- 24
- Nov
Ever wondered about ‘going green’? This article explores the basic topics with a few examples of how to go green. Topics covered are issues with sustainable living, minimizing energy usage, creating a healthy environment in your home, and minimizing the carbon footprint your life creates. While this article is a great starting point, for comprehensive practical applications, please visit my green housing website.
If a home is built sustainably, it means that the products and practices used in construction can be maintained and used again and again over the long-term, i.e. “renewable”. The products need to be recyclable like steel, or re-grown quickly enough to support demand (i.e. bamboo & hemp grow so quickly that they can be harvested yearly as opposed to large trees which require tens of years to re-grow). If the machines used in the homes construction run on gas, that is not sustainable because our earth has a limited supply of oil (not to mention the harmful effects of emissions on our environment). These are just a couple examples.
Minimizing energy usage is a huge part of going green. Using energy efficient appliances is a great option when replacing appliances. Start with basics like replacing incandescent light bulbs with more efficient fluorescents or halogen lighting. Build solar tubes in your home to bring in more natural light so that you don’t need light bulbs at all! Use appliances in off-peak hours. Remember that most of our electricity currently comes from the burning of fossil fuels that are not renewable.
Seek better air quality within your home to optimize your healthy environment. Replace old air filters with sustainable/washable ones, buy an air purifier and check your home for mold/water damage. Make sure that any paint used is no VOF. Be sure to use green cleaning supplies.
You’ve heard “carbon footprint” I’m sure, but do you think about it in your home and with the products you buy? For example, it is always best to buy local foods (and other products) from the grocery store because they have travelled less distance (used less gas) to get here. Inquire about the production practices of the companies that you buy from – ensure that they are not polluting our earth to bring you the products you are using.
You can make a difference – do it little by little, day by day and you will be surprised where you’ll end up in 10 years. With continual effort, you will create change and a better world. If you are a local and are interested in San Diego green homes for sale, I welcome you to contact me.
Adam Pascu is a San Diego Realtor and green home specialist. He makes his living his passion by promoting the green home movement in San Diego and beyond. Use his website to find San Diego green homes for sale.
