In thinking of a green home, you must think of how it not only needs to be energy efficient, but also Eco-friendly. There are five key components that make up a green home.

•  Conserve natural resources
•  Use energy efficiently
•  Have improved indoor air quality relative to normal building standards
•  Create less waste to build and live relative to normal building standards
•  Be part of a livable community

In getting started on a green home, you must keep the three “R”s in mind; reduce, reuse, and recycle. You will want to reduce the amount of items you will be putting into your home.  Also, think of all the used materials that can be used to build the home. Reusing something, will prolong its life and keep it out of a landfill.

With recycling you can reduce the need to grow or extract raw materials. Start developing ideas as to what you would want your home to look like. It is best if you find a contractor you like, and a builder that specifically knows green.  Once you have a blue print, you can get to work.

One major component of a green home is solar paneling. In looking at solar panels make sure to pin point what size and wattage you will need.  Figure out what your energy requirements will be. You can talk to the utility company about estimates for that size of a house. You can continue on your green home adventure, by locating used materials to use in walls and floors.

To paint the walls and parts of your green home you could look into all the water based paints that are on the market.

Just go and research the “green” trends out there

A few green home building trends are; multifamily green homes, energy tracking devices such as the Nest learning thermometer, and using “grid-aware” appliances. You may wonder what “grid-aware” appliances are. These appliances have the ability to monitor and report energy usage and therefore can increase or decrease energy according to the energy need. Just think appliances are a huge percent of energy used in a home. If that was cut in half, that would be a lot of money saved. Also, if you did not already know, unlike our non-green home market, the green home market is booming. It’s booming for the builders, contractors, and most importantly the homeowners!

Last, but, certainly not least, just imagine the good you would be doing for the environment and yourself. Healthier more efficient living leaves a better impact on you as well as our diminishing environment.

Author Credits

This article was provided by DoMyOwnPestControl.com, a company that is interested in the development of green initiatives. In an effort to help out with this initiative, Do My Own Pest Control provides several natural and organic pest products to its customers.

The question really to ask yourself is – how self sufficient do I really want to be? Do I want to rely on my home’s entire electric power from solar power? Or do I just want to invest in solar powered products so that I decrease how much electricity I use currently from the National Grid? It’s important to be clear from the outset; there will be nothing worse than an over (or under for that matter) investment and soon realising that you’ve put in too much/little time/effort into what you really wanted to achieve.

So what’s the best strategy to take? Do some research. There are literally thousands of articles, sites, blogs that document self sufficient home options, products, tactics and experiences. Have a look around for a blog from someone who’s done exactly what you want to do – from the smallest of lifestyle changes to full blown solar panel installations. Chances are they have already made all the mistakes you could possible make. Learn from others, and use their advice to help you work out what you really want.

Then have a look at websites that offer energy efficient, solar powered products. See what they have to offer. There are so many products that have now been tailored to use less electricity, or to utilise solar energy. You’ll soon be putting together a nice little shopping list – phone chargers that are powered by mini solar panels, hugely energy efficient led light bulbs (I heard recently that there are bulbs in production that will last up to 20 years in a domestic setting!), solar garden lights, etc…

Thinking of going all the way, and installing solar panels? This is truly the biggest investment you can make into turning your home into a self sufficient ‘entity’. There is a huge drawback to this and if you’ve done a little research you’ll see that it’s well documented the prices for installation are huge. The panels themselves don’t cost too much, well not in comparison to the installation and labour. So if you can’t afford this, but want to feed your house with energy via the sun, what’s the best thing to do? The answer: DIY solar panel kits. Over the course of a weekend you can update your home with this renewable energy solution.

The kits can range to suit any home type and power output. So if you’re looking to power a small cottage or a large town house, there will be a product that can be specifically tailored to match your energy use. And don’t be put off by the daunting task of installing them yourself. It won’t be the easiest task, but no rational person would think it would be (I hope!). These kits are made for those with little experience. Have a look online for people who have had a hand themselves, see how they succeeded and what problems they went through. Also you’ll be then aware if you do need any extra help for certain parts. Even if you do require the help of a professional for some of it, there’s no doubt you’ll still end up saving a lot of money than having them installed completely by a third party.

Embracing solar energy is a fantastic thing to do, but ensure you do it properly. Take the time to plan out what you want to achieve and then prepare how you’re going to go about doing it. If you can afford higher quality products do it. Solar technology is like any other type of technology; the more you spend the better quality product you’ll receive, and the more energy you will produce. Don’t be lead into a ‘false economy’, and buy products that cost less but don’t help you save any more money. And most of all, go forth and be green!

