Many homeowners today are leaning toward an environmentally friendly home. If it is time to remodel your floors, you may be happy to know that there are several eco-friendly options to choose from. Floors designed with the environment in mind not only last as long as traditional floors, but also offer a whole new variety of eye catching choices.
One of the most popular green flooring options is bamboo. This is a fast-growing renewable resource that can be made into sturdy flooring similar to hardwood floors. This flooring has a unique look that many homeowners are looking for. Since it is a grass, not actual wood of any kind, it can be harder to find variety. It will last as long as wood, but with less cost to the environment. Cork flooring has also recently gained popularity. This material offers another unique style and a new texture to a home. Cork is pulled from the trunk of a cork oak tree, without harming the tree itself. It helps to insulate the home as well as absorbs sound. Reclaimed hardwood floors give us yet another green flooring option. These are real wood floors made from recycled planks. Many come from older structures built with stronger wood, so they will last longer than floors made today.
There are so many ways to build or remodel a home without damaging the environment as much as before. We continue to look for ways to decrease waste and energy usage. These flooring options will save thousands of trees while giving a home a unique look, making these floors even more beautiful.
Starting in October of this year, residents in Austin began to see the little blue recycling totes change to 90-gallon bins. Pick up for recycling has changed to every other week and now more items can be recycled. This is all part of Austin’s new single stream recycling program. The reason for these changes is simple: the easier and more that can be recycled, the more people will partake in the program.
The technology for recycling has changed drastically since it began. Previously, residents have had to separate all items to recycle. Now, an automated system can separate at the recycling center, so residents are able to place all recyclables in one container. Austin officials hope this will encourage more people to recycle. The items now considered recyclable has increased as well. More plastics are now accepted, as is cardboard, glass, and aluminum. Information on exact pick up days and materials that can be recycled has been sent to residents.
Austin has been at the forefront of green living since before it became popular. Everyone here has been trying to go green in some way. The city offers rebates for many eco-friendly upgrades or additions to homes, even while still under construction. There are so many benefits to recycling. Not only are we helping the environment, we are also reducing energy and cutting back on deforestation. It is so important to our planet that more people jump on board. The United States makes up 5% of the world’s population, but we create 40% of the world’s trash. Austin is doing what it can to reduce those numbers.
Many people have wanted to help the environment but feel it is impossible since most green additions are more expensive than traditional ones. While this can be true, there are a few ways to go green without breaking the bank. This can be done by simply adjusting a few things in your home that can help the environment tremendously.
First, look at your water heater. If it is older than 2004, it has no insulation. By wrapping the tank in an insulating fireproof blanket, you can reduce your annual water heating bill by up to 10%. You can also insulate your hot water pipes using the same method. Fix any leaky faucets in the house. About 2700 gallons of water is lost every year from dripping faucets. It is a small fix that can have a huge impact. You can also check your toilet for leaks by dropping a small amount of food coloring into the water. If it disappears, there is a leak. Fixing this leak can save you about 200 gallons a day. Reduce the flow you use to wash your dishes to about the width of a straw and save a gallon of water per minute. Have your furnace serviced at least every two years to reduce carbon dioxide release. Use less energy when washing clothes by using cold water and the regular cycle as opposed to permanent press.
There are so many little things that we can all do that will decrease the amount of energy used and water loss. If everyone took these steps, the impacts would be almost immeasurable. The most important factor is that these suggestions are all low to no cost and can reduce your annual bills while helping the environment.
Hey everyone in Austin and afar, I hope that you’re having a wonderful holiday! Stay warm and enjoy the time with your family.
Joe
These days the environment is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Homeowners are looking for ways to reduce energy usage and water waste. Saving energy also saves money. Many people think that going green can be expensive and this can cause less people to go eco-friendly. The good news is that there are many small changes that can make a big difference.
The best way to keep cool in the summer is by using the shade of a nearby tree. Shaded homes can be up to 10 degrees cooler than one in direct sunlight. If you don’t have a tree in your yard, plant one. Trees naturally recycle water as well as provide much needed protection from the sun. It is also a good idea to turn the thermostat down by two degrees. This can reduce your energy bill significantly. Cross ventilation of opposing windows can also decrease your need for air conditioning. Open windows that are across from each other to cool a room and run ceiling fans to circulate the air. Fans use much less energy than an air conditioner.
Reduce water waste by fixing any leaks in your home. Make sure that laundry loads match the water setting on the machine. Only use a dishwasher when it is full and let the dishes air dry when complete. Use the energy saving options on appliances as often as possible. It also takes less energy to use a cold water wash than warm. Use a clothesline to dry clothes or be careful not to over dry. These small changes can help the environment at the same time it reduces your bills.
Austin has been less affected thus far by the national recession than many other comparable cities. The most recent tax revenue information, however, does show a decline in tax revenue for the city. These taxes are allocated by the comptroller’s office from sales in October of this year. While many other Texas cities increased by double digits, Austin saw it go down for the third straight month. More declines are expected for next year.
