Chapter 10: Using Alternative Energy for Eco-Friendly Home

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To go green, various people are using alternative energy at home. If you don’t know the different types of green energy, you need to read this chapter as your guide.

Green Energy Types – What are They?:

Energy

Alternative energy comes in various types. Here are they:

• Hydropower – This type of energy converts water from rivers into valuable energy released from turbines. Before, it was used for the operation of machinery and irrigation. As time passes by, people use hydropower to build hydropower plants to create mass amounts of electricity.
• Geothermal - This is produced from hot or steam water from the surface of the Earth. The vapor powers electric generators through rotating turbines. Geothermal is used for heating buildings.
• Wind - This is often used to create energy by rotating huge propeller-like blades. These blades slow down the speed of the wind and channel it to the generator that generates electricity.
• Solar – This is used to power some homes, agriculture, and cars. This energy type is usually huge and occupies more space.
• Hydrogen – This is also one of the eco-friendly energy you shouldn’t miss to know. It can help in producing an unlimited amount of energy with the use of electricity and water.

After knowing these alternative energy types, you will be tempted to use them. The main question is, how can you use these types to save more cash?

Effective Green Alternative Energy Tips

To save more energy using this alternative solution, the first thing that you need to do is to start switching to green power. You can do this by catching the attention of your current provider. Then, start the plug-in to solar power. You also need to get passive solar to work for you.

Like other homeowners, you can use solar power to heat the water for your dishwasher, shower, and laundry. In addition, you can also heat your home with the use of biofuel. For an additional guide, you can take the following tips as your guide:

1. Reduce Phantom Loads - This refers to the energy that an appliance consumes when it is turned off. You can do this through unplugging appliances and other electronic systems, especially when not in use.
2. Use Energy-Efficient Appliances – You can find these appliances in various shops. You just need to check the energy star appliance between 10-20% ales energy.
3. Install a Thermostat – This can automatically adjust the temperature of your home. In case you forgot to adjust your thermostat, a programmable type could save you as high as 15% on cooling and heating costs.
4. Install Efficient Windows – Window glass is a slender barrier against outside temperatures. If you don’t know what to pick from, you can ask assistance from experts. Depending on your preferred installer, you need to spend enough cash. But, its rewards are very remarkable.
5. Conserve Water - This can help in lowering your energy and water bill. As advised, you can take a faster shower. You also need to be more conscious while washing dishes or clothes. If not in use, don’t forget to turn off the faucet.

As you have noticed, there are several ways on how to conserve energy. You just need to know how to use alternative solutions. With your knowledge about eco-friendly products and solutions, you don’t need to worry about your budget. You can easily change the appearance and style of your house.

Whether you have a small or huge house, you have to go green. Eco-friendly home brings a safe and healthy environment. This is the main reason why most people prefer to use green products and solutions.

Can’t wait to go green? Then, the choice is yours! With green home, you and your family are totally secured. Therefore, you are certain that they are free from any harmful elements. At the same time, you can save more cash. So, don’t miss this chance and learn how to go green. Understand why most people love eco-friendly products and home styles and be amazed!

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Chapter 9: Eco-friendly Household Products in the Market

To go green, you need to purchase eco-friendly household products. However, not all homeowners are aware of these multiple items. If you are one of them, you are on the right spot.

Going green doesn’t require more cash. You just need to know the different eco-friendly products that suit your needs and styles. To expand your ideas about the different green products in the market, here are some of them:

Products

• Infrared Thermometer - This is a handy and cheap little gadget. It can help you in reducing your energy bills. This household item can be found in various shops, both local and online stores. You just need to pick the best shop to get the genuine type.
• Programmable Thermostat - This is one of the best and intelligent devices. It gives you control over your space’s temperature and energy use. It also allows you to view and adjust your thermostat remotely.
• LED Light Bulbs - These bulbs can help you in saving more energy and money. Whatever brands you have, make sure that you are familiar with its features and styles. You also need to check its exact price for great savings.

Apart from the above mentioned, you can also get different homemade products. Similar with other homeowners, you can have the un-paper towels, reusable Swiffer dusters, solid shampoo bars, reusable sandwich bags and a lot more.

To get these eco-friendly household products, you need to consider various things. At first, you need to check its warning labels. Some manufacturers don’t list the different ingredients of their products. Therefore, you have to watch for their labels. You need to check the warning signs like “vapors harmful”, “caution” and a lot more. In addition, it is also best to depend on honest advertising and minimal packaging.

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Chapter 8: The Eco-Friendly Bathroom Ideas

Do you want to have an eco-friendly home? Then, you need to change your space style into a green home design. Aside from your interior and kitchen space, you also need to improve the appearance of your bathroom.

To create an eco-friendly bathroom, you need to consider various things. If you don’t know how to do it, simply take the succeeding guides:

Some Ideas

Step 1: Buy Ceramic Tiles – You can use these tiles for countertops, floors, and walls surrounding the shower and tub. These ceramic tiles are susceptible to moisture. Some of them are made from recycled products while others are not. Aside from these tiles, you can also use finished bamboo and linoleum for the best flooring styles.

Step 2: Install a Low-Flow Shower Head – This is your best option to have a green bathroom design. With low-flow showerhead, you can save money on energy and water bills. The typical showerheads use has 6 gallons per minute.

Step 3: Install an Ultra-Low Flush Toilet - This can also help in saving more water. Dual-flush toilets have two knobs. This style allows users to conserve water through selecting the amount needed for flushing waste.

Step 4: Look for Wheatboard Cabinets - These cabinets are often made from non-toxic binder and wheat straw. Cabinets made from MDF can emit toxic chemicals like formaldehyde. With these materials, they are proven safe to use and eco-friendly.

