How To Go Green
Keep it simple to make a positive impact
You've probably noticed going green is everywhere these days - in the news, politics, technology, and real estate. This is excellent as it shows that sustainability is growing in popularity. However, with a million messages and ideas coming at us from all sides, it is easy to suffer a little 'green fatigue' and just be overwhelmed by it all.
The truth is, every single thing we do everyday has an impact on the planet, good or bad. The good news is that as an individual, we have the power to control most of our choices. Embracing a greener lifestyle isn't just about saving the rain forests, it means improving your health, padding your wallet, and ultimately, improving your overall quality of life.
Check out our 'green resources' page for more information on how you can go green.
How To Green Your Home:
Top Five
1. Proper Insulation
Proper insulation will ensure that expensive energy that's heating and cooling your home isn't escaping out the windows or through the roof. Unfortunately, there isn't anything you can do to completely prevent heat from escaping from your house in the cool months, or entering the home in the warm months, but properly insulating the walls and attics can slow the rate significantly.
2. Tankless Water Heater
We've all waited for the water in the shower to heat up on a cold winter morning. But while you're waiting, you're paying for that cold water to go down the drain. You're also paying for your water heater to store, heat and reheat the supply of water in the tank. Tankless Water Heaters heat only the water that is needed as it passes through an electric coil. This eliminates excess energy costs and wasted energy associated with a tank.
3. EnergyStar HVAC System and Appliances
Home heating and cooling costs add up at the end of the year, especially in Ottawa's climate. Upgraded EnergyStar rated HVAC system will help you save energy and money. EnergyStar appliances also help you save energy and money. They are often priced comparable to less efficient ones, or if more expensive are only awarded EnergyStar labelling if the consumer would make up the extra cost in water and energy savings within a reasonable amount of time.
4. Low-Flow Plumbing Fixtures
There are many low-flow fixtures that will help cut down on your water use and water bill, including faucets, showerheads and toilets. Toilets use approximately 26% of the water in your home! Old toilets used as much as 13 litres per flush! Traditional toilets uses about 6 litres per flush. Modern, high efficiency toilets today tend to use as little as 4.8 litres per flush which can add up to a savings of 11,000 litres of water per toilet, per year.
5. LED and CFL Lighting
LED and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) offer incredible energy and cost savings over regular incandescent bulbs. EnergyStar certified bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, last 10-25 times longer, and saves you $40 to $135 in energy bills over their lifetime.
Natural Resources says by eliminating incandescent bulbs and switching to CFLs and LEDs would deliver between $749 million and $2.4 billion in energy and green house gas savings for Canadians, including 7.5 mega-tonnes of reduced annual greenhouse gas emissions by 2025.
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