The January Challenge in the Eco All Star Group is to write about 3 Unique Green Things that we have done to our home to make it Greener. Although I have done some things, I don't know that they are unique...but I will share. :) The unique things that I will be doing will be later this year.
Over the Holidays, I finished up some Home Repairs and also redid 2 Bathrooms and my Bedroom. The 3 Rooms I painted were done with a Monarch PPG Low VOC Paint. It was Green Certified and although it said 'Low VOC' there was virtually NO ODOR. Absolutely amazing.
The ceiling fan was one that I picked up on Clearance at Home Depot one day for $39. It is Energy Star Rated and should be good during the Summertime to help lower utility bills. All light fixtures and other materials will be taken to the Recycling Center. Still in my Garage...but that is where they are going eventually. :) I hope to do the other bedrooms too.
Some of you may remember my Insulation Experiment. I realized last year how much Insulation I DID NOT have in my attic. To the left is the 'before' picture. The company I hired estimated my R Value at a whopping 8.25!!??!! I took it up to R-38 and it has made a tremendous difference on not only the comfort level in my home but the utility bills. December 2006 and December 2007 my kwh usage was reduced by appx. 1000 kwh. Holy Cow! That was just ONE month!
Here is the After picture taken from virtually the same location in the attic. Big Difference!!
While last year I focused on Utility Bill Reductions, this year I will be focusing on other stuff. Here is what I am going to try and get done...money allowing. :)
- Replace Sliding Glass Door to Vinyl Double Pane
- Replace Large South/West Facing windows with Vinyl Double Pane
- Put an Insulated Door going to the attached garage
- Replace ALL Kitchen Appliances with Energy Star
- Put on a Hot Water Heater Blanket
These are all nothing too fantastic or unique, but all are excellent ways to reduce emissions and Utility Bills.
I have something else lined up....but it's a Doozie! I'm not sharing right now. :) Too good to let the cat out of the bag yet. Best thing about it? IT'S FREE!!!! You'll have to stay tuned.
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