Step 5: Install a Bath Fan – This can help in reducing moisture and mold. Just make sure that the fan is safe for installation over showers and tubs. Whatever types of bath fan you want, you can get it in various shops.

Top Eco-friendly Bathroom Ideas

Renovating your bathroom can change your space style. You can do this through adding fixtures and other stuff. For your guide, here are the top eco-friendly and effective bathroom ideas you shouldn’t miss to consider:

• Natural Organic Materials - You can go green through the use of natural flooring, linens, and cabinetry. To make your bathroom more stylish than before, use curve and oval shapes. You can also use recycled and modern finishes.
• Spa Central – Whirlpool tubs and soaker can help in designing your bathroom. You can also add heated towel bars mounted beside the tub. This can offer the most comfortable exit from a bubbly and hot bath.
• Faucets and Fixtures – In getting these items, you have to look for modern and stunning styles. For best option, you can add lavatory faucets, showerheads, toilets and a lot more.

Through considering these eco-friendly ideas, you can easily change your bathroom styles. If you don’t know what to pick from, simply ask assistance from experts.

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Chapter 7: Furnish Your Home with Eco-Friendly Furniture

Whether you are living in an apartment, dorm or in your own house, you need furniture to offer a place to eat, sit, sleep and store your valuable stuff. To have some furniture units, you will consider various things to get your preferred style.

If you want an eco-friendly home, you shouldn’t miss knowing the different green furniture units. With these green products, you can improve your health, budget and save Mother Earth.

However, choosing the best green furniture units requires enough time. Since there are various selections to choose from, you need to conduct an extensive research to have the best one.

Tips on How to Choose Eco-friendly Home Furniture

Eco-friendly furniture can really change your space. Depending on your choice, you can pick the simple or stylish type. For your guide, here are some tips you need to consider in buying green furniture items:

• Purchase Bamboo Furniture, Flooring and Window Blind Products - The material used in these items doesn’t contain any harmful elements. Therefore, they will never cause a little damage to the environment.
• Get Quality and Durable Furniture - Through getting these units, you are certain that they will last for several years. It means that you don’t need to change your furniture every year. You will also use their ultimate purpose without spending more cash.
• Purchase Wood Products - Your preferred wood products must be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or FCS. This is your indicator that your preferred units come from forestry operations.
• Get Furniture with Recycled Materials – You can easily find these units in various shops. The typical examples of these are wood from mold homes, resurrected items found at the bottom of lakes and a lot more.
• Shop at Antique, Vintage and Consignment Shops – Most of these shops offer cheap but quality eco-friendly furniture. Depending on your choice, you can purchase via the online or local store.

Getting the different types of green furniture can be easily done. Like other homeowners, you can get the recycled furniture. This unit is often built from older pieces. Some of them are made of wood while others are metal.

If you want more options, you can also get furniture items with natural materials. These units are not made from recycled materials. Instead, they come from renewable resources. The common materials used in these units are bamboo, wood, and hemp.

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Chapter 6: Designing Tips for Eco-Friendly Home

Having an eco-friendly home provides countless benefits. It helps in reducing negative impacts on the environment and allows you to understand how to live with the use of green home decorations. If you have an eco-friendly home, it is easy for you to create a tempting ambiance.

Creating an eco-friendly home is not a daunting task. If you want to change your home style into a green space, you need to expand your ideas. How can you do this? To get enough ideas on how to design your house, simply take this article as your guide.

Effective Tips to Have an Eco-friendly Home

To have an eco-friendly home, you don’t need to spend more time and effort. Since it is all about minimizing your available resources, you will never spend huge money. For your guide, here are the top green home design tips you shouldn’t miss to know:

• Get Local for Home Furnishings - If you want to get a green home décor, don’t forget to have an eco-friendly fixture and furniture. Before buying, make sure that you know where to deal with. Not all shops are offering the best and genuine quality. So, don’t forget to conduct a research before purchasing.
• Get Live Houseplants - To add green style to your space, you shouldn’t miss getting lice houseplants. The typical examples of these are snake plant, spider plant, philodendron, pothos and a lot more.
• Get Indoor Paint - This indoor paint can combat the toxic in the space. To have this, you need to choose organic finishes and paints that are free of toxins. As an option, you can get the Bioshield and Ecos.
• Use Eco-friendly Flooring – To have a green home style, you can have the best flooring type in the market. The common examples of these are bamboo, linoleum, reclaimed wood, and cork. These eco-friendly flooring can help in changing your home design and appearance.
• Using Lights with Timers - Though you need to light up your home, you should know how to conserve energy. You can do this with the use of timer lights. You can get these lights with timers in various shops.
• Foster Your Outdoor Living Space - You can do this by improving your backyard’s style and appearance. Depending on your choice, you are free to add attractive birdhouses, feeders and other outdoor decorations.

Aside from the above mentioned, you can also have a green home style through adding heat and air condition using renewable energy. One of the most common green home designs is the solar panel installation. It helps in reducing energy consumption and makes energy for use. Depending on your choice, you can also use natural gas for heating and air conditioning.

Eco-friendly Home – Why Do You Need to Have One?

At present days, more and more people are longing to have an eco-friendly home. If you don’t know the benefits of having a green home style, here they are:

- Helps in Reducing Water and Energy Bills – The construction of a green home starts with its simple designs. Before improving your home style, you need to know the available resources that suit your preferred designs. As a result, you have a chance to save more monthly expenses.

- Enhanced Indoor Air Quality – Every material used in the green home construction is environmentally friendly. The typical examples of these are harvested plantation lumber, recycled timber, hemp, and straw. These materials can help in emitting harmful gases and thus improve indoor air quality.

- Higher Resale Value – If you have a certified green home, you can get a higher resale value. This is essential, particularly when you are planning to sell your house.

