In this day and age of “living green”, here are many things to think about as you update your home. From new toilets to xeriscaping your yard, every little bit of saving helps.

Because water is a precious commodity, lowering the amount you use every day is a step in the right direction. And with multiple people in your family who all love to spend time in a warm shower, it can be a way to quickly see the savings pile up. By improving the efficiency of your shower, you can have more comfortable showers, as well as save a bit on your utility bills. The following tips will help you increase the efficiency of your shower.

The easiest way to make your shower more efficient is to install an energy-efficient showerhead. These showerheads have a slower flow rate. They use less water per minute, yet are powerful enough that most people do not notice a difference in water pressure. Install an energy-efficient showerhead and you may notice a difference on your next water bill.

Once you have a low flow showerhead in place, you can eliminate water waste by installing a recirculating system. In most cases people leave the shower running for several minutes to warm up before stepping in. This eliminates the need for “warm up” time as you will instantly have access to warm water.

Sealing off your shower from airflow is another way to make it more efficient. Instead of having to compete with dry air, your shower will, essentially be in a world of its own. You can accomplish this by installing sealed shower units. The doors on these units normally close tight and have a rubber seal. Instead of a hanging shower curtain that allows air into the shower, you now have a door to keep the dry air out and the moist air in.

Sealing your shower makes your shower work less to keep you comfortable. When dry air reaches the shower, you probably find yourself turning up the hot water just to stay warm and cozy. Eliminating the drafts will eliminate the problem. You may also notice less steam. Less steam means a lower chance for mold to develop.

By making your shower more efficient, you can save on your utility bills and have a more pleasurable shower. A few changes will have your shower operating efficiently, your utility bills lower and your wallet just a bit fatter. Everyone wins with an efficient shower, including you and the environment.

Related posts:

1. Is Your Water Heater Really Energy Efficient? Whether it’s cheaper gas, sales on groceries, discounts on insurance,...
2. The Evolution Of Shower Heads The next time you are standing under the water streaming...
3. Adding A Steam Shower To Your Bathroom Redesign On these cold winter mornings, nothing feels better than standing...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

New Years Even is just around the corner. Have you made your New Years resolutions yet?

While everyone makes the standard resolutions – diet, exercise more, get organized – maybe its time to make simple resolutions you can keep. And one’s that will make a difference in the world around you too.

1. Use energy only where you need it
How many times have you walked out of a room and left the lights on or the TV going? If you’re going to be in the kitchen cooking, and won’t be returning for an hour or more, why not turn everything off? Not only will you make a difference in energy consumption, your electricity bill will be lower as well.

2. Shut off the water
Its easy to turn on the shower to warm up while you continue to do chores around the house. Instead, get ready and monitor the temperature. You’ll be surprised at how quickly the water warms, and will be able to reduce your water consumption too.

3. Eliminate the use of paper towels
One of the biggest sources of waste in our homes is paper waste. Instead of relying on paper towels to clean up messes, consider investing in rags, towels or microfiber clothes. If you store them in convenient places, they’ll be ready and waiting for you when you need them.

4. Reusable bags
If you haven’t made the switch to reusable bags, make this the year. The average family shops weekly and gets several bags at a time. Leave your bags in the car so that you won’t forget them the next time you head out. You can get cloth bags for staples and insulated bags for your cold items. And instead of using a product weekly that uses scarce petroleum products, why not use one you can reuse and throw in the wash when it needs it?

5. Check your home for drafts
Especially in this freezing weather, its easy to find cold spots and drafts. Check windows and doors and see where your cold spots are. If you feel air coming through, caulk the windows and replace weatherstripping. This can save you in more ways then one if your plumbing is on an outside wall.

6. By local
Summer is a great time to shop the farmers markets. Here in Denver they are all over town. Even in the winter months you can look at your supermarket for local foods, including meats, eggs, dairy and flowers. Its great to support our local Rocky Mountain communities, and your food will be fresher too.

