to curb that energy usage can have a big impact. Below are some of the updates that will provide the most savings. Double Pane Windows Old windows leak both heat and air conditioning, essentially leaking money. While an upgrade is a fairly large initial investment, it is one that will pay for itself many times over. Not only that, but double pane windows more effectively block traffic noise and raise the overall value of the home, making it a smart long-term investment. For homeowners on a tighter budget, energy efficient window treatments can also provide some of the same benefits at a reduced cost. Roof Replacement Another huge source of temperature leakage is an older roof. In summer, roofs can soak up heat and radiate it down towards the home, and in winter the heat you want can escape through any cracks or faults. If your roof is older, roof replacement can help reduce your overall energy usage. When selecting roofing material, asphalt shingles often do not rate well in regards to energy efficiency. Tiles, metal roofs, and materials treated with special reflective coating all perform better. Insulation is also key, providing savings from the inside out. Energy Efficient Light Bulbs One of the least costly upgrades, new light bulbs, is also one of the most immediately effective. LED bulbs are the clear winner in the energy wars. While a little more expensive than their less efficient cousins, the incandescent bulb, they very quickly result in lowered monthly bills. Moreover, not only do LEDs consume less electricity, but they also last years longer than incandescents, making that investment more than worth it. New Air Conditioner An energy-efficient air conditioner is particularly necessary in warm climates, but will result in savings just about anywhere in the country. This is an upgrade that can save you money at tax time as well—certain units qualify for a federal HVAC tax credit, which starts the savings in April before the really hot weather even rolls around. Choosing to do an energy makeover has long lasting benefits to the wallet, the home's value, and the planet. Nor is it difficult to do. Light bulbs, roofs, AC units, and windows all need replacing eventually anyway—choosing energy efficient replacements is just common sense.

One of the biggest challenges facing mankind is the threat posed by pollution and global warming. If this challenge is to be overcome, the biggest contributors to these problems must change course. This certainly includes industry which accounts for a very big portion of the pollution released into the atmosphere. Thankfully, industrial processes can be altered so they are more eco-friendly and sustainable. One way to do this is by retrofitting your company's equipment. Here are a few examples of how to accomplish this. Data Analytics One way you can retrofit your industrial equipment with the environment in mind is to integrate data analytics into its operation. This would involve installing sensors on equipment that transmit data regarding its operation in real time via Wi-Fi or some other kind of internet connection. Powerful data analytics software can then be used to crunch this data so you can have direct insight into how much energy your equipment is using and how much pollution or other negative byproducts are being produced. You can then use this information to make adjustments and increase both the efficiency and sustainability of those industrial processes. SCR Systems SCR is a technical term that stands for Selective Catalytic Reduction. This a system that can be used in equipment and industrial systems to reduce harmful nitrogen oxide, also known as NOx for short. It accomplishes this by creating a chemical reaction known as reduction that transforms NOx into water and tiny amounts of CO₂. It, in essence, removes pollution through this chemical process. An SCR system can be installed on different kinds of equipment, such as SCRs for water tube boilers. Sustainable Energy Sources Another option you could choose to implement is to retrofit your equipment to run on more sustainable energy sources. Options you should give serious consideration include solar energy, ethanol gas, biomass, hydrogen fuel cells and wind power. Determine what options are feasible for your own equipment. Variable Frequency Drives Retrofitting your equipment with variable frequency drives, VFDs for short, is another option that can make your industrial operations more environmentally friendly. A VFD works by varying the level of voltage and frequency supplied to an engine depending on different circumstances. It can help to lower an engine's energy consumption, increase the efficiency of equipment and extend the equipment's lifespan as well. Companies have a responsibility to do what they can to lower their carbon footprint. This is required to fight pollution and preserve the planet for future generations. One way you can do this is by retrofitting your equipment. Consider the four options above as well as others for making your equipment more environmentally friendly.

