More and more people are “going green” not just to reduce their carbon footprint but because they’re finding that doing so? Saves them money. But sometimes, knowing where the start is the most difficult part.

 Matt Knox is CEO and Co-Founder of DiggersList, an online home improvement resource.  He has some small, easy, green choices that you can make in your homes. Just by choosing a couple on the list, you can help make a positive impact every day — not just on Earth day!

*Cooling and lighting a home are the most expensive and energy-consuming aspects of running a household. Reduced energy consumption conserves our resources, and in doing so, our money. 

*Switching from standard incandescent bulbs to florescent bulbs, which are used in all Green Builders homes, can decrease your energy usage by 66%. Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs generate less heat and last longer. Since they need to be replaced less frequently, less packaging ends up in our landfills.

*Based on the orientation of the home, adding overhangs or awnings will provide additional shade to decrease heat gain. This will help you use less air-conditioning during the hot summer months.

*Electronics use electricity even when they are turned off. Think about anything in your house that has a clock or responds to a remote control. In order for the clock to keep time, it needs electricity and in order for the TV to respond to the ‘On’ command from the remote, it needs electricity. The only way to have something not use any electricity is to unplug it.

*A programmable thermostat is an easy way to save on heating/cooling costs. You can buy one for under $50 at any home improvement store. This is one purchase that you shouldn’t put off.

*Water conservation is vitally important, especially in drought-prone areas. Here are some of the ways that people can addresses the needs of those living here now and those yet to come. Also, using low-flow showerheads and toilets can cut water usage by half while maintaining desired water pressure. 

*The aerators in low-flow fixtures cut your water usage, but not your comfort and they use up to 40-50% less water than conventional faucets/showers, 2.5 gallons/minute vs. 4-5 gallons/minute.

*Custom-programmable sprinkler systems with rain sensors also help tremendously because water can be dispensed when needed, rather than according to an arbitrary schedule.

*Gutters with rain barrels. The captured water can be used in landscaping. Direct vent tankless water heaters are installed in every home, ensuring that heated water is provided on an as-needed basis.

*Flower beds are layered with crushed granite, mulch and loam to better retain water. Additionally, a 4’’ layer of chocolate loam top soil is used in the front and backyards to maintain a beautiful lawn while requiring less water.