What is an Electric Vehicle?

Electric vehicles are propelled by an electric motor (or motors) powered by rechargeable battery packs. The batteries transfer energy to an electric motor, the motor turns the drive train that turns the wheels. It is a highly efficient technology; up to 80% of the energy in the battery is transfered directly to power the car. Everything is computer controlled and a display shows you how the car is performing. The display lets you know about how much battery power you have left, and if you need to find a place to recharge, you can use the software built into the car or on your mobile device to guide you to the nearest charge point. When you are ready to charge your EV’s battery, instead of a gas tank, there is a power cord, and instead of refueling, you recharge: just plug it in.

Benefits of electric vehicles

Electric vehicles are quickly gaining popularity and for a good reason, Besides being good for the environment by keeping our air clean, they are also convenient, sleek and quiet, and for most of the short distance driving we do, they are the perfect way to get from point A to point B, safely, reliably, and comfortably.

Consider the following advantages of EV’s over internal combustion engines (ICE’s)

1. Energy Efficient. Electric motors convert 75% of the chemical energy from the batteries to power the wheels. In comparison, internal combustion engines (ICEs) only convert 20% of the energy stored in gasoline.

2. Environmentally friendly. EVs emit no tailpipe pollutants, although the power plant producing the electricity may emit them. Moreover, electricity from nuclear-, hydro-, solar-, or wind-powered plants causes no air pollutants.

3. Reduce energy dependence. Electricity is a domestic energy source, and by using EV’s we are reducing our dependance on foreign oil as a nation.

4. Performance benefits. Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation, stronger acceleration and require overall less maintenance than ICEs.

5. Tax Incentive. The US government is supporting a more wide-spread use of EV’s by providing special tax credits. Electric vehicles purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500. The credit amount will vary based on the capacity of the battery used to fuel the vehicle.

Disadvantages of electric vehicles

Some of the main drawbacks of EVs are battery related challenges and our outlined below. Yet most of these issues can be resolved with a little extra planning on the part of the consumer.

1. Driving range. Most EVs can only go about 100–200 miles before recharging, where as gasoline vehicles can go over 300 miles before refueling. While this is an issue, taking a look at the statistics reveals a different perspective. As it turns out, more than 80 % of Americans drive less then 40 miles round trip for their daily commute (US Department of Energy), which is just right for an EV.

2. Recharge time. Fully recharging the battery pack can take 4 to 8 hours. Even a “quick charge” to 80% capacity can take 30 min. This issue can be taken care of by recharging overnight, when they are done driving for the day, and electricity may be cheaper. However, for a quick charge during the day, charging stations are popping everywhere in convenient community locations across the US. Another option that is available on the market is an extended range EV: it starts by using battery power, but when the battery power runs low, gasoline fueled engine kicks in to power the electric motor, which in turn drives the wheels. So for shorter trips, you can rely on electricity, and still take longer road trips whenever you want. Anywhere you go, you can simply plug in or fill up.

3. Battery Cost and Weight Currently, the large battery packs are expensive and may need to be replaced one or more times. They are also heavy and take up considerable vehicle space. However, battery technology continues to advance, and researchers are working on improved battery technologies to increase driving range and decrease recharging time, weight, and cost.

Overall, with the speed of technological advancements in the car industry, it will not be long before electric vehicles will become totally compatible with internal combustion engine cars, while boasting major personal and environmental advantages. As Americans we have had a long love affair with cars, often choosing power and speed over preserving our environment. However, as a society we have started to turn the page, as more of us make a conscious decision to opt for clean, comfortable electric vehicles.

While we are constantly bombarded with edgy advertising prompting us to buy more clothes that may never see the light of day after hitting our closet shelves, we rarely are aware of the increasing toll on the environment that our rampant clothing consumption is causing. From processing, to manufacturing, to distribution, big clothing manufacturers are causing water pollution, increase he amount of toxic waste dumped into the earth and atmosphere and overall contribute to global warming.

This will continue to happen as long as we continue to buy. Our dollars translate into corporate profit, and as long as large clothing corporations make profit, they will not change course. This means that as consumers we have the real power to help our environment by curbing our consumption and taking a stand by choosing to buy eco friendly clothing instead of the big brands.