Something not many people probably have a great fondness for are landfills. However, landfills are actually an important component of human civilization. They give mankind a place to dispose of trash where it will do least harm to the environment, wildlife and people. Certain facts regarding the benefits of landfills may surprise you. Landfills Are a Safer Option In regards to the many different waste management systems that have been implemented by people over the course of human history, the use of landfills is one of the safest in regards to its impact on people and the environment. It is, for one, much safer than incinerating or burning trash. Doing so can release harmful toxins and pollution into the atmosphere. The risks of landfills are comparatively much smaller in magnitude. Landfills Protect People Landfills allow trash to be collected and buried away from places where people live. They help to make communities cleaner and healthier in general. Many of the items found buried in landfills would be harmful if improperly disposed near residential communities. This is especially the case for landfills that have been designated as a superfund site that store harmful industrial waste. If disposed of closer to people instead of in the landfill, these materials would certainly lead to death and disease. Landfills Can Produce Renewable Gas Energy One benefit of landfills you may not be aware of is the fact they can be used to produce gas energy. This is one strategy for transforming trash into something useful. It’s a form of recycling in a way. The kind of gas produced by landfills is primarily composed of methane. This gas can then be burned to produce electricity and power nearby communities. It can also be collected and sold as fuel offsite or even transported by pipe to other areas. This approach is particularly beneficial since methane can become a harmful greenhouse gas if released into the atmosphere. The use of it as a fuel source is an eco-friendly solution. Landfills Don’t Waste Energy Certain methods of disposing of waste require expending a lot of energy. Landfills typically do not. They are located close enough to the communities they service that they do not require a lot of gas to be used to ship the trash there. This is not the case for trash that may need to be transported to far off locations. Even recycling requires a good amount of energy to perform. Overall, landfills perform a very important service for endless communities. They allow trash to be disposed of in a way that greatly lessens its negative impact on people and the environment. In certain cases, landfills can even be used to create renewable energy. They play an important role in modern society.

Many homeowners dread the sweltering summer months because they know that they will have to deal with a huge spike in their energy bills as soon as they turn on their air conditioners. If that sounds like your own situation, then you might want to come up with a comprehensive plan for making your home as energy-efficient as possible. Use Ceiling Fans to Your Advantage Properly using your ceiling fans could have a huge impact on your energy bills as well as your family’s overall comfort. During the summer months, all of your ceiling fans should be spinning counterclockwise at a relatively high speed when someone is in the room. That moving air could make each room feel much cooler, and that means you won’t have to turn your air conditioner as low. Replace Your Insulation Even though modern insulation is designed to last for decades, that material will eventually become damaged. If you have recently checked your home’s insulation and it is torn or matted, then it might be time to add some cellulose to the top or replace it entirely. Blowing in cellulose insulation is a relatively simple upgrade that should take a contractor no more than a few hours to complete. Seal Around Doors and Windows As the seasons change and humidity levels and temperatures fluctuate, your home’s walls and flooring could begin to shift. Over the course of a few seasons, those shifting materials will result in small openings around your windows, vents, and doorways. To seal up the openings, all you are going to need is a caulk gun, a few bottles of all-purpose caulk, and an inexpensive infrared gun or a thermal leak detector. Check around your home for areas that are losing heat, and fill in those holes and cracks. Service or Replace the AC Contacting an air conditioning installation and repair contractor is another simple step that you can take to lower your energy bills during the hottest months of the year. One of those contractors will be able to service your AC so that it continues to run smoothly and efficiently. They can also help you keep an eye out for any signs that your air conditioner might be nearing the end of its lifespan or in need of repairs. Improving your home’s efficiency can be time-consuming, but that hard work is going to pay off. With a few simple changes to your home, you could end up lowering your family’s energy usage. This can also save hundreds a year on your heating and cooling bills.

The summer season is upon us, and it's time to make a plan for cutting back on your energy usage. The average household can spend hundreds of dollars extra each month during the warmer months. There are some easy tips you can incorporate to keep your hard-earned cash in your wallet. Use a Programmable Thermostat A programmable thermostat, or sometimes called a smart thermostat, is a fantastic and energy-efficient tool. You'll be able to program the thermostat to when the house is empty or during sleeping hours. Without the hassle of manually adjusting the thermostat, your home will run more efficiently. Check for Complete Insulation Air that escapes through cracks and other openings in your home makes it more challenging to ventilate. Caulk and weather-stripping are simple and effective to reduce your energy bill during the summer drastically. Check your doors and window frames to fill any holes. You can also have a wall insulation service check out the interiors of your home for the greatest efficiency. Use Your Blinds or Drapes Using blinds or drapes will put a lot less strain on your air conditioner. A good idea is to start to open them up once the sun begins to set. This way, you'll be able to take advantage of the natural sunlight and save money at the same time. Remember the Refrigerator With the warmer temperatures, your refrigerator will need to work harder to cool your food. Dirty refrigerator coils will not allow your refrigerator to diffuse heat properly or run effectively. Give them a thorough cleaning with a stiff brush and a vacuum in the late spring. Also, keep your fridge stocked with food because there will be less space to cool. Use Cold Water for the Laundry Since your kids will be outside playing, you're likely to do a lot more loads of laundry when it is hot out. Wash your clothes on the coldest setting to save a lot of money on your energy bills. A more lukewarm shower is not only refreshing, but it can save money during the hot and humid summer days. Start Unplugging Phone chargers, televisions, and other small electronics use more energy than you think. Unplug them before you hit the hay, and you will be surprised how much lower your energy usage will be. Challenge yourself to lower your energy usage this summer. As the dollars begin to pile up, think about putting that money towards your next summer vacation.