- Increased Security and Safety – Eco-friendly home has security and safety standards compared to regular homes. This space is loaded with quality gadgets to detect radon emissions and carbon monoxide. It is also filled with foolproof security systems to remove termites and pesticides.

Other benefits of having a green home style are financing incentives, promoting the use of eco-friendly products and greater comfort for your family members.

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Chapter 5: Building Your Own Eco-Friendly Home

Eco-friendly homes are built using processes that are resource efficient and environmentally responsible. All facets of the home from the interior to exterior design are provided with eco-friendly features. Even construction, maintenance, and operation are performed in ways that don’t affect and endanger the environment.

Building

- Site Conditions: Before planning in building your new home, you should consider the best site. Choose an area that suits your wants and needs. It should be able to offer space for various solar accesses, water, air, privacy, gardens.

- Building materials: If you really are after building an eco-friendly home, you should use environmentally friendly materials. You can use ceramics, cement, aluminum, bricks, steel, and glass as the raw materials. Before wood is considered as a primary material in eco-friendly homes but because of the illegal logging issue, it was replaced with aluminum and mild steel. In addition to that, you should also use non-toxic paint, LED lightings, recycled tiles, recycled glass, recycled aluminum, as well as other recycled products and materials.

- Rooms: Consider room locations and the amount of natural air and sunlight that can enter through it. Also, consider the amount of natural heat to enter the rooms in a certain time of day.

- Home Layout: Most eco-friendly homes are equipped with open design layout to reduce the cost of construction. It also enhances ventilation and light. It is also easier to manage and arrange furniture with open spaces.

- Roofing: Green roofing – it's attractive and very cost efficient. With green roofing, you will be able to have extra insulation keeping your energy consumption low.

- Wall Materials: Use materials that have the ability to absorb solar heat such as fabricated or natural brick. Bricks that are made from cement, lime, sand, etc. are great because they are resistant to fire, they absorb heat from the sun, and they have lower water absorption.

- Flooring Materials: Depending on the function of the room, you can actually choose from varieties of flooring options and materials such as parquet, marble, terrazzo, granite, wood, bamboo, and ceramic. But when it comes to an eco-friendly flooring, bamboo and laminated wood can be the best option especially when it comes to the bedroom.

- Utilize Solar Panels: Solar panels are becoming more and more popular to eco-friendly consumers. These are being used as an alternative source for electrical energy. Aside from its economic benefits, it can give you protection from short circuits and fires.

Having an eco-friendly home is a simple step that can help save the environment in some ways and it also offers potentially vital benefits to homeowners. This is a simple yet excellent way of exerting an effort that aims toward the improvement of the earth – a role for nature. Thus, instead of designing your home for your benefit, why not consider building it instead? Try to consider the number of resources and energy that you can save from building it. This is already helping the environment. And it also helps you in giving your family a healthy, assured, and safe future.

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Chapter 4: Considerations For Buying An Eco-Friendly Home

With lots of options to choose from and factors to consider in buying a home, it is likely one of the most complicated buying decision that you can ever make. And purchasing an eco-friendly home requires much more consideration.

It is never easy to choose a home that can satisfy every unique need, thus try to choose one that can accommodate most of your unique needs and requirements.

In buying an eco-friendly and being an eco-conscious customer, aside from making a rational choice, you will want that your purchase reflects your many environmental convictions.

Factors to consider as you start your quest may include all the green features that are most essential to you, great locations for an eco-friendly home, financing of a green home, and choosing an agent or realtor who basically knows all about ‘green’ real estate market.

Buying Vs. Building

Different homes are eco-friendly in different factors, but all of them are equipped with one common thing – efficiency. Well, the efficiency of the home is the actually the key. Energy efficient features of an eco-home are not just a green choice but it also helps you save money. Yes, new homes may be considered more eco-friendly as compared to older homes because they can be outfitted with energy efficient appliances, low VOC paints, as well as low flow shower heads. In addition to that, building a new home rather than purchasing one may mean that you have the option to choose what eco-friendly features you want.

Eco-Renovation

If you are not into building a new eco-friendly home, buying one that is not eco-friendly and having some major renovations to make it an eco home is also an option. However, either option can be pricey. Even though you’re going to realize major cost savings in the future, you will pay more money for buying or building a green eco-friendly home instead of standard one. Purchasing an existing house – especially one foreclosure property – will cost you less initially, but you must also consider the potential burdensome factors and cost of your eco-friendly renovation.

Non-Eco Priorities

There are also other priorities that you should take into careful consideration- is living in a great school district essential to you? How about the proximity to facilities, work, recreation, and restaurants? How about your budget? If you want to live in an eco-friendly home, but you have to live close downtown and if you have concerns regarding your limited budget, then your plan may need to be postponed and deferred until your retirement. Do some research, plan carefully, and consider all the necessary factors.

Consider Relocation

If an eco-friendly home is what you are after, then you may need to consider relocating to another place or region. So, if your research appears fruitless, consider focusing your sights to a place that has lots to offer.

Looking For A Green Real Estate Agent

It is always best to look for a reliable realtor who can help and assist you in finding that perfect home for you and your family. It is even better if this person also specialized in an eco-friendly listing.

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Chapter 3: Features Of Eco-Friendly Homes

With more people preferring to live in an eco-friendly home that is in harmony with the environment, more builders and architects are offering environment-friendly designs to address the ever-growing demands for green homes. The negative effects on earth are becoming more and more visible nowadays. People are now more aware of the damages that irresponsible human activities have brought, however, it is inevitable. But there are lots of ways and methods that you can use to help introduce a green environment. And one of these is to live in an eco-friendly home.

