An environmentally-responsible home not only saves you money, but saves the planet, too. If you’ve hesitated to Go Green because of cost than start with some of these effective and cost-saving tips. The dollars you save by using eco-friendly practices can be put aside for the long-hoped-for home upgrade or room makeover you never thought you could afford.

Outdoors

Compost: Get in the habit of composting organic food waste. The greens from chopped vegetables, peelings, and rinds bring rich nutrients to your compost pile. Using compost on your vegetable and flower gardens can reduce the need for watering, act as a fertilizer, and require few pesticides.

Install a Rain Barrel: Place a rain barrel, or two, under the downspouts of your home. This water can be used to water the garden, fill the birdbath, or used to wash the car.

Hang Dry: A simple thing as hanging laundry on the clothesline makes a noticeable impact on energy usage and carbon emissions. 2-3 kg of carbon emissions is created for every one hour of dryer usage. Plus, fresh sheets taken from the clothesline with the natural scent of sunshine smell so good.

Use Homemade Pesticides: Chopped tomato leaf spray or garlic oil spray are two worth trying. There are numerous recipes via a Google search. The secret to tomato leaf spray is because the plant contains toxic compounds called alkaloids in its leaves. You have probably noticed tomato plants seldom have a problem with aphids or other small insects munching on the leaves. Steeping the leaves releases these alkaloids and makes an excellent pesticide. Pinching the lower leaves off the tomato plant is an excellent way to prune and grow larger, stronger tomato plants so before you mulch those leaf pinchings, try this recipe:

1. Collect the leaves to make the spray when you’re pinching out the unwanted side shoots, or stripping off the lower leaves of your tomato plants.
2. Soak one to two cups of chopped tomato leaves in two cups of water.
3. Let it steep overnight.
4. Then strain the leaves from the water using a fine sieve. Add another one to two cups of water to the liquid and add it to a spray bottle.

Indoors

Open the Blinds: By opening the blinds during the day to allow the sunshine in, 10% of energy can be saved on heating costs.

Carpet & Rugs: Save 4-6% on energy bills by using rugs or carpeting.

Choose Bamboo: Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet. The fast growth rate replenishes quicker than harvesting timber from a forest for hardwood floors.

Eco-scents: Want to add a fragrance to a room? Look to using 100% essential oils instead of chemical or synthetic fragrances. Whenever possible choose a non-aerosol scent.

General Cleaning

Keep Vinegar in Your Cleaning Caddy: Vinegar is a natural way to kill germs, mold, and bacteria. Add a ½ teaspoon of vinegar to a 4-ounce spray bottle filled with distilled water to have a handy cleaning spray for whenever you need it.

These small green practices will make a difference. Remember even trying only a few will aid in making for a green planet plus work towards putting more money back in your pocket. Those home projects you’ve been putting off can happen sooner than you thought with your newly found savings.

Thinking of buying or selling a home around the New Hampshire or southern Maine area than think of us. It would be a pleasure to work with you. Schedule an appointment with Hillary Gaynor today.