The national economy has slowed down spending significantly, and many cities are concerned they will not meet their budgets. It has been suggested that Austin slow down hiring and city spending where possible to offset the revenue losses. The last fiscal year, ending in September showed a tax revenue increase of only 1% in Austin, which is the lowest it has been since 2003. Many Austin residents are hopeful that since the city has been doing well overall, the economic slowdown will be short-lived here. Most experts agree that the city will definitely see more declines before the economy picks back up. The city is trying to cut about $15 million from the budget for 2009.
Suburbs of Austin, such as the City of Bee Cave, rely a lot on retail sales to meet budget requirements. The state continues to look for ways to decrease spending without losing necessary funding. Austin is still a city that entices business growth and unemployment is still very low here. With proper budgeting and less spending, Austin will see better days, sooner rather than later.
The Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration would love to increase the number of bicycles on the road. Cutting back on personal car usage will significantly reduce greenhouse gases and help the environment. A combined study to determine the possibility of this has shown that most bicyclists feel there should be more accommodations for bikers. It also showed that bikers in Austin feel safer in terms of the possibility of accidents.
The online study included 1600 bicyclists who ride for any number of reasons. The study showed that only about 0.9% used their bikes to commute to and from work. The respondents stated that the installation of more biker friendly roadways would encourage more people to pedal instead of drive. The study also showed that men are more likely to ride bikes, whether to commute or for pleasure. The majority were young, environmentally conscious men. The average commute for a cyclist is about 6.5 miles. Men preferred bicycle facilities over the fewer women that responded, and suggested slanted parking over parallel parking whenever possible to increase sight while riding.
The study showed that as much as 70% of cyclists are more concerned about getting into an accident than any crime regarding the bike. Austin cyclists overall reported they are happy with current facilities, but hope for more employers to set a safe place for the bikes during working hours. This may be encouraged due to the Bicycle Commuter Act, which was passed in October and will give employers a tax credit of up to $20 per employee who rides to work.
The city of Austin has done well during the recent real estate crisis. Austin has been included in many “Top 10” lists, including those for home buyers and home sellers. The city has also been recognized for its embracing of green building. The Austin Green Building Program offers many tips on how to build while being environmentally safe, and how to live that way once construction is complete. Many local builders use these guidelines to ensure quality green homes are built properly.
The Building Program bases its suggestions on Austin’s specific climate. Recommendations for heating and cooling the home are made based on the area’s relative humidity, annual rainfall rates, and winds. After studying all of these factors, the Program is able to advise builder how best to use natural resources. For example, it is recommended to build the home with the broad side facing north or south to avoid overheating during sunrise or sunset. Skylight use should also be limited for the same reason. Too much heat absorbed by the home will increase the need for an air conditioner. It is also recommended to use vents and reflective heat barriers on the roof to keep an attic cooler. Lighter color shingles will also keep the home cooler.
There are many more suggestions from Austin’s Green Building Program, for any part of new home construction. Since renewable resources are so necessary, many recommendations will offer a rebate or other benefit for using green planning. Be sure to look into how much building green can save you right now, and in the future.
Austin has become a city at the forefront of the “Green Movement”. With the help of the Green Building Program, Austin homeowners and builders have access to limitless suggestions for a more environmentally friendly home. Suggestions range from construction materials to how to efficiently heat and cool a home. Besides reducing heating and cooling costs, going green may also earn a homeowner a rebate from the City of Austin.
The most important factor in selecting an AC unit is to ensure it is the right size for your home. A large unit will cool a room faster, but uses much more energy and runs longer than a smaller unit. A correctly sized air conditioner will remove excess humidity from the air and will run for shorter lengths, reducing energy usage. It is also very important to service the air conditioner as often as possible to reduce energy usage. Check the ducts and around windows and doors for any possible leaks. Maintain any caulk or tape joints to prevent leaks. Select a system with a programmable thermostat also meets the minimum standard of SEER-13. Use Pleated-Media Filters in the duct grill and make sure to replace or clean them often. Another option is to use a heat pump that performs the same way as an air conditioner, but uses less energy to do so.
The less energy a home uses, the less of an impact it will have on the environment. Many steps can be taken to reduce energy output that are both environmentally friendly and money saving.
Austin’s climate is generally easy to predict and should be easier to work with when creating landscaping plan, but the soil here is often too hot or too rocky. Those hoping to make a long-lasting and environmentally friendly yard can get help and suggestions from Austin’s Green Building Program. The group has many suggestions that will allow the landscaping to look beautiful and grow in this tough ground.
Basically, the group suggests using native plants in a landscaping plan. Trees and plants that are made for this environment will provide long term beauty. There are numerous public parks around Austin where you can get some ideas. It is also a good idea to speak with local gardeners and landscapers. When creating your dream lawn, remember to keep watering in mind. Conservation is important, and making a lawn that needs too much water will not help the environment or your wallet. Use a catchment system that will bring rainwater to your plants. Use pervious materials like crushed granite or open blocks that allow water to move freely throughout the yard. Again, the public parks are there for ideas, as the city becomes more eco-friendly.
A beautifully landscaped yard can be quite welcoming. Working with the natural surroundings and climate of Austin will help to keep the lawn looking pristine. Using energy efficient watering options will also decrease usage and save money. Nature is meant to take care of itself; we may just need to send it flowing in the right direction.
