The fallout from climate change grows more noticeable with each passing year, which is why it makes sense to look for greener, more eco-friendly options in all aspects of your life, including your home. In honor of Earth Day, let’s run down some ways that you can celebrate planet Earth by going green at home and reducing your water and carbon footprints.
Convert Your Wood-Burning Fireplace to a Gas Fireplace Insert
Go green in the family room or den by converting your existing wood-burning fireplace to a gas fireplace insert. Croft Fireplace, the best gas fireplace source in Salt Lake City, UT, can help. A gas insert not only burns cleaner (releasing 75 percent less CO2 than wood) and is easier to use, but it also requires no work to get the fire started. Plus, you don’t need to clean up the ash created by burning.
Fill Your Garden With Native Species
Native species adapt readily to your local climate, which makes them easy to maintain. They also create a habitat for local wildlife, from butterflies to bumblebees. Shrubs and trees planted thoughtfully can also help to keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, reducing your overall energy use.
Greener Groceries
Organic food is a green choice because it is produced without harmful chemicals. However, if you can’t buy organic food produced locally, your good intentions are negated when the food is trucked in from thousands of miles away. Choose local (and organic if you can) instead.
Reducing meat consumption is also a green choice, since the production of livestock results in almost 15 percent of all human-induced greenhouse gases. And remember to bring reusable bags when you shop to reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the landfill.
Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If your home is still filled with older appliances, consider upgrading to energy-efficient models as soon as possible. One particular upgrade — the dishwasher — can be a big money saver. Replace your old one with an ENERGY STAR® certified model and reduce your energy costs by 12 percent. That’s in addition to the water savings it offers.
We hope these tips help you become more eco-friendly not only in celebration of Earth Day but in everyday life. Reach out to Croft Fireplace to learn more about gas fireplace conversions in Salt Lake City, UT.