Going Green in Style

Going green is the trend that many people are getting on board.  But, everyone has a limit.  They feel as if they are being dragged back into the cave days with no light, no heat, and no running water.

But, that doesn’t have to be true.

 

...Going green is getting advanced and you don't have to compromise looks. In fact, a home can be completely made over and look absolutely beautiful. Plus, the changeover can save you money now as well as in the future when you start to see your energy bills becoming increasingly small.

 

Straw as Insulation

You may have never thought of it. The last time you might have heard of straw in relation to home construction was when the Big Bad Wolf was blowing a pig's house down. But, straw makes a great insulation.

First, it's a waste product left over from the harvesting of what are known as "cereal crops." That is oats, rice and wheat type crops. Bundles from rice straw are easier to use when insulating your home. And don't get confused between straw and hay. Hay won't do. It has weeds and other impurities in it. But, straw is pure.

Also, straw is fire resistant as well as hurricane and earthquake resistant. The straw bundles are packed so tightly that they don't allow for much oxygen. Fire can't exist without oxygen. Furthermore, they have a certain give to them that allows for a structure to survive such things as heavy winds and shifting ground. I know these concepts might run counterintuitive to what you have always been taught. Once again, I blame the Three Little Pigs. But, check it out and see if what I say isn't true!

 

Using Salvage Doors and Windows

Actually, don't stop at salvage doors and windows. Anything you come across that was used in an old house or abandoned building can be used around your home. It adds a touch of romance and it keeps you from buying new.

The next time you have to replace something, think of salvage materials. A broken glass window can be replaced with more broken glass. If you are committed to making it look more like a theme than a one-time deal, you'll have an attractive window that will get positive attention from the neighbors.

Use salvaged doors on the inside of your home for entrances and exit ways from one room to another. They don't really even have to have a purpose. A door in the middle of a hallway can break up a long wall. But, it can also serve as further insulation. Close it on cold nights when the family is gathered together in one room. Fire up the ventless fireplace and you'll find yourself warm and cozy in no time.

 

Catch Your Own Water

I'm not suggesting taking yourself completely off the grid with solar panels and water catching devices. No, keep your plumbing. I'm just saying that a nice system can be put in your back yard that catches water.

You can literally design your entire back yard to catch water while not compromising the landscaping. In fact, make the system part of the landscaping that directs all water to flow down toward the home where you can store it in tanks that can be placed underground if you think they are an eyesore. If you look into it, you just might find that you can collect hundreds of gallons of water a year and save yourself greatly on your water bill in addition to your energy bill.

 

Simple changes as you learn more about your home and your environment is all it takes to make your home more green every year. I'm not telling you to jump in with both feet and totally alter everything you knew about life. But, I am trying to say to be more aware of the things you should be doing. Who knows? You just might like the changes you make and start tackling more.

 

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