By Jennifer Moore, Greener Ideal
Global warming, toxic waste, pollution, illness all are tell-tale signs of a rapidly deteriorating world.
That’s exactly the reason why we should all do our part and implement new products and technologies that are green and eco-friendly. Sure – if we are thinking of remodeling or building a home, we can think of eco-friendly materials such as solar panels, but there are also other types of products that can make our home greener. It’s important that we start thinking of using recycled materials, water efficient appliances and low energy products.
The following are just a few green technology products we can integrate into our homes.
ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
The Energy Star standard is there for consumers, and is a set rating implemented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and now used worldwide. This is star rating that informs consumers just how energy efficient an appliance is. It is an effort to conserve energy and prevent further greenhouse effects, so when buying appliances, be sure to look for the highest Energy Star standard available.
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
Many homeowners are looking into renewable energy source products, installing solar water heaters, gas power generation, hot space and water heating products. These are energy efficient but more importantly, they are low cost in maintenance and operation.
WHAT TYPE OF PRODUCTS ARE THESE?
WIND TURBINE
Well, for instance, there are home wind turbines that offer electrical power in 48, 24 or 12 VDS. These are small turbines that sit on the top of a home and measure about 55 inches high and 30 inches in diameter. The cost of these turbines is still somewhat high at starting costs of just over $10,000.
SOLAR HEATERS
These are also nifty little alternative energy products. These are heaters that use the sun’s energy to heat air and then pass it through the home’s thermal chimney and into the room, making for warmer winter indoor temperatures without the need for standard electricity.
ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING MATERIALS
Okay, so many homeowners haven’t gone as far as installing solar heaters, panels or wind turbines, but many do now use eco-building materials.
These have a minimal impact on the environment and also help conserve energy. They need minimal maintenance and can be cleaned without toxic chemicals.
For instance, cellulose insulation offers a low organic compound that has a minimal effect on the environment. And of course, when we talk of eco-friendly building materials we refer to those made of plants, sustainable lumber, recycled stone and non-toxic products.
Green homes are efficient and make good use of sunlight, wind and save energy.
THE ECO-FRIENDLY BUILDING CONCLUSION
There are many ways to make your home greener. It’s not a process that starts with construction, especially not if you already own your home. But it is one that starts with the products you buy. This can be everything from the alarm clock you need to that pretty throw rug (get one made of bamboo). It’s all just a matter of everyone thinking a little GREENER.
Source Greener Ideal