During this economic crisis and continued global warming, the need for sustainable development has become a now issue instead of a later issue. Both private and government entities (including the EPA) have come up with programs and products that promote “green” production and consumption. These environment-friendly practices are now being used in numerous firms and industries.
But what about our own homes and businesses? Are our homes as “green” as they should be? The Green Effect means that people know they now have to help.
Continued efforts to sustain the environment should first and foremost be undertaken under our own roofs. This can be undertaken with the use of products that consume less energy and other resources. Over time, the use of these products can result not only in savings but also in the reduction of waste and materials harmful to our homes and the environment.
Here’s a quick list of several items many agree can make all the difference.
Reusable shopping bags
The impact of just one person changing to reusable bags over a two-year period is significant. Used twice a week for two years a consumer would save 832 plastic bags from going in a landfill.
Heat-energy recovery system
Sensible Heat Energy Recovery System (SHERS) uses heat generated from an air-conditioner or refrigerator to heat water. Payback period is anywhere from six months to two years
Compostable Trash Bags
These BioBags are made from GMO free starch and are 100% biodegradable and 100% compostable.
Biodegradable Cellulose Sandwich bags
Typical plastic bags are derived from petroleum and take well over a lifespan to decompose. These biodegrade in 30 to 90 days in soil, but actually keep food lasting longer, since, unlike plastic, they don’t release gases which spoil food taste.
The Eco Bio Block
Made of volcanic stones and beneficial bacteria, is used to purify water in home aquariums, water tanks and big bodies of water such as ponds, lakes and marshes. When placed in aquariums around 20 gallons or less, there is no need to filter, clean or change water for a period of one to three years.
Low Flow faucets
Moen has heard mother nature’s call for water conservation by coming up with a line of WaterSense-certified bathroom faucets. With the help of new aerator technology these Moen faucets use 30% less water than other models but still feel just as powerful on your hands.
Biowash ball
Washing clothes without using a detergent may seem strange. Introducing the Anabess biowash ball, it’s made of natural ceramics & alters the chemical composition of the water so it can wash clothes more effectively without liquid detergent. It should last over 3 years. Think of the savings in gas from running to the store for more detergent.
Compact fluorescent lamp
Much has been said about the efficiency of compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs. They last about 5x longer than incandescent lamps and consume 80 percent less energy with the same level of brightness. Companies such as Purely Products even carry CFLs that double as ionizers for the room, eliminating the need for an unsightly ionizer on the floor.
Air-con with inverter technology
The Panasonic Envio series of air-conditioners makes use of an “inverter technology” that changes compressor operation speed to match a changing room temperature and adjust power output accordingly, which leads to reduced energy consumption of up to 50 percent, while the equipment only costs about 14% more than the average AC. The payback period may be expected in about seven months.
Smart Surge Protector
Green Home introduced a smart surge protector. The power strip can ’sense’ the movement of electrical current through the strip’s brain. This unique feature enables the Smart Strip to turn off selected equipment when it’s not in use saving you money.
A small electronic device inside the Smart Strip monitors the current on a single outlet. Let’s say the computer is plugged into that single outlet. When your computer is finished shutting down, the current draw from the computer drops to its idle current — and the Smart Strip senses the current change, automatically shutting off all of the computer peripherals.
Now that you know about these products start using them. By changing just a few things we routinely use, we each can do our part.
Tags: climate change, global warming