Eco-Friendly Home Features

If you are after saving the environment, you should aim to decrease carbon emission. However, most homes aren’t eco-friendly enough that it can lessen this count. In fact, the majority of homes are emitting gases over the normal amount. If this continues, the world will become a big sauna. As a result, glaciers will melt raising the level of water. The rising level of water can actually lead to land mass disappearing. And when rain pours hard, it can cause flooding. Flooding then will cause illnesses and death. It is really a domino effect; moreover, this is only a factor of what will happen if gases keep on rising. To have an eco-friendly home equipped with environment-friendly features allow you to help contain gas emission to a minimum.

• Your eco-friendly property doesn’t have to be excessively big or small. It needs to be large enough to let everybody have their own space. It needs to be adequate enough for it to be maintained cost-effectively and efficiently.
• Consider its location. An eco-friendly home is usually situated in excellent locations. It is usually a part of one green community with homes that have eco-friendly features. The surrounding is usually filled with environment-friendly landscaping regardless if it’s a business establishment or a residential home.
• An eco-friendly home is one that is equipped with energy efficient appliances. Meaning anything that is installed inside the property consumes lesser energy as compared to old appliances. And because of this, you will be able to enjoy huge savings from utility expenses.
• Eco-friendly homes are generally made from sustainable materials. The materials used to build an eco-friendly home are highly abundant locally; they also come from all renewable resources – materials that are organic such as wood, plants, or animals. Of course, some of the materials used are synthetic but they are used minimally.
• Eco-friendly homes are equipped with the passive solar system, meaning they are being oriented to utilize and maximize benefits from using natural sunlight.
• Eco homes are well insulated. Their walls have an inert gas layer that functions to keep the air warm during winter seasons and design to maintain cool unruffled air during the summer seasons.
• Most eco-friendly homes are automated, allowing homeowners to manage and monitor essential features such as smoke detection, security, even energy consumption.
• In building eco-homes, paints that aren’t volatile are being used posing no risks to the health of the occupants.

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Chapter 2: Benefits Of Eco-Friendly Homes

More and more homeowners are becoming aware and conscious about protecting the environment and are opting to a green building principle. Because of this, designers, architects, and builders are incorporating green materials and elements in homes that are being built. With the developments and advancements in technology, and because of the emergence of various building concepts, homeowners can integrate green elements without the need to sacrifice the entire appeal and appearance of their homes.

Despite the increased interest by numerous sectors about green building concepts, lots of homeowners still don’t know and understand what constitutes green homes and how these eco-friendly homes are being built. An eco-friendly home has lots of beneficial effects and results on the overall health and well being of families and it’s also a very financially sound idea.

Benefits

Healthy Home

An eco-friendly home utilizes toxin-free building materials, ensuring that people inside the house are generally free from all harmful pollutants and elements that are usually present in a traditional home.

Cost Efficient Home

The cost of maintaining an eco-friendly home is the same or even lesser than the maintenance cost of a traditional and standard home. Yes, the initial cost is possibly high, but the future savings that you’ll be able to generate later is sufficient enough for you to offset the initial investment. You will certainly save about 40 percent from your monthly electricity bill and 50 percent from water consumption. In addition to that, eco-friendly homes are much more durable as compared to standard homes. This translates and equates to lesser maintenance and repair. Moreover, a green home value much higher compared to a standard home this is the reason why the demands for eco-friendly homes are steadily increasing.

Environment-Friendly Home

The heating and cooling of homes usually account to more or less 20 percent of the total used energy from a typical or standard household. Add to this the standard energy requirements from all the household appliances, lighting, and other electronic types of equipment and you’ll see why standard homes are being considered as a segment that uses and consumes lots of energy. On the contrary, eco-friendly home consumes less 40 percent of energy.

Nowadays, there are eco-friendly homes that have the capacity of reducing their dependence from conventional energy sources, and they have this added capability of generating their very own energy with the use of alternative energy sources like geothermal, biomass, wind, and sun.

Eco-friendly homes have highly efficient plumbing and bathing fixtures. They adopt landscaping designs that are drought tolerant. Eco-friendly homes can also make use of excellent irrigation systems equipped with beneficial water conserving features. These combined features and elements can cut water consumption for almost 50%.

Increased Security And Safety

Eco-friendly homes have much higher security and safety standards as compared to regular homes. They are basically equipped with excellent and high performing smoke detectors, gadgets that detect radon and carbon dioxide emissions, security systems, and techniques of delivering termite treatments and pesticide.

Lesser natural resources are being used in building an eco-friendly home. This alone can be considered as an excellent boost in campaigns of saving the natural resources. A huge portion of materials used to build a green home is basically recycled materials. So what do you think? Isn’t it a great option to have an eco-friendly home?

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Chapter 1 Do You Prefer To Live In Eco-friendly Homes?

Eco-living is all about living your life, as a person and as a community, such that it’s sustainable and ideal for the earth. In essence, living a greener life involves these principles:

• Conserve energy
• Conserve resources
• Reduce waste
• Reduce pollution as well as emission of hazardous substances to the environment
• Protect the ecological balance of the earth along with the other living beings.

Why Living Eco Green Is Essential?

Well, as more and more nations are becoming affluent and developed, as more and more communities are embracing a culture of ‘consumerism’, and lots of industries take action to meet the demands for various services and goods through the process of mass production, it generally becomes inevitable that energy and resources are being utilized and used at tremendously rapid rates.

In addition to that, pollutants, as well as harmful substances, are being released to the environment, more and more materials are being discarded as nothing but wastes at extremely unsustainable rates. Because of this, because of the activities such as deforestation or mining in order to extract various resources from the earth, and because of the pollution created from these processes, people have upset the earth’s ecological balance affecting the many plants and living creatures on earth.

The way that human race is living nowadays is definitely not sustainable. At the current rate that people are using the energy and different resources of the earth, they would possibly run out soon and worst, nothing would be left. And as people wiped away plant and animal species through irresponsible activities, soon there will be nothing left.

