Earth Day 2022

April brings warmer weather, cleansing rain, and springtime. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Earth Day falls on April 22^nd every year and was first celebrated in 1970. This day is meant to bring awareness to the state of our planet, but even better, it’s a way to promote things we can do to help the environment. Today, over a billion people participate in Earth Day activities.  The Earth Day theme for 2022 is “invest in our planet.” We can do simple things every day to make a difference, such as recycling and using eco-friendly products. There are also affordable ways to invest in your home and make it more environmentally friendly.

Use LED Lightbulbs

One simple way to go green is to switch all your lightbulbs to LED. According to Matthias Alleckna (an energy analyst for energyrates.ca), “LED lights to use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs.” LED light bulbs help you reduce your energy usage and energy bill. While LED bulbs may cost more than a traditional bulb at $5 apiece, they last longer. Switch out your bulbs, and you will see favorable results.

Smart Thermostats

You can buy a smart thermostat for less than $200, and it is also a great way to reduce your energy consumption. They are designed to automatically adjust your home’s temperature based on your preferences and behaviors. According to Alleckna, a smart thermostat reduces your energy bill by up to 20% every year.

Landscape with Native Plants

We do Landscaping every year, but we don’t always think about its impact on the environment. What we plant has an environmental impact, and planting native perennials have the best impact on the environment. Cassy Aoyagi is a board member of the L.A. chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council. She says that “native plants create habitat for fauna, eliminate the need for toxic chemical fertilizers and pesticides, use less water, and save money year over year.”

Going Solar

Installing solar panels can be costly, but there are ways it can be done at a more affordable cost. Some solar companies will install solar panels for free. There is also an increase in state programs, and the U.S. government offers a 30% solar tax credit. Switching to solar energy is one of the best ways to go green.

Switch Your Heat Source

Opting for a renewable method of heating your home is another way to be more eco-friendly. There are a few renewable heating source options. One is to use a boiler, and you get to decide which form of fueling the boiler is best for your household. There are gas boilers, electric boilers, biomass boilers, and oil. A second way is by using a heat pump. Heat pumps help reduce energy consumption and also reduce the need for gas pipes and oil tanks.

Use Window Treatments

Window treatments are helpful for privacy, keeping the sun out of your eyes when you need some midday shut-eye, and helping to save energy. The best window treatments prevent heat loss during the winter. They should also deflect the sun to keep your home cooler during the summer.

Replace Your Old A/C

Replacing your old A/C can be costly at first but can cut your cooling costs by 30 to 50 percent. Of course, this will reduce your energy use and is therefore great for the environment. Get rid of that 10-year-old window or central AC unit with an Energy Start model today, and you’ll see wonderful results in the days to come.  

Do you need help buying or selling a property? Contact Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Elliott Coastal Living today. We have agents all over the Grand Strand to help.