CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/17354
to recognize that going green has many advantages and doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, going green can even help you save money — something that is always welcome in a sluggish economy. Don’t despair if you can’t afford to install bamboo floors, solar panels and radiant floor heating, like they do on popular renovation TV shows (which have lots of going-green dough in their budgets). Here are 10 green renovation tips that cost less than a Benjamin Franklin: YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A TREEHUGGER 3. Dust off your slow cooker. A slow cooker uses just .9 pounds of C02 1. New baby in the house? Cloth diapers are a must for many eco-minded parents, and with good reason. The average child goes through approximately 6,000 diapers in the first two years of life. Most disposable diapers do not decompose, so consider purchasing washable, all-in-one cloth diapers or eco-friendly diapers (like the ones above, purchased locally) that break-down after they’re used. for seven hours use. By comparison, a conventional oven uses 2.7 pounds of C02 in one hour alone. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy stews and braised meats and the slow cooker is one of the most energy efficient (and convenient!) tools in your kitchen. 5. Control your thermostat. Dress heavier inside during the winter and you could save $114 annually, just by adjusting your thermostat down three degrees. 4. Use candle light. It’s relaxing, retro and romantic and it doesn’t take any energy at all. If you’re just sitting around watching television, turn off the lights and enjoy some soy candles. 2. Build a compost bin. Composting keeps items out of your trash and out of the landfill. This means less energy is wasted transporting garbage and less methane is created at the landfill. Plus, you’ll have excellent fertilizer for your garden, a must with our sandy soil. This indoor compost bin — and lots of other neat stuff — can be purchased online at www.uncommongoods.com. 38 | Oct/Nov • 2010 6. Collect your rain. You can purchase rain barrels from the city for $60, and other places have them, too. In fact, assuming that it didn’t store chemicals in the past, a regular barrel can be easily converted into a rain barrel inexpensively. The water you collect can be used to water your plants and your lawn, helping the local water supply and your utility bill.