Why are we not aware of the environmental damage caused by the clothing industry?

The answer is simple: for the most part pollution is not happening in the United States. Even not as far back as forty years ago, the US had a booming clothing industry, however as consumption demands increased, the increases in processing and production started to cause alarming environmental concerns in the areas where these factories were located. Water and air were being polluted by harmful toxic wastes that were being dumped into them as part of the manufacturing process. The US has strict environmental laws that made it difficult for the clothing manufacturers to keep going at the same rate, so their solution was to move production off-shore to Asia and Latin America. Ever since the move happened, the clothing corporations have a had a field day with no enforceable environmental regulations, and a slew of other major benefits that the host countries provide. The result? They get the pollution, we get the pretty stuff, remaining blissfully unaware of what is really going on.

What is the harm to our Earth?

1. Processing of natural fibers such as cotton as well as synthetic fibers such as polyester in order to make them into fabric requires huge amounts of toxic chemicals, and excessive supplies of water. During this process the toxic wastes are dumped both into the land or into the water, making land unsuitable for agriculture and water for drinking.

2. Using up such huge supplies of water throughout all stages of clothing production contributes to water scarcity on our planet.

3. Dying clothes in all the bright colors that we love so much requires the most water and the most toxic, carcinogenic chemicals, all of which are also released into the land, water and air in the process.

4. Manufacturing process itself causes large emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.

5. Oil is heavily utilized throughout, from processing to distribution, further polluting the environment and contributing to keeping the demand for oil high.

6. Every year, Americans dump more than 12 million tons of textiles. Less than 25% of this waste is recycled, which means the rest goes into our landfills.

Why eco-friendly clothing is the way to go?

Clothing production is a highly polluting process no matter how you slice it. However, Eco-friendly clothing companies make a conscious effort to use environmentally safer practices in their production process. Eco-friendly clothing can take on many different forms. Many of the companies and designers in this niche are local, which means that your purchases will help support the growth of American artisan industry.There are companies that intentionally keep their production small, work with small cotton and silk farmers that use more traditional and environmentally friendly practices of textile production than the big manufacturers do, and in general find ways to cut down on the use of water and toxic chemicals. There are clothing designers that produce handmade clothing, thereby avoiding most of the pollution causing practices outlined above. Other clothing designers make upcycled clothes, using recycled clothing and fabric. The truth is that as more people are becoming aware of the real environmental costs of buying big brands, they are slowly starting to make a switch to more Eco-friendly clothing. As a result, more options in Eco-friendly fashion are becoming available to consumers. Do your research online and read about companies’ production practices to find the ones that show a commitment to our environment. If you look, you will be sure to find many options that fit your style, budget, and make you feel good that now your money is helping preserve our planet.

About the author:

Yelena is our new writer / contributor, as well as the designer/owner of her own line of eco friendly hand made batik clothing for women – Sol Maleu in Boston, MA,. Yelena is a environmental and human rights advocate, who has seen first hand how large clothing labels produce their products in ways that harm our environment and encroach on human rights, in south-east Asia – particularly in Indonesia and India.

Yelena is committed to producing her batik designs in an Eco friendly manner. She uses environmentally safe dyes, natural wax resists, and saves energy by fixing her dyes using natural sun light. Yelena uses only the highest quality silk, and premium dyes, crafting durable clothing that is meant to be enjoyed for years. Finally, Yelena is committed to keeping her production line small, providing her clients with clothing that is truly special, rather than disposable.

Design

There are a lot of styles to choose from when it comes to exterior doors, so it’s a good idea to take the design of your home into consideration before purchasing anything. Take a long look at your home and the doors available. You may want to print a picture of your house and the available exterior doors, and hold them against the picture to make a decision. This is one of the easiest ways to determine if the door you like will suit the style of your home.

Of course older homes will enjoy the benefits of a sturdy wooden or vinyl door, while modern homes may enjoy doors with glass inserts.

Materials

Taking the materials into consideration is very important, especially, when it comes to design and energy efficiency. Many people choose wooden doors, but they are rather heavy, and tend to warp and rot over the years. Vinyl doors have increased in popularity due to the fact that they are lighter, more affordable and are completely maintenance free.

Energy Efficiency

Your exterior door should help with your energy efficiency, having a door that leaks will increase the amount of warm air escaping and cold air coming in, which is very unwelcome on cold wintry nights.

