Making Your Home Eco-Friendly

by Lori Madden 07/07/2019

When it comes to sustainable living and environmental conservation, everyone has a little part to play. With an eco-friendlier home, you can save water, save energy, save money and ultimately save the environment. All these without compromising beauty or quality. Here are a few ideas on making your home a little eco-friendlier that you may want to try out this year.

Change the Lighting. Whenever possible, lower energy uses by using natural sunlight, especially during the day. Install skylights in rooms that have no windows so more sunlight gets in. Remember to turn off the lights as you exit a room. And for maximum impact, replace all electrical bulbs with LED lights. They use less energy than regular bulbs and also last longer, saving you a lot of money in the long run.
Use water efficient shower heads and faucets. They will save you a lot of money in both water and heating bills because they reduce the amount of hot water you will use every day. Limit the time you spend in the bath too. Use the shower every day and save the bathtub for when you really need it. You can also save water by fixing water leaks in pipes and faucets or appliances like the heater and washing machine as soon as you notice them.
Update your electrical appliances to energy efficient models. Using old appliances in your home because they still work might not necessarily be saving money because the newer models of common appliances like dishwashers and microwave ovens are designed to use less energy. Larger appliances will help you save even more money.
Save energy on your laundry. Do your laundry with cold water instead of hot water. Wait for a full load of clothes before you decide to use the washing machine to save on water and energy. Where possible such as during the summer months, skip the dryer and dry your clothes on a line outside. They dry just as well.
Invest in solar panels. If it’s well within your budget, you might consider investing in solar panels. Although you may think the initial outlay a bit expensive, you will be able to save money in the long term and probably make some by generating electricity for others. Several local and state governments give credits for installing solar panels, find out if you are eligible from your neighborhood association.

Some eco-friendly ideas can significantly increase the value of your home. Talk to your real estate professional about the best options for your area and budget.

Eco Friendly Homes

Sustainable Living

Living Green

About the Author

Lori Madden

As a Florida native growing up in Sarasota, I have seen my hometown grow from a sleepy coastal town to a highly sought-after destination along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. After working in Chicago for 5 years, I returned to Sarasota and saw it through a new lens and really began to appreciate what makes Sarasota so desirable, including temperatures that allow for year round outdoor activities including tennis (a personal favorite), golf, boating, kayaking, fishing, paddle boarding, or just relaxing and/or shelling on our pristine sandy shores, including Dr. Beach’s #1 beach in the United States for 2017, Siesta Key! Sarasota’s cultural amenities are many and diverse, appealing to a wide range of arts lovers. Downtown Sarasota has become a destination in itself, drawing many new developments for those who want to be within walking distance of Main Street's offerings and the picturesque bayfront and marina. Foodies will find an eclectic mix of locally owned and operated restaurants offering something for everyone, and there are now Farmers Markets every day of the week in various locations throughout Sarasota, but the Saturday morning Farmers Market in downtown Sarasota draws the biggest crowds. Since 1988, my passion has been selling real estate, representing both buyers and sellers. I have been recognized by my clients and customers for an uncompromising work ethic and dedication to helping them achieve their real estate goals. Relying on my experience as a real estate paralegal and being highly organized, I am able to help make the transition between contract and closing a smooth one for my clients. With an eye for interior and landscape design, I've been known to pitch in and help Sellers minimize and/or reorganize their belongings in order to stage their home to maximize its sale potential. I specialize in out of state buyers looking for their piece of paradise along the Gulf Coast and make it a priority to keep them up to date on our quickly changing local real estate market. I welcome the opportunity to share with you all Sarasota and her surrounding islands have to offer!