Adopting the Eco-Lifestyle

Adopting the Eco-Lifestyle LIGHT SOURCES – Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent ones. However, when discarding a fluorescent bulb, do not put it in the garbage! These bulbs often contain trace amounts of mercury and therefore should be dropped off at a designated collection center. RECYCLE – Recycle aluminum, glass, plastic and paper, as well as printer cartridges and other refillable supplies. POWER SOURCE – If available in your area, elect a “green” energy supplier and purchase 100% “green” power from a company that utilizes alternative energy sources. BUILD GREEN – Consider “green” building design, methods and materials, as well as alternative power sources. COOL WASH/LINE DRY – Do only full loads, use cool or warm water instead of hot, and hang some things out to dry. Choose petroleum/phosphorous-free detergents and laundry products that are environmentally friendly. TURN ON/TURN OFF – Turn your heater down and your air conditioner up by three degrees. USE “GREEN” CLEANING PRODUCTS – Find alternatives to harmful chemicals, even bleach. LOOK FOR THE ENERGY STAR! WATER WISE – Adopt habits and products to ensure wise water usage. BE FAN-FRIENDLY – Installing a whole-house fan or ceiling fan improves interior comfort by circulating cold and warm air, and it also reduces air conditioning costs.

What’s the “green” idea? The concepts behind “green” building and living practices isn’t anything new. It’s more like a reawakening. Since the dawn of time, people and societies the world over have sought to comfort themselves by finding ways to stay warm in the winter, cool in the summer, and protected from the elements. They’ve also devised ways to provide a steady stream of running water whenever possible. And how about those aqueducts, windmills and water mills! And of course, not very long ago, someone came up with the idea that door transoms and double hung windows are great for circulating air and cooling indoors. All of these are great examples of early ideas for “green” living.

Throughout time, society has discovered innovative solutions to meet the demands of indoor lifestyles. Now, once again, it is for the well being of our environment that we must again resolve to find better ways to ensure our comfort. This spring there is no better time to take a healthy slice of the “green” lifestyle for yourself and for your community. Together, we can support a healthy eco-system that will in turn provide us with a healthy environment, which, of course, is the ultimate comfort.

Do you have a “Green Idea” to share with fellow readers? DHL invites you to contribute your green ideas, practices and solutions to:

Designing Home Lifestyles
ATTN: ECO LIFE STYLES
5107 Clairton Blvd.
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
or email your suggestions to: info@DesigningHomeLifestyles.com