5 Easy Steps to A Greener Home

​The greener living movement has grown over the last few decades and has expanded from a focus on reducing water and energy usage to a holistic approach that combines reducing consumption and recycling for environmental preservation.  A few simple tasks that can further reduce consumption can apply to apartments in Lafayette are provided below.
 
1. Fixing Air Leaks:
Studies have shown leaks around your windows and doors are responsible for 10 to 25 percent electricity waste. If you have poorly sealed windows, your heating or cooling system needs to do more work to maintain the temperature setting and this directly affects electricity consumption and expense.  A simple weather stripping from a local big box store for around $6 (for 17ft) will greatly reduce leaks and your utility bill.
 
2. Use Energy Saving Bulbs:
According to various studies by industry experts, 25% of average home energy budget goes to the light illumination. If you are using incandescent light bulbs in your home, not only do they consume more electricity but emit heat as well. This means you are using more electricity to cool your home in the summer. Using LED light bulbs can reduce electric consumption by 2/3rds and they remain cool.
 
3. Fix Water Leaks: 
Faucets or toilets leaks can wreak damage to your home and nature. While our access to fresh water is plentiful, waste of it is not deemed irresponsible and can cause an increase in your water bill.    You should check all the faucets, toilets and other water sources frequently and if you notice a leak, make sure you address it right away.
 
4. Avoid Plastic Material:
This can be a little harder to accomplish than the previous mention green living exercises.  But here are few suggestions that will go a long way. 

• Stop or limit using bottled water – In most cases, it is no safer than tap water and costs 3x's as much gasoline and 1000x's as much as tap water. 
• Bring your own reusable grocery bags with you when you go to the store.
• Use a refillable dispenser for your hand soap and dishwashing liquid.  Using a large bottle to refill is better than using and disposing of  a bunch of small ones.
• Try reusable container instead of sandwich bags.
• Bring your own to-go mug with you to the coffee shop.
• Avoid single-serving packaging, buy in bulk and store and freeze in reusable containers the extra portions.
• Bring and use silverware instead of plastic utensils

 
5. Utilizing Nature In Your Home:
Utilizing natural light and air are excellent steps to a greener home. When living in an apartment, use blinds and curtains to keep out the heat during Summer months.  During Fall and Spring, consider opening the windows and letting in the fresh air and natural light.
 
All the above practices provided are easy to implement and when necessary cost-effective to obtain.  If this is your first attempt a greener living, kudos on accepting the challenge.  Don’t be overwhelmed, try implementing one or two of the suggestions a month and in little to no time you be on your way to greener living.   If you are looking for luxury apartments in Lafayette Louisiana, call for a tour of our apartments today.

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