Some people would argue and claim that there’s a cost of living green. However, this is only a small cost compared to the costs that people will pay if nothing will be changed in order to protect and save the environment.

Eco-Friendly Homes

There are lots of things for you to do in order to live in an eco-friendly home and have a greener lifestyle.

Aside from adopting the ‘Reduce Reuse Recycle’ principle, you can actually adopt various energy-saving practices. There are actually lots of energy efficient appliances and practices for you to adopt in order to make your home an energy efficient, green home.

Why don’t you help by reducing the pollution? Reduce the use of hazardous substances and chemical, and use eco-friendly home cleaners as well as other environment-friendly products for your everyday needs.

Help introduce more trees and plant in your environment and motivate others to take action as well. Grow a green garden with the use of green gardening practices. There are lots of things that you can consider to help build a greener environment – start from living green and living in an eco-friendly home.

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Great Tips on Buying, Designing and Building an Eco-friendly Home

Foreword :

A lot of people want to live in an eco-friendly house; you probably are one of them too right? Why? Well, this simple consideration is enough to help the earth because they want to embark recycling efforts for a much essential cause of being able to live in great harmony with the environment – eco-living. Get all the info you need here.

Chapter 1
Do You Prefer To Live In Eco-friendly Homes?

Chapter 2
Benefits Of Eco-friendly Homes

Chapter 3
Features Of Eco-friendly Homes

Chapter 4
Considerations For Buying An Eco-friendly Home

Chapter 5
Building Your Own Eco-friendly Home

Chapter 6
Designing Tips For Eco-friendly Home

Chapter 7
Furnish Your Home With Eco-friendly Furniture

Chapter 8
The Eco-friendly Bathroom Ideas

Chapter 9
Eco-friendly Household Products In The Market

Chapter 10
Using Alternative Energy For Eco-friendly Home

Problem Solving Tips for Home and Your Health

1. Remove Broken Key From Lock.

Put some super glue on the broken off part, insert and hold a few seconds

 - will pull out rest of key.

2. Remove Broken Light Bulb.

Stick a bar of soap into jagged edges, use soap as a handle.

3. Remove Stubborn Screw.

Heat with a soldering iron for a few seconds first.

4. Protect Children From Sockets.

Keep a piece of electrical tape over them when not in use.

5. Good Glass Door Safety Tip.

Put a BIG decal on those glass and patio doors.

6. Keep Nails From Splitting Wood.

Blunt sharp end of nail before you use by hitting with a hammer.

7. Repair Small Holes In Screen.

Plug holes with clear nail polish, let dry, repeat until filled.

8. Straighten Warped Phonon Records.

Place record between two sheets of glass, set in the sun for a while.

9. Best Way To Clean Phonon Records.

Dip in the solution of detergent and water, rinse and wipe dry.

10. Make Your Own Fireplace Logs.

Roll newspapers up tightly in shape of a log. Papers are wood.

Budget Home Decorating Tips Conclusion

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Conclusion:

So if you love decorating, and want to challenge yourself, then the best way to do this is by doing it on a budget. There is nothing quite like batting against your impulses in order to purchase everything you need so that you stay within your budget.

However, saying that, decorating on a budget can be fun and if you learn to relax and keep away from the more expensive items, you should find it easy to do.

One of the biggest challenges faced by anyone when decorating on a budget is to stay within their budget constraints. So before you start the work, make a plan and stick to that plan, and this will help you with staying on budget.

But should you happen to spend more than you anticipated on one particular item, then you should remove something else from your list? This will then help to get you back on track where your budget is concerned.

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Chapter 9 – How to Decorate a Teenager’s Room When You Have Budget Constraints

If you are the parent of a teenager, sooner or later the subject of redecorating what has been a child’s room will come up.

A teenager’s room is different from a child’s room in that it should be treated more like an adult space. But, it should have a slightly fun flair to it also. It is best if you involve your teenager in coming up with a theme that will help to express who they are (and not what you want).

Also, when redecorating your teenager’s room, let them choose the colors, but provide them with some guidance. So why not let them have a look on the internet and see what they can find?

When redecorating a teen’s room, remember that they are very sensitive to color, and they are much more free with their sense of adventure. Why not go for using a bolder color on the wall behind the bed, and in this way you have a great focal point. Plus, it will save on you have to decorate the whole room. Also, it means that you can include a color in the room that they really like and want, but which will not overpower the room completely.

Another way to redecorate your teen’s room when on a tight budget is to change the window covering. Instead of curtains, why not get them blinds instead? Because they come in so many different designs, colors and materials, there is likely to be something that they will like.

Why not get hold of a small table and turn this up into a cool make up vanity by painting it to match your teenager daughter’s bedroom décor?

Also, you could get some colorful bed linens to bring all the elements of the decorating you have done together. You could even purchase extra sheets, which can be made into curtains and lampshades that will match the rest of the décor.

If you can not afford to replace a worn out carpet in your teen’s bedroom, then opt to have it taken up, and go for low maintenance painted floors with some throw rugs. Also, why not include some large cushions which they can use when their friends come round? It will provide them with a much more relaxing and friendly atmosphere for them and a place where they can get away from it all.

Rather than replacing a perfectly good bed, instead, just get a more adult-like headboard for it instead.

Plus, by rearranging your teen’s furniture in their room, you will be able to give it a whole new dramatic look. Many successful teen room makeovers can quickly and easily be accomplished just by changing the layout of a room. Also, by introducing new accessories and lighting to their room, it can help to change the look of a teen’s room dramatically.

If you want to make a teen’s room look a little funkier, then pick up some fringe or beading from a clearance table at the local craft store. You can then glue this around the bottom edge of the lampshade and the hems of curtains to provide a new look. You could even glue it around the edges of shelves.

