Aug

11

How To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Filed Under Green Plumbing 

The term “carbon footprint” refers to the amount of greenhouse gas that each of us emits into the environment, whether directly or indirectly. In an effort to go green, people have begun to realize how a large carbon footprint can affect the environment negatively, and are looking for ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Not only will reducing your carbon footprint give back to the earth, it will also allow you to become more energy efficient in the process. Just by doing these few things, you can start on the path to living greener.

Make your gardens greener
Use perennial plants and vegetables instead of annuals. Even in the tiniest of yards, you can plant trees, vines, bushes and plants that will give you a “farmers market” throughout the growing season. Cover the ground with wood chips to keep weeds out and moisture in. Compost throughout the year for a natural fertilizer. And water early morning and on a timed cycle. Invest in rain gauges to avoid watering when we do receive rain.

Recycle
Start recycling all you can – paper, plastics, ink, and even larger items like appliances and computers. Buy reusable cloth bags and water bottles to do your daily shopping, and to avoid using disposable water bottles and cups throughout the day. As a green plumber, we make an effort to recycle as much as we can after fixing or replacing your household items.

Use less gas
Especially with the latest oil spill, oil and gas tends to be on everyone’s minds. While we’re enjoying our Colorado summer, take advantage of the nice weather and bike or walk to work, or over to mass transit. Mow your lawn less frequently, and reduce the amount of grass you have by xeriscaping.

Reduce your water usage

  • Install a low-flow showerhead. Combine this with taking shorter showers, and you’ll double your savings. Even by reducing your average shower time by a minute, you’ll end up saving both water and energy.
  • Run your dishwasher less frequently. Though dishwashers make things easier for us, they also use a lot of energy. By running it only when it’s full, you can reduce how much energy you use. Also consider doing small loads by hand in a small amount of water.
  • Wash full loads of laundry. More loads mean more water usage. By filling the washer up, you’ll get the most usage for the least amount of energy. Also wash your clothes in cold to avoid using extra energy to heat the water.
  • Install new appliances into your home. Older models simply aren’t as efficient as newer, more efficient models. And with many rebate options available today, now is the perfect time to do some updating.

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