Hardscaping refers to the hard landscaping materials around your yard. These can include your patio, walkways, retaining walls, or any other structure made of wood, stone, or concrete. If you live in a desert environment, maximizing your hardscaping can significantly decrease your water usage. This will not only save you money, but it will also be beneficial to the environment. Save Water and Increase Usability Maximizing your hardscaping will not only reduce your water usage, but it will also increase the usable space you have to enjoy your backyard. For example, an attractive and stylish flagstone patio with a matching stone outdoor kitchen will quickly become one of your family’s favorite places. Best of all, hardscape can create a place for outdoor entertaining, and it serves as an extension of your home’s interior living space. Raised Beds for Better Gardening You can also build raised beds from brick, wood, or concrete. Raised beds are great if you have a bad back or mobility issues, and they’re also great if your yard has poor soil. Many gardeners swear by raised beds, estimating you can double your yield of vegetables. You can also reduce your water use by embedding a drip watering system into the raised beds. Imitation Materials There are a lot of different materials you can use to hardscape, and natural stone and brick are among the most attractive and enduring. However, while concrete may seem boring next to them, you can hire a creative concrete company to add some pizzazz to your backyard. The fact is, concrete can be tinted to nearly any color you like, and it can be stamped with a multitude of patterns. Tinted and stamped concrete can imitate brick, slate, flagstone, and even wood. Boulders and Gravel A Japanese zen garden is a stylized landscape carefully composed of rocks, water features, and gravel along with precisely pruned bushes, moss, and small trees. If you like a modern, minimalist, and sophisticated style, a Japanese-style rock garden could be the hardscape for you. If you’ve ever been to the Southwest, you may have noticed a different style of rock garden. Rock and cactus gardens have long been a staple in places like Arizona, and this idea is adaptable to many regions of the country. Simply arrange boulders and rocks in a natural style, and plant with cactus, succulents and native wildflowers. Fill in between the rocks with gravel. Creative and stylish hardscaping will not only save water, but it will also make your yard a more beautiful and comfortable place for both you and your family.