Why not keep those free CD’s that such people as AOL put into magazines etc., and turn them over on to the reverse side and glue them to the frame of a mirror or to cover a closet door. Another great way is to glue them in an overlapping fashion and use them as a faux frame for your teen’s posters.

So, as you can see, there are many ways in which a teen’s bedroom can be redecorated and will not end up costing the parents an arm or a leg.

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Chapter 8 – A Few Ways for Decorating a Child’s Bedroom When on a Budget

When starting any project where a child is concerned, it would be a great idea if you get them involved. What you need to remember is that this is their room, and you want the space to reflect just who they are and what they love. So why not grab a pen and some paper (as your child is likely to come up with 100’s of ideas) and get talking!

1. When decorating a child’s room, choose the wall color carefully. It is important that you pick a color that matches the theme that you have chosen to make sure that everything complements and looks like they belong together.

2. If you want to add a splash of color to a child’s room, and do not want to repaint, then add a solid colored rug.

3. As curtains can be expensive, why not get a blind instead. Then hang a sheer panel in front of it. You can also add some color to a sheer panel so that it further complements the child’s room by painting it with fabric paints (you could even let your child do it themselves).

4. Why not purchase a new light or lampshade to match the theme? This is a great way of adding a new look to your child’s room, as well as being a cost-effective way of reducing the light they use in their rooms. Also, why not just buy a plain lampshade and then get some acrylic paints and let your child decorate it themselves?

5. If you want to have bedding that will compliment your child’s bedroom, but can not afford to buy new bedding sets, why not instead buy some flat sheets (only cost a few dollars and come in a wide range of colors) and can easily be used for duvet covers by being sewn together? But not only can you use them to make duvet covers, but also for simple curtains and pillowcases which will complement the décor of the room.

6. Also, why not personalize something for their walls? You could make photographs of them and the family and pets into a college.

7. Another great way of making their room, and which will not break the bank, is to create a comfort zone. All you need are some big pillows or a plush or inflatable chair. But make sure that it is something your child will enjoy sitting on and relaxing in. Also, as they will use this area for reading, then you will need to place some books close by. Do this by putting some small shelves or some plastic boxes on the side in the area and putting their books on them.

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Chapter 7 – How to Decorate the Nursery When Your Budget is Small

For every new parent, they have a vision of what the perfect nursery should look like. But really, is there any need for you to spend $2,000 in order to decorate and furnish a space that, in a couple years, they will have outgrown? In fact, you do not need to spend a fortune of decorating a nursery for that new arrival.

In this chapter, we will look at several different ways in which a nursery can be decorated no matter how small your budget is.

1. Instead of using wallpaper, paint the nursery instead. Why not choose colors which will coordinate with the baby’s toys, rather than going for the traditional colors? Also, why not invite friends and family around and get them to dip their hands into a pot of paint and place their handprints on the wall? They could even sign their names underneath if they want. Doing it this way, your baby will get to enjoy a brightly colored room full of contrasting patterns. This is of special appeal to young infants. Also, it is an interesting way of introducing them to those people who will be important in their life as they grow up.

2. You do not have to be artistically inclined, but if you want, why not add some stencil designs to the walls? This is inexpensive, as well as an easy way of adding different elements and features to a baby’s room. However, it is best to choose stencils which will match the theme of the room.

3. Where the floor is concerned, make sure that you have a stain resistant carpet, or just have hardwood floors with some scatter rugs on it. But if you already have carpet lay and you are worried that it may not stand up well, then why not get an area rug which will cover and protect it?

4. When you are decorating a nursery, why not consider buying some pieces secondhand or used instead? The advantage to this is that you may find items that are of a higher quality than you would normally purchase. Or it may be you find a vintage piece of furniture, which you can then refinish to match the décor of the nursery.

5. Why not get old, beat up the chest of drawers, and then paint with a high gloss paint, and then replace the handles on it?

6. Also, consider buying a piece of furniture that can be used for many different things. Do not spend money on buying a changing table, rather, buy yourself a dresser that is about waist high, and sit a changing mat on top. Then fill the drawers with all your nappy needs. In order to stop the pad from slipping, place a small bath mat with rubber backing face down underneath it. Then, once the child is older, the chest of drawers can be used as it was intended.

7. Instead of spending large amounts of money on buying storage boxes for your nursery, why not use baskets and shelves instead to store toys and other infant essentials?

There are many decorating ideas around for nursery and which will save you money. Hopefully, the ideas above will help you when making decisions on how to decorate a nursery on a small budget.

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Chapter 6 – Some Tips on Redecorating the Master Bedroom When Finances Are Tight

It really is quite easy to change the look of your bedroom without spending a fortune. Just using a little creativity on your part will go a long way to improve the layout, and look, of your haven away from the stresses and strains of modern life.

1. A good thing to do before you start redecorating your room is to de-clutter. Unfortunately, many of us tend to use our bedrooms as dumping grounds because they are away from the public eye. So put any items that you don’t need away in labeled boxes and store them either under the bed, in a closet or the garage or loft.

2. Next, why not give the walls a new coat of paint? This is the most inexpensive way of changing the look of a room, as well as the one that will have the most impact. You do not even need to paint the whole room you could just repaint one particular area (that may be in need of renovation), such as the wall behind the bed. But you do not even need to change the color; all you need to do is paint on a fresh coat of the paint that is already there. However, whether you decide to change the color or use the same color, you will find that the feel of the room will have changed. You could even consider putting up a border, or stenciling some designs on to the walls in order to give the walls a little more life. Both of these ways are inexpensive and will give any tired old room a new lease of life.

