Springtime has finally arrived, just in time for your next home project. As the weather changes, consider “going green” with the season, promoting long-term sustainability and environmental friendliness. Read on as we share 3 ideas and tips:
It’s true that “April showers bring May flowers,” but they can also provide many other benefits when you harvest that extra rainwater. This process not only can help prevent street runoff, but rainwater contains naturally occurring nutrients that pipe water usually doesn’t have that can give your garden an extra boost, according to Agri-View. You can build your own rain barrel for runoff storage, fashion a rain chain as a stylish collection tool, or design a rock bed to transport rainwater throughout your yard—there are a lot of different harvesting options to try!
Roll up your sleeves, because it’s that time of year again—the flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping, and all the nooks and crannies of your home are ready for spring cleaning. To promote sustainable living in your household, consider mixing your own cleaning products as you begin to tidy up your living spaces. There are a lot of recipes available for environmentally friendly cleaning agents, and most of them can be made cost-efficiently with ingredients you already have. Start today with this recipe for a DIY glass cleaner:
Glass Cleaner Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups water
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1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
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1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration)
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Optional: 1-2 drops orange essential oil, for scent
Instructions:
Even by making some small, quick adjustments to your home, you can potentially save big on both energy consumption and its related costs. For instance, switch out incandescent light bulbs for energy-saving bulbs, as they are more efficient and should help reduce your electricity bill. Turn off electronic equipment when you’re not in the room (standby mode still uses energy!), and consider air-drying dishes and clothes. For a fun project, install films over your glass windows—they can help keep heat out during warmer months and cold out during colder months, allowing you potential savings on heating and air conditioning.
What other home improvement projects are you planning on this season to boost your springtime home efficiency? Tweet us your favorite tips @Shea_Homes!