Green Tips

Recycling and Energy saving Tips

Posted on 04 Dec 2008 under Green Tips

by ernesto

When building or remodeling a house, there are plenty of ways to practice smart recycling practices.

• Buy from material suppliers who commit to zero (or at least less) packaging.
• Use materials from recycled sources first, before moving on to buying new building products. You can find plenty of reclaimed or salvaged home building materials. Wood is a resource that you can often find recycled.
• Always return new, unused materials to your supplier.
• Buy local - this is a big issue if you’re going to need to return an item.
  • shipping equals gas use.
  • some people find the cost of sending an item back long distance cost prohibitive.
• Make sure to specify that your site is a recycling site. Set up recycling bins that are clearly marked. If you are remodeling, set up reclaimed material bins as well. Use smaller bins for items like nails and screws.
• If you’re using materials and products that can’t be returned to the supplier, say a 1/2 used package, or you’ve got some reclaimed materials that aren’t going to be used, be sure to donate them to a reuse center. Someone else may be able to use your recycled or unused materials.

In Texas, RecycleBank will reward you for recycling, and it pays by the pound.

This Winter, Save Money and Stay Warm.

Keep your energy bill and your pollution output low this winter by taking a whole-house approach to heating. Start with setting the thermostat as low as is comfortable. A programmable thermostat can help by adjusting the temperature according to your schedule. It's also important to weatherize your home-caulk and weatherstrip any doors and windows that leak air. Make sure your equipment is properly maintained and cleaned, and that furnace filters are replaced regularly. Finally, insulation is inadequate in many homes. Check the insulation in your attic, ceilings, exterior and basement walls, floors, and crawl spaces to see if it meets the levels recommended for your area.

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