3. Why not have a rummage through your drawers for scarves, tablecloths or pillowcases that compliment the color scheme of your bedroom? Such things can be used to soften the top of a dresser or the edge of your bedside table.

4. By adding scent to your room, you will be changing the way the room feels. If, however, you do not have any potpourri, then cut up some orange peel and allow it to dry. Once dry, mix it with whatever sweet spices you have (say cinnamon, ginger or allspice) and then put it in an open bowl in your bedroom to freshen it up.

5. Get some old baskets and hang them up in nooks and corners of your bedroom. Not only will they add style to the room, but will provide you with additional storage space also.

6. A great way to change the look and feel of a bedroom inexpensively is by buying a new lamp or even just a lampshade. Choose a color and style that will compliment the décor of your room. Such an item can be used to accent the color scheme of your room also.

It is important to remember that a bedroom is a place where we spend much of our downtime. So why not spend a little time making a haven for yourself which will not break the budget?

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Chapter 5 – A Few Helpful Tips for Redecorating Your Bathroom When on a Budget

Before you start thinking about any decorating you would like to do in your bathroom, you need to make sure that it is in good shape. It is important that you make sure there are no leaks, and that all the caulking is tight.

You do not want to complete the redecoration of your bathroom, only to find a leak, and that you will have to completely redecorate after it has been fixed.

Unfortunately, although the bathroom is one of the easiest and least expensive to decorate, it is
often the most neglected. For many of us, redecorating our bathroom consists of replacing an old shower curtain with a new one and that’s it.

But hopefully, using the tips provided below, you should be able to produce a whole new and inviting look to your bathroom.

1. You can make a huge impact on this room by getting rid of any dark wood and old hardware on cupboards. Just by using some paint and replacing the handles on the doors, you will give the room a completely different look.

2. Why not put some plants in your bathroom, as they thrive in such an environment?

3. Use light. Bright colors will create the illusion of space even in the smallest of spaces (which many bathrooms are).

4. Change the light fixtures, as the right type of lighting can make a huge difference to any bathroom.

5. Why not consider replacing the taps to your bath and sinks. Just by replacing the tired, old looking taps to your bath, you will give it a completely different look, and it’s an inexpensive way of updating an old room.

6. Instead of buying a new shower curtain, why not instead choose to use a regular curtain. This can be hung from a tension rod and backed with a shower curtain liner. Such liners come in a variety of colors and are inexpensive to buy.

7. Get a few candles. Not only are they attractive, but they instantly add warmth (even when not lit to space). Also, there is so much variety of colors, shapes, and sizes of candles available, that I think you will find it difficult to choose exactly what you want. But it is best if you buy ones which will coordinate with the décor of your bathroom. Plus, add a few bars of scented soap and your bathroom will soon feel warm and luxurious.

In fact, before long by using the tips provided above, your bathroom will look fresh and bright. Not only this, but you will know just how easy it is to do and how inexpensive it is. Soon you will be ready to start decorating another room in your home!

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Chapter 4 – Some Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen on a Budget

For many people, the thought of redecorating their kitchen can be frightening. They start thinking that they need to replace everything in order to get a whole new look. But this they do not need to do, by just following a few or all of the tips provided below, you should be able to create something new for next to nothing.

1. Instead of replacing the cabinets in your kitchen, why not repaint them? There are many techniques around which are easy to learn and will provide your cabinets with an expensive designer look. Such techniques as crackling, faux finishing and glazing are not only simple to do, but will save you money. If you need help in looking for ways to update old and tired kitchen cabinets, then take a look on the internet.

2. Provide your kitchen walls with a new lick of paint. By painting your walls in warm and inviting colors, you will make the room even more of the hub of the home. Plus, if you have good quality wooden cabinets, a new coat of paint will help the wood to appear richer.

3. Why not spend a little of your budget on purchasing some new hand towels and potholders that will match the color of your new décor?

4. Another simple and easy tip for redecorating your kitchen, and will cost you nothing, is to get beautiful dishes and glassware out of the cupboards and use them to accentuate the kitchen.

5. But a great way of changing the whole décor of your kitchen is by putting up new curtains.
You could try this first before you do anything else. They will help to create a fresh new look to your kitchen, and they certainly will not break the bank. Plus, you may well find that just making this one change will give your kitchen a completely different look. By changing your curtains, you could actually bring out the personality of the kitchen with little or no effort on your part.

6. Why not use fabric in your kitchen? If you have appliances that you wish to hide, then using a fabric is a cheap and cost-effective way of doing this. Just get some material that coordinates with the décor of your kitchen, and some wire and hooks, and then just place the fabric in front of the appliance. Hey, presto, it’s covered up, and the fabric provides a new dimension to your room. Plus, if it should get dirty, all you need to do is take it off and put it in the washing machine and wash it.

7. Why not consider replacing the cabinet doors. There are many companies around which provided many different designs, colors, and shapes of kitchen cabinet doors. This is a much more cost effective way of giving your kitchen a whole new look without actually having to replace the whole cabinet.

8. Also, why not just replace the ironmongery on your cabinet doors, and get new handles? Just by doing this you will be giving your kitchen a whole new look.

9. One other affordable way of making your kitchen look different is by adding a kitchen island.
They not only provide you with more counter space, but they provide a place where people can gather. However, for those of us on a budget, instead of getting a permanent one, why not instead consider getting a kitchen cart? Because they are on wheels, when not being used they can be put away, and so leave you with room in your kitchen.

10. Finally, if your kitchen redecorating budget is so small that you would be unable to do any of
the above. Then why not think about replacing the backsplash instead. Just by doing this, you can really dress up that drab and dull kitchen that you have. The great thing about backsplashes is that they now come in a variety of different colors and materials, as well as styles. But how much you spend on this will depend on what material you select for it.