The door should be properly fitted with the right sealer and insulation to ensure the highest level of energy efficiency for your home.

DIY or a Contractor

If you have DIY and carpentry knowledge then you may wish to tackle replacing your exterior door on your own, though you need to be sure you understand what you are doing. While paying for a contractor may set you back and add to the overall cost of the door it will help ensure the door is fitted correctly and increase your energy efficiency accordingly.

For more information on exterior doors visit www.clerawindows.com/doors

How Geothermal Heat Pump works:

Here is how it works: bury a loop of pipes, called a heat exchanger just below the surface, and fill them with water, or water and any free solution. During the winter months, the air is usually cooler than the temperature below ground. The solution circulates in a loop underground and absorbs the earth’s heat. This heat is brought to the surface and transferred to a heat pump. The geothermal heat pump warms the air and then your regular heating system warms the air some more to accommodate a comfortable temperature. Finally, ducts circulate the air to the various rooms. A huge benefit is that the geothermal system does not have to work as hard to make people inside comfortably warm, and you save a lot of money on your heating bill.

In the summer time, the geothermal heating and cooling system works in reverse: when its hot outside, the temperature below the surface is cooler than the summer heat. The fluid in the loop absorbs heat in the building and sends it underground. The ground’s lower temperature cools it and it circulates again and again. Now you are saving money on air conditioning. Buildings with large parking longs that use huge geothermal heat pumps to heat and cool the building, can have the system spread out its loop horizontally under the parking lot. However, buildings and homes that do not have all that extra space, can go straight down and use a vertical loop system instead.

Efficiency of geothermal heat pumps:

Getting right down to the bottom line, GHPs use 25%–50% less electricity than conventional heating or cooling systems. This translates into a GHP using one unit of electricity to move three units of heat from the earth. According to the EPA, geothermal energy heat pumps can reduce energy consumption—and corresponding emissions—up to 44% compared to air-source heat pumps and up to 72% compared to electric resistance heating with standard air-conditioning equipment. Geothermal heat pumps also improve humidity control by maintaining about 50% relative indoor humidity, making them highly effective in humid areas. Even though the installation price of a geothermal heating and cooling system can be several times that of an air-source system of the same heating and cooling capacity, the additional costs are returned to you in energy savings in 5–10 years.

Moreover, geothermal heat pump systems have few moving parts, which are housed inside a building, making them highly durable and reliable. The underground piping often carries warranties of 25–50 years, and the heat pumps often last 20 years or more. All the components of the system are easily accessible, which increases the convenience factor and helps ensure that the upkeep is done in a timely fashion. Also, since geothermal pumps (ground source heat pump) have no outside condensing units like air conditioners, there’s no concern about noise outside the home. A two-speed GHP system is so quiet inside a house that users do not know it is operating: there are no tell-tale blasts of cold or hot air.

Another important benefit is that geothermal heat pump systems allow for design flexibility. This means that they can be installed in both new and retrofit spaces. Because the hardware requires less space than the amount required by conventional HVAC systems, the equipment rooms can be reduced in size,freeing space for productive use. GHP systems also provide excellent “zone” space conditioning, where different parts of the building can be heated or cooled to different temperatures. Attesting to the system’s effectiveness, there are approximately 50,000 geothermal heating systems installed in the United States each year, and the number continues to grow as more consumers learn about the benefits of geothermal heat pumps.

Geothermal heat pumps can be used just about anywhere in the US, because all areas have nearly constant shallow ground temperature, although systems in different locations will have varying degrees of efficiency and cost savings. The constant temperature of the earth, just below our feet is a sustainable resource, literally in our own back yard. Geothermal energy is a clean energy source ready for us to use, to heat and cool our homes and offices while lowering our utility bills.

The basics

A modular building is a ground-breaking technique of building structures that involves dividing a building into several different sections, or modules, and manufacturing them in a factory-run setting at the same time as the site of the building is being developed and prepared. The mechanical aspects of the structure including plumbing, electrical and interior facets are completed before the modules are shipped, assembled and attached to the foundation on job site.

Structures built using modular construction methods surpass building codes, safety and occupancy code specifications including local building requirements. Custom designed modular buildings may contain regular building materials such as vinyl siding, bricks, or metal as required in order to meet client’s aesthetic, functional, and green building LEED requirements.