7. Use shorter cycles
If you have a newer dishwasher and washing machine, check to see if they have quick cycles. A quick cycle will get your dishes and clothes just as clean using less water.

Related posts:

1. Going Green? Maybe A Bidet Is The Answer Thinking of going green in your bathroom? Here in Colorado...
2. What You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint You carbon footprint is the environmental impact of carbon emissions...
3. The Impact of Recycled Toilet Paper Americans are constantly reminded of the importance of going green...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

This Saturday, we’ll be celebrating World Toilet Day.

Toilets are probably the last thing on your mind as you head through your busy day. And its probably not something you discuss with your friends as you get together for a great meal and a bottle of wine.

Toilets are something we’ve come to rely on and rarely think about here in America. Yet throughout the world, 2.6 billion people, or 40 percent of the world’s population, do not have access to adequate sanitation.

Without access to an adequate sanitation system, people resort to using their environment as their toilets: open fields, roadsides, buckets, rivers and streams. All of this leads to water borne diseases such as acute diarrhea, cholera and dysentery, and the eventual outcome is death.

All because they don’t have a system in place that is easily available throughout the rest of the world.

Everyone should have the right to access a toilet, and know they have a sanitation system in place that will keep their families safe and healthy, and make their environment a better place to live.

And on November 19th, you can help by taking just a minute to help celebrate World Toilet Day. Start by visiting their website – WorldToilet.org

Look at the facts – some of them are startling. For instance, did you know that the majority of the illness in the world is caused by fecal matter. Almost one tenth of the global disease burden could be prevented by improving water supply, sanitation, hygiene and management of water resources.

Take part in an activity, or set one up in your community – Events are occurring all over the world. How about learning about disaster preparedness in Oregon, or taking part in the Golden Poo awards in the UK? With events all over the world, how can our communities right here in Colorado get involved?

Have fun with it – People are invited to find the weirdest toilet signs in the world and share them on the World Toilet Facebook page.

Related posts:

1. Improving Toilets One At A Time Unclean drinking water is a problem in many areas of...
2. World Water Day 2011 Today is World Water Day, a day dedicated to making...
3. What Water Means To The World An interesting article came out in Fast Company magazine about...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Americans are constantly reminded of the importance of going green to save our planet.  The grocery store carries “green” cleaning products and consumable goods.  Companies promote their eco-friendly ways, and everyone talks about the negative effects of global warming.

You have probably made changes in your home to help the environment.  You might be using those green cleaning products.  Maybe you are the type that takes reusable bags with you to the store.  Amid all your green efforts, did you know that your choice of paper products could also help the cause?

The Natural Resources Defense Council has stated that if each American household replaced one roll of regular toilet paper for one roll of 100% recycled paper, we could save almost 43,000 trees.  That’s after replacing a single roll.  Imagine how many trees we could save if we only used recycled toilet paper.

Not only does recycled toilet paper cut down on the number of trees cut down each year; it also saves energy and cuts down waste like air and water pollution.  Recycled paper doesn’t require the same processing as new paper.  A simplified production leads to a reduced environmental impact.  Recycled paper also makes use of products that would otherwise be disposed of, so recycled paper also means less waste.

While recycled paper has many positive aspects, there is one aspect people tend to find less desirable: the softness or lack thereof.  While it is true that many recycled toilet paper brands lack the softness of non-recycled brands, soft brands do exist.  You probably had to shop around a bit before you found a brand of regular toilet paper you liked.  Similarly, you might have to try a few brands before you find one you like.  Just don’t give up if the first one doesn’t have everything you want from your toilet paper. The positive impact on the planet is well worth it.

Related posts:

1. Can Your Toilet Paper Clog Your Toilet? There is nothing quite as distressing as flushing your toilet...
2. Things You Can Do With A Toilet Paper Roll Recycling has become a huge part of society. The world...
3. Going Green? Maybe A Bidet Is The Answer Thinking of going green in your bathroom? Here in Colorado...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

When you get a glass of water from your kitchen sink, you probably do not think twice before drinking it. After all, your water supply should be safe for drinking, cooking and bathing. We monitor it, right?

