Going Green

Here are some tips to help up the value of your home, save your money over all and help out the environment as well.

• Replace your furniture with more sustainable choices. Donate what you replace, don’t throw away. Others less fortunate can benefit from the old furniture till they can replace for more sustainable options as well. Look for furniture that is made from organic wool, batting and natural latex foam rubber. Use wood for shelving and other options from salvaged trees that are local as well.

• Look for room lamps and other options from items that have been recycled or repurposed such as fruit crates and other sources.

• Look for flooring options that are backed by the Forest Stewardship Council.

• Ask about carbon credits through your natural gas company in your area. Also ask about renewable energy credit through your power company where you can purchase wind energy from wind farms.

• Look into installing your walls and ceilings with eco-friendly foam insulation or even insulation made from old blue jeans.

• Install solar panels on your roof within the few years you decide to go eco-friendly. It can help supply the energy to your hot water heats or radiant heater and your other power sources throughout the home as well. Once you get established and know how much power you actually use, you can eventually go off the grid in time.

• Look into installing a geothermal-powered heating and cooling system. These heat and cool your home without producing greenhouse gas emissions.