TheLGN - Home Decorating The Little Green Notebook - Get Inspiration...Be Inspiration

In all our research on recycling and how to save energy, the one recurring fact that astounds us each time, is how much energy we waste every day in our homes. We don't realize how many resources it takes to bring energy into our homes and take it back out again. Check out our ‘Did You Know' section in Recycling Tips and Information, you will be amazed at how much we waste and how much we could save.

So we at ‘The Little Green Notebook', have researched some simple DIY projects to not only update your home, but also help the environment and conserve energy, all at the same time.

1.  Replace your toilet. If your toilet was installed pre 1992, it will use between 3.5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. Toilets built and installed from 1994 to present day are much improved over their predecessors, using only 1.6 to 2 gallons per flush, however, there are energy saving toilets on the market, that are designed to use 1.3 gallons or less per flush.

Watch this space for a list of recommended makes and models

2.  Replace Leaky Faucets (Taps). A leaky faucet, can waste up to 20 gallons of water per day. Replacing a unit that is leaking will not only save energy, but also your water bill at the same time.

3.  Hardwood Flooring. Time to renew your flooring? If you already have hardwood floors, try refinishing the flooring you currently have (see refinishing hardwood floors in the ‘DIY Project' section). If you are looking to replace your hardwood flooring, consider Bamboo as an option. Bamboo is considered environmentally friendly due to its high yield and the fast rate at which bamboo grows and replaces itself. It takes only 4 - 6 years for Bamboo to mature, compared with traditional hardwood that takes 50 - 100 years to mature.

4.  Use healthier paint. Choose zero or low - VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints. These are made by most paint manufacturers today. VOC's are solvents that get released into the air as the paint dries. According to the EPA, VOC's can cause headaches and dizziness as well as causing Smog, Ozone pollution and indoor air pollution, even emitting VOC's after the paint has dried.

5.  Insulation. Cool or warm climate, we waste a HUGE amount of energy just letting the cool or warm air escape through leaks in our homes. So make sure that you check for gaps under and around your exterior doors and windows, and make a list of all the obvious air leaks (drafts). Weather sealing your doors and windows, keeps more of the heat and cool air inside your home, your air or heating system doesn't need to work as hard to create the desired temperature, and therefore uses less energy. This alone will save you 5% - 30% on your energy bills per year. Check the insulation in your attic as well, it should be at least 12 inches thick.

6.  Lighting. Light bulbs are an energy source we use every day. What we do not realize is how much energy we waste by leaving lights on. So, to help with the reduction of energy used, replace your bulbs with CFL's (compact fluorescent light bulbs). According to Energy Star, a CFL will last approx 75% longer than an incandescent light bulb, save $30 over its lifetime and will last 10 times longer.

7.  Countertops. If it is time to replace your countertops, we have found a great new way to help the environment and assure you have an amazing look in your kitchen and/or bathroom. Recycled glass countertops is becoming a fast new fashion and is made from 100% recycled glass. These counters look fantastic and come in all colors. There are many types of recycled countertops on the market. Check out our ‘Cool New Products and Materials' and ‘Resources' sections, for further details.

8.  Solar Panels. Installing Solar Panels in or on your home is a great way to help save energy and our planet. Solar Panels absorb sunlight, store it and convert it to electricity without creating pollution and harming the earth's atmosphere. This in turn helps reduce our energy bills, protects our environment and can improve the value of your home. Statistics show that it takes approximately 5 years to pay off the costs of the solar panels and some experts would recommend only doing this if you plan to stay in your home long term. However, the solar panels are extremely eco friendly and this will add value to a buyer when they are considering purchasing your home. Plus the fact that you are helping the environment for however long you personally use it for.

Check out the rest of our ‘Recycling Tips and Information' section for more recycling assistance and information.