However, all water supplies are NOT filtered equally – and there could be a variety of things in your water. Things that you do not know about, and that you may actually question why you are putting it into your body. Understanding what could be in your water supply will help you ensure that your water is safe for your family’s needs.

If your water is an odd color, such as brown or yellow, this is likely to be from rust. The rust can be located in your home’s pipes or in the city’s pipes. Determining where the rust is coming from is the first step in getting rid of discolored water. Rusting pipes are a sign of corrosion and can lead to leaking pipes. If you are unable to determine where the problem lies, contact a plumber for help.

If your water appears to be cloudy or milky, you probably have air in your lines. The best way to determine if air is the culprit is to fill a glass with water. Let it sit on your counter for a few minutes. If it is air, the water will start to clear from the bottom up. If the water is still milky after five minutes, contact your local water department for information on further testing.

Water tinted with green is usually caused by copper plumbing that is corroding. Algae in water supplies can also lead to green water. Algae does not represent a health risk, so you can try filtering your water if the color is bothersome. You can also contact your water supplier for more information. Blue water is usually a sign of severe corrosion of copper plumbing. If this happens, you need to consult a plumber to determine if the problem is within your lines and, if so, to replace the lines.

As far as scent, two common scent issues are chlorine and sulfur. If you notice a strong chlorine scent, contact a plumber to have your lines flushed. If the problem persists or is determined to be in the water supply, contact your water department for information. If you notice a sulfur odor, this is normally from your drain. You can disinfect the drain and pipes and the problem should go away. If you are ever unsure of what is causing your water to look or smell odd, seek professional advice.

Related posts:

1. Ask a Plumber: Common Plumbing Questions about Shutting Off the Water Supply There is a common saying that what you don’t know...
2. What is Hard Water? You are probably familiar with the term “hard water.”  You...
3. Why Does Water Quality Change? Have you ever gone on vacation to another city, and...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

If you are like many people, you try and avoid using harsh chemicals to keep your home clean. However, rising prices and a struggling economy can make it difficult to afford the “green” cleaners with the higher price tag. You may find yourself buying affordable cleaners that contain potentially dangerous chemicals. While this may not be your first choice of cleaning, you need a clean home, right? Fortunately, there are better alternatives for cleaning products than the ones filled with harsh, dangerous chemicals.

If you need an all-purpose cleaner, try mixing some common, household items to create a cleaner that is safe and works. Borax, vinegar, and washing soda are much safer than many of the cleaning products on the market. Mixed with hot water and castile soap, you can create an all-purpose cleaner for everyday use.

Vinegar and water mixed in equal parts will also create a safe, efficient cleaner.

Microfiber cloths are a great alternative to chemical cleaners. These cloths work without the use of any cleaner and trap dirt, grease and grime within the fibers. You can always add a touch of water for those hard-to-clean areas.

If you need a carpet cleaner, break out the borax, salt and vinegar. A quarter of a cup of each will create a paste that you can rub into the carpet. Let it sit for a few hours and vacuum.

Baking soda is a good way to deodorize your carpet, as well as your refrigerator.

If you need a disinfectant, borax and water will serve the purpose.

Baking soda, vinegar and boiling water work well for breaking up clogs in your drains.

Vinegar can be used as a rinse aid for your dishwasher, as well as a fabric softener in your washing machine.

Instead of spraying air-fresheners in each room, add a box of baking soda in a discreet area to absorb odor. You can also use flowers and herbs to create various scents.

Related posts:

1. Keeping Your Faucets Clean With Environmentally Friendly Products Cleaning products have come a long way over the years....
2. What Are Your Cleaners Really Made Of? Have you ever thought about what you are putting on...
3. The Affects of Minerals On Your Faucets The faucets in your home can be a source of...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Have you ever thought about what you are putting on your home’s surfaces when you clean?

