In hopes of creating a better future, we wanted to put out some valuable information on how to make your home more energy-efficient and eco-friendly. According to Rubicon, about 75% of American waste is recyclable, yet we only recycle 30% of it. Furthermore, the United States could build a 12-foot wall from Los Angeles to New York City (2,794 miles) with the amount of office paper thrown out each year. We can all do our part to reuse and recycle, and there is a myriad of new home and building products that help us do our part to conserve without even trying. Here at Offerpad, we’re passionate about energy conservation and green products and leaving our world in a better place for future generations.
There are countless ways to make your home more eco-friendly, here are just a few you can take to help save the planet, and maybe even save some money too.
Conserve water
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 40 states anticipate water shortages by 2024 so the need to curb excess water usage is critical. One simple way to save water is to switch out your toilet. Older models can account for 27% of a home’s water. Simply upgrading will improve conservation, but new dual flush models, like Kohler’s Wellworth, allow you to select more or less water for flushing.
Energy conservation
Easy fixes include replacing light bulbs with LED models and using smart home devices, like Nest, to control a home’s temperature. More complicated upgrades, like new energy-efficient windows, can save money over the lifetime of the window. But one of the most overlooked fixes is to update the home’s insulation. Spray foam insulates and seals anywhere air can escape — attics, basements, gaps — which will keep a home warmer or cooler depending on the season.
Go solar
Investing in solar panels is a great way to lower monthly energy bills, conserve fossil fuels and harness the power of the sun. The cost might be a bit more upfront, but longevity energy saving is the primary goal here. Companies like Elevation Solar provide professional solar panel installation, who continue to pave the way for solar panels in the southwestern region.
Recycled materials
Americans throw away 2.5 million plastic bottles every hour. Every hour! Plastic bottles rarely become another bottle, but the plastic is being used in ingenious ways, including home products. Mohawk Flooring’s Everstrand is made from 100% recycled materials, including plastic bottles, and includes stain resistance and unbeatable performance.
Sustainable products
While living roofs haven’t quite become mainstream, they do help reduce a home’s energy use by 25%. However, having a yard on top of your home isn’t for everyone. Using cork for flooring is a sustainable and beautiful option — stripping the bark of the cork tree doesn’t harm the tree and as such is sustainable and renewable. Bamboo, which grows quickly and prolifically, is another good interior flooring option.
With great new options to help make our homes more sustainable, celebrate healthy green living and continue making eco-friendly strides preserving the Earth for generations to come.
