There are tons of products out there to help us green our lives. We’ve already touched on some inexpensive ways to help the environment and our budget, but what about the slightly more expensive ways?
Check out these ideas to help you on your way to green.
Low-flow toilet
Older toilets tend to use anywhere between 3 and 5 gallons of water per flush. However, low-flow toilets use between just 1 and 1.6 gallons of water (all toilets made since 1992 use 1.6 or less). If you have a toilet made before 1992, opt for a new toilet and you’ll make your money back in 5 years or less and help conserve water.
Price: $200-$500
Compared to: An additional 2-4 gallons of water usage per flush.
Alternative
Even though you’ll eventually have to fork over the $200, you can still save a few dollars now by replacing the pump with a dual-flush one. It’s easy to install and relatively inexpensive for the amount of water saved ($40).
Toilet gray water system
Toilet gray water system use water from the sink and shower to fill up the tank. This helps lower the use of fresh water and conserve the much needed resource (not to mention saving you money long-term).
Price: $200
Compared to: Using 1-1.6 gallons of fresh water in a low-flow toilet or up to 5 gallons in older ones.
Alternative
The dual-flush pump system (mentioned above) is a great alternative. If nothing else, remember this: if it’s yellow let it mellow if it’s brown flush it down.
Push reel mower
By using a push reel mower you’ll not only cut down on the amount of cardon-dioxide, you’ll also save a ton of money in the long run.
Price: $120-$250
Compared to: The same price but with additional costs of gasoline and electric.
Alternative
If for some reason you are unable to use a push reel mower, try opting for an electric riding mower. Finding one may be the hard part. But if you do, they are the same price as the gas powered version and of course, will cost less in the long run due to using electricity instead of gasoline.
Energy Star windows
A large percentage of air creeps through window cracks, window frames, and even directly through the glass. Energy Star windows offer even better protection from air leaks than single paned and other double paned glass. The windows have odorless, colorless non-toxic gases in-between the panes which help insulate better than normal air. Furthermore, Energy Star windows include an infrared light reflection coating, improved frame materials, and warm edge spacers.
Price: Same as other double paned windows.
Compared to: Additional A/C and heater costs due to loss of air.
Alternative
Use caulking to seal cracks around windows and non-expanding foam around door frames.
Eco-friendly paint
Typical paint uses chemicals (formaldehyde, ammonia, and aceton) which hurt the environment and are harmful to our breathing for years after the paint dries. VOC free paints can be found anywhere paint is sold, and it can be breathed in just after the paint job is done.
Price: $30-$40/gallon
Compared to: $15-$25/gallon
Alternative
Paying twice as much for paint may seem a bit steep (and rightfully so). As far as alternatives go there are few; one substitute for VOC free paint is 99% VOC free. It isn’t necessarily all that much cheaper, but a few bucks can be saved. If this still doesn’t rock your boat, try using recycled wallpaper (or at the very least wallpaper that can be recycled). Just be sure to use non-toxic stick. ($2-$10/yd).
Written: Mar 11, 2009
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