Living a more eco-friendly lifestyle not only helps you do your part when it comes to sustainability but it can also save you money. Everyone wins when we take care of our local and global ecosystems. Let’s look at seven ways to remodel your home as more eco-friendly. Water Use While the term eco-friendly usually brings to mind your home’s energy consumption, it also means saving water. First of all, fix any plumbing leaks. Don’t let the faucet run while you brush your teeth or shave. Also, install low-flow faucets, toilets, and shower-heads; these can save tens of thousands gallons of water every year for a family of four. Tankless water heaters also can conserve a great deal of energy, as it heats water as needed rather than maintaining a heated tankful of water. Switch to LED Light Bulbs Not only are LED bulbs energy-efficient, but they also last longer. This means that on top of protecting nature, you’re saving money from the energy bill and the cost of frequently replacing bulbs. They’re also less likely to cause a headache or eye strain compared to fluorescent bulbs, which makes your home more enjoyable to be in. This is one of the easiest things you can do around the house. If you’ve been using fluorescents in the kitchen, get rid of those first thing and consider hanging pendant lights instead for more even lighting and a better overall aesthetic. Install a Solar System A solar roof installation, while expensive upfront, can save you a lot of money in the long run. However, many states and local energy companies have rebate programs to defray the cost. On top of that, once enough people in your neighborhood go solar, you can generate so much energy that you’ll be selling it back to the energy companies. Furthermore, a solar system with a home battery bank can keep your home up and running even when the grid goes down. Solar systems are also used by many who want to make their homes self sustainable and therefore emergency-ready at all times. Consider Wind Power If you live in a very windy area, a wind generator could be a good back-up for your solar system. It can supply your home with the power you need at night or when the skies are overcast. This can be especially effective for those living in areas with high winds, such as those near a coast, in high elevation, or areas with few forests to break up the wind. Wind power is yet another useful energy source for those seeking to get their home off the grid in a sustainable way, creating great energy independence. Implement Organic Gardening Practices Your landscaping is the main feature of your home’s curb appeal. Plant your yard with native plants, adapted to the local environment. They’ll need less water and soil amendments. Use natural and organic products to keep your landscaping vibrant and healthy. Not only is this healthier for the local ecosystems, but it also will allow your plants to grow mor vibrantly and easily than foreign plant types. Use Recycled Products for Remodeling You can use recycled metal, stone, brick, plastic, glass, and wood to remodel your home, inside and out. You can even find insulation made from recycled material, such as old cotton clothing. Recycled materials are not only eco-friendly, but they also add tons of character to your home. Other benefits include sturdier material, as recycled material goes through a compacting system that makes it naturally moisture resistant and strong. Using recycled material can be a serious money-saver as well, especially on big projects. If your roof is in need of replacement, or you’re having a home built house, then using recycled materials for your roof installation can seriously bring down the overall costs. Talk to your local contractors about recycled materials that they might have available or if they’d be willing to order out for them. Look to Hemp and Bamboo Hemp and bamboo products are the latest things for an eco-friendly home. These are organic and sustainably produced, and can be transformed into flooring, wall coverings, fabrics, and a lot more. For example, one of the hottest building materials right now is “hempcrete”. It’s good for non-weight bearing walls, it’s easier to work with compared to traditional concrete and it also has insulating properties. There are a variety of materials that nature provides for us to make our homes beautiful without being a danger to the ecosystem. Aim for more natural themes in your home and do some research to find what materials work best for your home projects. With a little effort and some creative thinking, you can find ways to make every part of your home more eco-friendly and sustainable for the environment

As you plan your off-grid homestead, recycling wastewater into usable reclaimed water is something to consider. Doing so will save thousands of gallons of well or rainwater, and reclaimed water can easily be used to irrigate your garden. Steps to reclaim wastewater could include filtering, primary settling, biological treatment, and finally, tertiary treatment. Let’s look at how recycling your wastewater can be accomplished. Primary Settling Your gray water that goes down the drain in the kitchen sink and shower has small particles of food, hair soap, and other contaminants. A primary settling tank is the first place the wastewater goes. Here, those solid contaminants will settle to the bottom. Once settled, the water can be gently siphoned off the top into the next phase of reclamation, a biological treatment tank. Biological Treatment Biological wastewater treatments rely on bacteria and other microorganisms to break down organic waste, such as food particles, hair, and soap. The goal is to create a system in which these microorganisms eat up the pollutants. Biological treatment is divided into aerobic and anaerobic; aerobic is a process using oxygen loving bacteria, while anaerobic uses bacteria that do not need oxygen. Aerobic wastewater treatment is the preferred option, as it works quickly and produces better water quality. However, this method requires a wastewater aerator to make sure there is enough oxygen for the bacteria to thrive. A diffused aeration system, like those offered by VaraCorp, can be used to maximize oxygen while minimizing odors during the treatment process. Tertiary Treatment This is the final step in reclaiming your wastewater for use in your garden, or even as drinking water. Tertiary treatment is done to ensure the water is hygienically safe and free from viruses and bacteria. Ozonation uses ozone (03) to disinfect the water. Then reverse osmosis pushes the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which traps any contaminants and chemicals. Dual media filtration uses two different types of filters, usually sand and very fine granules of anthracite. Finally, advanced oxidation uses hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet light to create an oxidant that not only disinfects the water, but also breaks down any remaining microorganisms and chemicals. Often, the cost and time required to reclaim wastewater are prohibitive. There are alternatives; for example, if you use biodegradable soaps, gray water from the kitchen and shower can be drained directly into the garden. However, if your homestead is in a very dry area, reclaiming your wastewater is something you should look into.