{Would you like to use greener, more sustainable forms of energy, but aren't sure where you should start?|Aren't sure where you should start, although would you like to use greener, more sustainable forms of energy?} {Do you want to make a difference, but aren't sure if you can?|Aren't sure if you can, though do you want to make a difference?} You're in the right place. Keep on reading this article to learn how you can make the most of green energy, and how you can make a difference in the world.
Recycling is one of the easiest tasks that can make a greener home. Some towns automatically include costs for recycling in their garbage collection, so look into this! {If not, certain states including Michigan will pay consumers to return bottles after use.|Certain states including Michigan will pay consumers to return bottles after use if not.} Recycling is one of the best ways to cut energy costs!
{If your property has a small stream running through it, you can install a micro hydropower system.|You can install a micro hydropower system if your property has a small stream running through it.} These systems divert a small amount of the water through a turbine or wheel, providing energy that can be used to light and heat your home. {If the flow is strong enough, you can power multiple homes on one of these systems.|You can power multiple homes on one of these systems if the flow is strong enough.}
A great tip for green energy use is to ensure that your home is properly {insulated and has|has and insulated} a high R value with the insulation. The best insulation has a higher R value. {Not only will you save energy, but the additional insulation will keep out excessive noise from outside your home.|The additional insulation will keep out excessive noise from outside your home, although not only will you save energy.}
A helpful tip to live greener and conserve energy is to have the windows in your home tinted. The windows in your home act like glass in a greenhouse and when you want you home to be cool, the windows will heat it up and work against your air {conditioner and cost|cost and conditioner} you a bundle.
Buy a box of Ziplock quart size baggies and use these to make your own snacks. Whether you enjoy a bit of trail mix, Chex Mix, or a tasty muffin, you can use this bag and wash it when you get home to use the next day. Keep your snacks green by {washing and reusing|reusing and washing} these baggies for your snacks until they are too worn.
{If you are planning on installing solar panels, understand the amount of maintenance required.|Understand the amount of maintenance required if you are planning on installing solar panels.} You have to keep the photovoltaic cells clean. {If the cells are installed on your roof, this could mean climbing all over your roof as often as once a month.|This could mean climbing all over your roof as often as once a month if the cells are installed on your roof.} {If you are not able to do that, you'll need to hire someone.|You'll need to hire someone if you are not able to do that.}
Are you currently using a wood-burning fireplace to decrease your dependence upon fossil fuels? {If so, remember to shut the flue damper very tightly when your fireplace is not being used.|Remember to shut the flue damper very tightly when your fireplace is not being used if so.} {If you forget to do this, both warmed or cooled air will easily escape from your house through the chimney.|Both warmed or cooled air will easily escape from your house through the chimney if you forget to do this.}
Too often, the water heater allows water to reach a scalding temperature when trying to take a shower. Try turning the maximum heat on the water heater down by twenty degrees, and you will see a definite decrease in electricity costs. Tankless water heaters are another green energy option for anyone.
Pay attention to the thermostat in your home. Installing a programmable thermostat makes it easier for you to track the temperature in your house, and turn the heat down when you aren't at home. Between {1 and 3|3 and 1} percent of your energy costs can be cut for each degree you turn it down!
Even just one person striving to use green energy can make a big difference. When companies see more consumers using green energy, they'll work to meet their customer's needs. Take advantage of what you've learned in this article and seek out more environmentally friendly forms of energy. It's never too late to go green.