Benefits and Advantages over traditional construction

The following are some of the immediate advantages of modular buildings:

• Speed. This is the main advantage of a modular construction approach, and one of the most significant modular building benefits and advantages over traditional construction. While the modules are being manufactured in a factory-like environment, the site is simultaneously being developed and prepared. Due to this, these buildings can be ready for occupancy weeks or even months ahead of time. In comparison with conventional structures, the modular buildings can provide savings of 30 to 50 percent just by the simultaneous preparation of the modules, and the construction site.

• Innovative designs. Modular buildings are known for their excellence in design. Depending on the client’s needs, a modular construction can be a single story building or a multi-story structure featuring optimal designs and an emphasis on the aesthetic appeal and sustainability.

• Customized Design. Modular builders can work with clients in designing and laying out the structure early on. There is often a collaboration between the parties involved to ensure that the custom building requirements are planned and executed well to assure customer satisfaction.

• High quality. When it comes to modular constructions, the level of quality can exceed expectations because there are strict quality control procedures that are implemented for a more efficient process. Multiple inspections on the modules are normally performed at each stage of the process. The construction components are evaluated and given approval by certain agents of the state.

• Maintenance cost reductions. Modular homes and commercial buildings are designed and build with energy efficient features such as added insulation for energy savings, energy efficient appliances that all work to reduce the utility expenses of a building, and other green building elements for the health and safety of the occupants.

• Multiple uses. These buildings have numerous uses and are likewise flexible and versatile. They can be used permanently or temporarily and have a lifespan of more than 30 years. In fact, modular structures can be used as temporary and permanent classrooms, health care and military facilities in both urban and traditional areas.

Conclusion

Due to their practical characteristics and quick turnaround time from groundbreaking to occupancy, modular structures offer many advantages for the end user vs. traditionally construction. With ease and speed of building and features like customization and flexibility, these buildings are set to become the next generation way of building homes, commercial buildings, educational facilities, hotels, and hospitals.

If sustainability is one of the goals for your building project, then a sober assessment of priorities will help to guide your selection of green building technologies.  Whether your project is a new construction, remodel or renovation, the sustainable identity of your home will only be genuine when its components and elements furnish positive returns on investment.  Unfortunately, the most visible and showy applications may offer the least value for supporting sustainability.  Solar collectors and panels can be exciting and enticing.  Unfortunately for our egos, it is most often the very common (even dull) conservation measures which furnish the biggest bang for the buck.

Conservation

A bit of clever design can find much opportunity for energy savings through conservation methods such as thick insulation, secure air barriers and construction detail which are carefully considered and executed.  Tight high quality windows and doors can reward investment.  Caulking and weather-stripping can be the most boring, but the most effective means of saving energy.  Don’t forget the lighting.  CFL and LED lamps can reduce electrical usage.  These and other basic conservation techniques should be the first considerations.

Passive Solar

The next most effective resource-conserving approach is passive solar architecture.  If your home is located at a site with southern exposure and in a cold climate, then a passive solar orientation can provide significant financial savings with little added expense.  Such application can be as simple as arranging more glass on the south side of the house than on the other sides.  If the sunshine entering these windows lands on masonry surfaces, then energy can be stored by day and slowly released during evening hours.  Modest overhangs will shade the heat gain during winter and allow the sunshine to enter during the winter due to the seasonable changes of the sun’s motion.  The simplicity of such designs is appealing.  Passive solar architecture can be accomplished without moving parts (except for the sun) and is therefore affordable and reliable.

Passive Solar Home Design

Active Solar

Finally, for those who have taken advantage of all of the above opportunities and still wish to venture further into sustainable home design, then active solar collection systems may be appropriate.  These will include photovoltaic power generation and domestic water heating systems.  In locations where water is scarce, rainwater harvesting and grey-water recycling may be employed.   All of these installations however will represent significant investment and financial returns must be carefully examined to determine if they are economically justified in each particular application.  Tax credits and deductions may be available for these systems (as with conservation and passive solar expenses) and these incentives will vary from region to region.  Full financial analysis can be complicated, and solar panel installers can often lend helpful support.

PV Solar Power System

By establishing priorities, your project will follow sound principles that lead to architecture with integrity.  You will be assured that the green building measures employed in your sustainable project truly support your commitment to conserving energy and other resources.

As you can see from the image above this windows measure 72 degrees F, while outside temperature that day was 22 degrees, with a 27 F high. (Historic weather data).