The next time you spray your counters or tabletops with a cleaner, take the time to read the ingredients. Chances are that you will have no clue what all of the ingredients are, and probably will not be able to say a variety of them.

Do you worry about overloading your home and your family with too many chemicals – all for the sake of a clean home? A closer look at a few common ingredients will reveal what your cleaners are made of.

Ammonia is a chemical found in various cleaners. When it is mixed with bleach, it can form a poisonous gas. It can cause burning of the eyes, nose, and mouth. It can even cause damage to your kidneys and liver.

DEA is a common ingredient that California considers to be a suspected carcinogen. It can be irritating to the skin and lungs, as well as cause burning of the eyes.

Fragrance is something that cleaners have to mask the odor of the chemicals. However, many fragrances are made up of even more chemicals – in some cases, up to 4,000 ingredients. Many of the ingredients in fragrances are suspected carcinogens. Some fragrances can lead to an asthma attack. Other hazards include headaches, vomiting, rashes, coughing, and dizziness.

Morpholine, found in many polishes and abrasive products, can burn your eyes and skin. It can even lead to blindness. This ingredient has been known to cause damage to the kidneys and lungs.

Phosphoric acid, found in many dishwashing detergents, can irritate the lungs, as well as burn your eyes and skin.

Sodium hypochlorite, also known as bleach, can irritate and burn your skin and eyes. It can irritate your respiratory system, making it very hazardous to those with asthma and heart problems. If bleach is consumed, it can lead to death.

Related posts:

1. How Drain Cleaners Work When you run the water in your kitchen sink, it...
2. Better Alternatives For Cleaning Products If you are like many people, you try and avoid...
3. What Fertilization Really Does To Your Lawn and Garden Everyone wants a lush, green lawn – one that is...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

You carbon footprint is the environmental impact of carbon emissions released by one company, household or individual through day-to-day activities over a given period of time.

Because carbon footprint makes the news almost every day, people are looking for ways to live a little bit more green. From the big changes to the little ones, every change helps make the environment safer and healthier for society.

If living a green life seems confusing and you find yourself unsure of where to start, start small. Reducing your carbon footprint, even by the tiniest bit, does not have to be complicated. And even the smallest of steps can make a big impact on the environment if everyone is doing their share.

Instead of heating up your water, use the cold water instead. Using cold water for washing clothes, for example, cleans them just as well, and reduces the amount of energy you consume heating water.

Use a recirculating system to have instant hot water available to you in the kitchen to wash your dishes, or the bathroom to take your showers. Thousands of gallons are wasted each year, simply from turning on the faucet and letting it run to warm up.

Buy local when possible. Find out where your nearest farmers market is. Or use a market that shops locally. If something is grown close to home, it means extra energy was not expended shipping it to your area.

Don’t impulse buy – instead, take your time and browse the stores. Make sure that an item is truly needed, not just wanted.

Make small changes around your home, such as sealing cracks and drafts, using lower wattage light bulbs, and cleaning filters on heating and air units. Even turning off lights when you leave a room will make a difference in your energy consumption.

Fly direct when possible instead of switching planes several times. Flying direct has an impact on energy consumption – it takes more energy for several planes to fly various places, especially when they go out of your way, than it does to fly from directly from point A to point B.

Unplug items that you do not frequently use. Many appliances have a standby mode that consistently pulls a small amount of energy, even when it is not being used. Unplugging will save small amounts of energy that quickly add up.

Buy a reusable water bottle instead of disposable water bottles.

Check the packaging on items you purchase and look for recycled symbols and other information that let you know you are buying an item with packaging made in an Earth-friendly manner.

Multi-tasking will allow you to get several things done at once, such as running various errands at one time instead of taking repeated trips for each errand.

