5 Ways to Create a Greener Home: A Blog About Tips on How to Lessen Your Impact at Home and What Products Are Better for the Environment

Did you know that your home greatly contributes to energy wastage? It uses more energy per square foot than anything else, and it's where you spend most of your time. But your home doesn't have to be a huge contributor to greenhouse gasses and global warming.

Good environmental practices go beyond recycling and reducing energy usage. A green lifestyle involves a combination of things that can make you less reliant on outside resources, while promoting more sustainability and happiness. Whether you plan to have a home in the province or find premier real estate properties in Davao City, here are 5 ways to create a greener home!

Upgrade Your Appliances for Energy Efficiency  

When buying new appliances for your home, look for energy efficient options to lessen your carbon footprint. Energy Star appliances are a good place to start with their guidelines on what products should be considered green based on their impact on the environment and energy savings.

Old appliances can use a lot more energy than newer models, so check the Energy Guide sticker on your appliances and replace old ones as needed. Use the ENERGY STAR website to find out which models are the most energy-efficient.

Utilize Solar Power

Solar power is one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon footprint. Solar panels cost money up front, but they save you money on your electric bill over time and preserve the environment by using renewable energy instead of fossil fuels.

Installing solar panels on your roof or solar sidewalk lights in your yard is a great way to harness renewable energy from the sun. If you're not interested in installing them yourself, there are companies that will do it for you at an affordable cost.

Additionally, it is a great way to cut your energy costs while reducing your carbon footprint. If you live in an area that gets a lot of sun, it might be worth looking into solar panels for your home or business. Even if there isn't enough sunlight for you to get all of the energy you need from solar power, using solar-powered devices like lamps, fans and cell phone chargers can help reduce your overall consumption.

Get Insulated Windows

If you have older windows in your home, it's time to upgrade them to insulated windows. Insulated windows keep energy out in the summer and in during the winter, helping save on heating and cooling costs. If you have children or pets, this is especially important because they can escape from windows that aren't properly insulated.

Use Less Water

Most people don't realize the large amounts of water they use in their everyday activities, not until they take stock of how much they use and look for ways to save. Take a shower instead of a bath or try to shave off a few minutes by taking shorter showers. Don't leave the faucet running when you brush your teeth, and cut down on the time you spend waiting for water to heat up in the morning by filling up your coffee pot with water from the night before. If you have an older toilet that still uses more than 1 gallon per flush, consider replacing it with a new WaterSense-labeled model that uses as little as half that amount per flush.

Water is an essential part of every green home, and cutting back on water use can save money and reduce the environmental impact for years to come. Install low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators, as well as water-saving toilets and appliances designed for efficiency. For serious water conservation, try to implement better landscapes with native plants to collect rainwater for irrigation.

Plant a Tree

At Northcrest Clubhouse, trees are an important element of the community! They provide shade and block out noise from busy streets or other sources. In fact, their flowers and leaves even clean the air by absorbing harmful emissions from polluting factories or vehicles. Trees can even absorb stormwater runoff, helping prevent flooding and soil erosion! Planting more trees are not only beneficial for health, they also provide a lush and green aesthetic to the environment.