The 50 degree difference in temperature is the free heat that enters your home and stays. Here is how the Solar Thermal Mass windows work: In a nut shell, it as a 2 inches thick air and water-tight container filled with special liquid that collects and stores solar thermal energy. Special chemicals added to the liquid prevent stain deposits on the inner walls if the unit. In the picture above, these units are used as building blocks, and cover almost half of the south-facing wall.

In the winter, when the sun is low, these solar thermal mass windows collect solar heat since the sun hits them directly. In the summer, the sun is much higher and with appropriate shading, these thermal mass windows keep the home well insulated without collecting any heat. Additionally, a special low emittance and high solar gain argon filled window unit is installed just outside the thermal windows, so they are not directly exposed to the outside temperature.

How to heat your existing how for free

The picture above was taken in a new construction house, but for most people the interesting question is how to use these thermal mass windows in the existing home or apartment?

My plan was simple: I have 6 large windows that face south and an unheated balcony which cannot be used in the winter because it is too cold there. In the heated living space, we have new double pane Low-E windows installed, which are much more efficient than the original single-pane wood windows from the 50′s. I am going to build an enclosure in which I can stack 4-6 thermal mass solar window units, and have them up in the window during the winter months, and take them out in the summer.

This will not be as efficient as the one in the new construction home above but it will certainly help reduce my heating bill and carbon footprint.

As for the balcony, I first need to replace all the single-pane glazing and then I can stack the thermal mass windows all along the bottom of the windows. I’ll build special shelves to make the process of putting them up for the winter, and removing them in the summer, easier.

Traditional Sash Windows – Thermal Performance Solution

Here is how to make your traditional sash windows more energy efficient…

Sash Windows

Traditional vertical sliding sash windows, are based on a simple design of two of sliding glass panels (top and bottom sashes) and have been part of the UK’s architectural heritage for over three hundred years. The sash window originates from 17th century England, where the first prototype, the single hung sash window, was created by Robert Hooke, an inventor specialized, among others, in mechanics and architecture. The first type was more basic than those created nowadays and can still be seen in some historic buildings, predominantly of aristocratic ownership.

Solutions

Instead of replacing traditional sash windows, there are multiple reasons why owners should opt for restoring them to their initial appearance and at the same time optimize their thermal performance.

Traditional Sash Window

Sash Window Repair

The restoration process is ideally to be carried out by specialized companies and is always adapted to the specific type of sash windows and its particular deficiencies. Common sash window repair works include, replacing sections of the box frame normally the lower section of pulley stiles, lower sections of outer linings, bottom rails and window sills and replacing missing puttying and repainting. Using traditional carpentry and joinery methods with advanced modern epoxy resins ensures a permanent repair. This process does not alter their original appearance but instead, mends the alterations brought to it by time and natural phenomena.

Sash Window Draught proofing

This is also very effective process if done correctly it maximizes heat retention in the home and minimizes heat and energy loss. Sash window draught proofing is less known perhaps, yet once a sash window has been overhauled and draught correctly, even old sash windows can equal modern ones in terms of energy efficiency.

In this process the staff beads and parting beads are replaced with new beadings with a draught proofing material permanently machined into the beads, top and bottom sash re-fitted and also fitted with a draught proofing material (usually a brush pile). The 4no sash cords are replaced and the counter balance weights are re-

Sash Window Draught proofing

weight to the correct counter balance ensuring the sash close with a minimum gap.

Resources:

Find more green Home Improvement Ideas at Green Home Ideas blog.

Sometimes all it means is installing a high-efficiency toilet. A traditional toilet will use thousands of gallons more water, over one year, than a high-efficiency toilet.

Green Toilet

Don’t flush your money down the drain, literally! A toilet alone can use up to 27 percent of the entire household’s water usage, according to the EPA.

If your home was built before 1994, chances are your bathroom fixtures aren’t saving you any money. New designs are required, by federal standards, to use less water. Replacing your toilets, showerheads, and faucets with low-flow models will save you money automatically, even if you don’t limit your use of the appliances themselves.

The newest kind of green toilet has a dual-flush mechanism, which uses one small flush when only a tiny amount of water is needed, and a second flush with more water when it’s needed.

Separate shower stalls can also save money, rather than the tub-shower combination. Running a bath, according to the EPA, can use seven times the energy as hopping in the shower. If your shower is separate, you won’t be tempted to have a seat and whip out the bubble bath.

Special thanks to Budget Bath for this article, Bath Remodeling Maryland
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