Related posts:

1. Would Knowing A Products Water Footprint Help You Save? You’ve probably heard the term “carbon footprint”. And most likely...
2. How the Colorado Carbon Fund is Helping Colorado The Colorado Carbon Fund, or Project C, is a project...
3. The Water Footprint Network When was the last time you thought about water? Chances...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

As the country becomes more aware of the impact we have on the environment, more people are trying to live a green life. Going green can involve many things, such as simply shutting off lights and installing low-flow showerheads, to installing solar panels and driving a hybrid car. No matter what level of green living you choose, it is important to remember that every little bit helps.

One way you can help protect the environment and do your part for Mother Nature is by making sure your plumbing is green. These tips will help you keep your plumbing green.

Perform regular maintenance on your washer and dryer. It is likely that you will use your washer and dryer more in the warmer seasons. This additional use of water makes it imperative for you to save as much as you can. Check your washing machine hoses for cracks and leaks. Keep your dryer running at its best by cleaning the lint trap regularly. All of these “little” things lead to more power and water being used. Proper upkeep will keep your utility bills lower and help save water.

Keep your ductwork clear of debris. This is the easiest way to avoid plumbing backups. Perform regular checks of any seams and visible pipes for leaking. You can even call in a plumber once or twice a year to perform a professional inspection. This is an easy way to ensure that all of your plumbing is functioning properly. A plumber can check for root blockage and other potential problems, saving time, money and energy in the long run.

Before taking a vacation, make a few simple adjustments to save money and energy. Turn your air conditioner thermostat to a reasonable level and turn your water heater down. These little adjustments will prevent these major appliances from “kicking on” too often while you are away.

Doing a few small things can have a huge impact on the environment. Imagine if every person made just one or two small changes – the world would be a much better place. Do your part for the environment by maintaining your plumbing to be efficient and cost-effective.

Related posts:

1. Going Green? Maybe A Bidet Is The Answer Thinking of going green in your bathroom? Here in Colorado...
2. The Impact of Recycled Toilet Paper Americans are constantly reminded of the importance of going green...
3. What You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint You carbon footprint is the environmental impact of carbon emissions...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

More people are installing low flow toilets as a way to live life a little bit greener. Low flow toilets use less water than standard toilets. Less water not only saves on your monthly water bill but it is also better for the environment.

However, low flow toilets are not without their problems. Many people have experienced problems with flushing. Even city septic systems have felt the effects of low flow toilets because the reduced amount of water does not provide enough “oomph” to flush the waste away.

If you have experienced a problem with flushing, you can always flush again. However, this kind of defeats the purpose of low flow toilets because you are not saving money if you have to flush twice every time.

Newer toilets have addressed this lack of “oomph” are now able to get rid of all the waste the first time. You may have to consider upgrading your toilet to a newer model if you have a flushing problem.

Another reason for flushing problems could be your plumbing. If you have outdated plumbing, you might have to upgrade if you want your plumbing compatible with your toilet. If upgrading your plumbing is not within your budget, you can buy pressure-assisted toilets. These toilets are low flow, yet they also use pressurized air from the tank to help push waste down the drain. Keep in mind that these toilets are more expensive and louder than regular, low flow toilets.

Another way to ensure that your toilet operates the way it is supposed to operate is by paying attention to what goes into your toilet. Avoid flushing paper towels and other types of trash. Avoid using in-tank cleaners because these can eventually deteriorate the mechanisms in your toilet. Finally, if parts need replacing, try to find manufacturer’s parts to make the replacements rather than after-market parts, or talk with your plumber to find the best solutions for your system. This will help to ensure that your toilet continues to work exactly the way the manufacturer designed it to work.

Related posts:

1. What Is Wrong With Low Flow Toilets? Low flow toilets help save water, an important feature in...
2. Improving Toilets One At A Time Unclean drinking water is a problem in many areas of...
3. The Real Reason You May Be Having Sewer Problems Sewer problems are a mess – literally. Having issues with...

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.