Not surprising that the imminent New Year’s Eve got us thinking about our New Year’s Resolutions. We thought we’d share ours here at GreenHomeImprovement.com, and suggest a few that the eco-conscious homeowner might consider.
2009 was a big year for GreenHomeImprovement.com. Our launch was successful, and we’re proud to have developed a community of real people making real change in their homes. Our resolutions for early 2010 are to expand the community to wider circles, and particularly add more of the green-certified professionals you trust, and showcase the work that they are right to be proud of. We will also be integrating the blog onto the homepage, and adding new features to the site, like Events and Local pages. Your suggestions for other additions we might make are always welcome! (click here)
In addition, you might be making this year a new reason to get “greener” around the house. If so, here are some thoughts for resolutions:
1. Increase your home’s efficiency. Get an energy audit (cheap or free in most areas) to see where you can improve your the seals on your home and keep your energy costs and use as low as possible.
2. Reduce your water consumption by 10%. If the number of people in your home hasn’t changed, try to mark how much water you’ve been using per month, and reduce it by 10%. There are tons of ways to do this, from switching tolow-flow faucets to dual-flush toilets, to using rainwater. (But start with the easiest changes–you’ll be surpised at the difference it makes!)
3. Get a programmable thermostat. If you haven’t already done this, it’s the easiest way to save on energy this winter.
4. Reclaim your home. If you’re planning on redecorating, look into reclaimed furniture and fixtures. You can find beautiful, sylish furniture in many vintage and second-hand stores. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, furniture made from reclaimed materials is a great option, too.
5. Resolve to communicate. Part of the difficulty with “going green” is that it always means something different. We can suggest 100 things here in this list, but in a few months, there will be new developments and new ways to save on natural resources. So the best way to do it is to stay connected. Check frequently what your peers and pros are saying about how to be green in the home. And when you learn of a new way, tell the world about it! We can’t wait to hear the new ideas you share.
Happy Green New Year!