So as you can see, redecorating your kitchen on a budget can be as simple as just giving the walls a new coat of paint, or changing the existing hardware or doors on your cabinets. But just by making one small change to your kitchen you can give it a whole new look.

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Chapter 3 – Ways to Decorate Your Dining Room When Your Budget is Tight

We will now look at a number of different ways of decorating a dining room to give it a whole new lease on life, without breaking the bank.

1. Why not cover the table with some fabric in order to hide any ugly surfaces? You could then use the colors in the fabric as the basis for the new décor for the room.

2. The use of inexpensive accessories will help to change the whole appearance of your dining room. Get some candles and candleholders in order to provide a different look and feel to your room.

3. Why not make a wall hanging for the room. If you can, purchase some Chinese posters (these are inexpensive) as they are easy to turn into wall hangings.

4. Why not see if where you live has a furniture bank. This is where you can arrange to drop off any old pieces of furniture that you have and no longer want. Then all you need to do is choose a piece from what they have there to replace the piece you have donated. You may find the ideal dining table and chairs that you want for the theme of your room.

5. The rule of three. Instead of placing items together as even numbered groups, do it in odd-numbered groups instead. Where 2 candlesticks together look symmetrical, by adding a bowl or another smaller candlestick holder, you will give the element of surprise. Plus, by mixing colors and textures in order to form groups of three in a room, it will provide you with a whole new look also.

6. As previously mentioned, when looking to redecorate your living room, move the
furniture. You can also do this in your dining room. Instead of the table being horizontal to
the walls, why not place it in the room at an angle (but make sure you have enough space to
walk around it). Also, move any cupboards etc., away from walls, and instead place these in corners of the room at angles. By doing this, you are giving your dining room a whole new look.

7. Why not build and attach a fold-down shelf to one of your dining room walls? It will
certainly, make it easier for you when entertaining, and can be used as a buffet area also.

8. How about giving your dining room cabinets a new lease on life and paint them to accentuate
the color of the room? Check at your local paint supply store or DIY store, as well as online for advice on how to paint unusual surfaces.

9. Use a mirror in order to create light and space in your dining room. Frame one in such a way that it creates a mock window. You could even use one by placing it behind some artistic belongings in order to highlight them from all sides.

10. If your dining room chairs are looking a little tired and dated, then cover them with slipcovers…why not try making some covers yourself? Why not purchase another tablecloth or two that matches the one you use for your table, and upholster them in this as well?

11. Finally, why not repaint the room? You do not need to do the whole room, just paint one or two walls with an accent color. Maybe go for a color which will accept all the various aspects of the room, and integrates well with any soft furnishings that you have.

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Chapter 2 – How to Decorate a Living Room on a Budget

In this chapter, we will look at a number of different ways to provide a new look to your living
room. It may be that you are just starting out in a new home, or that you would like to revive an old tired space, but decorating any room, and especially the living room, can be a real challenge. It can be even more of a challenge when you only have a small budget to work with.

But the biggest hurdle that we face is how to get a look that expresses our unique personality, without spending a fortune. However, by looking at the items you already have in a different way, you should be able to create a cozy family room for almost next to nothing. Below are provided a number of decorating tips which should help to turn a drab living room into a warm and friendly place for everybody to gather.

1. Paint

Paint one wall using your favorite color, and so make this the focal point of the room. Then hang a piece of interesting art on the wall (it could even be something you have made yourself). Next, place a nice piece of furniture on that side of the room to provide even more accent to the wall. If you want to add extra impact to the wall, then why not use a rubber stamping technique? Although it is extremely easy to do, rubber stamping can look very impressive when finished.

2. Use an Area Rug

This is a great way to define a conversation area and look for one which will complement the décor of the room. Rather than lying it straight, put it at an angle underneath your coffee table (if you have one). Or if not, then just place it in a central location where the seating is situated. Why not add some large cushions as well?

3. Pictures & Mirrors

Hang those which most reflect your personality. If you are able to, try frames that are more ornate.
Plus, when hanging a mirror, place it in a position where it will reflect either a nice view or an interesting architectural element of the room. Including a mirror in a room also creates the illusion of more space in a room because of the light reflecting off it.

4. Lighting

Replace lamps, as these are one thing that will provide clues to your room being outdated. If you are unable to replace the whole lamp, then just consider replacing the lampshade instead.

5. Coffee Table

If your coffee table is looking tired or scratched, then cover it with a small decorative throw rug. Or if you want to be a bit more adventurous, then why not consider tiling the top of it with mosaic tiles or colored glass instead?

6. Rearrange the Furniture

But do not think square; instead, put your furniture at an angle. By doing this you are giving a whole new look to the layout of your room and is much more inexpensive than going out and buying new furniture.

Also, pay attention to the floor space that you have left and use it. You could actually get some scatter cushions and use these as additional seating. It will provide your living room with a much more relaxed atmosphere.

7. Plants

Use plants to add freshness and impact to the décor of your room, and if placed strategically, will hide any ugly flaws in a room.

Finally, if you do not need it, then remove it. You can either donate it to your local charity or ask a family member or friend if they could use it. By de-cluttering space, you will not only be providing yourself with more room, but you will also be gaining a whole new look.

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Chapter 1 – A Few Decorating Budget Tips to Get You Started

The first thing you should remember when decorating is that there are no rules except those that you set for yourself. However, having a plan is always a good idea and will help you to keep on budget.

Below are a provided a number of tips that will help you get started.

1. Trust yourself
Remember, you will know more about what looks good
for your home than you think.

2. Focal Points
Select the most important element in a room, say a fireplace, and make this the focal point. Then place furnishings and objects around it to draw a person’s eye towards it. You could, if you want, direct the person’s eye towards, say, a window, which then directs them to look outside into the garden.

3. Themes
Provide each room with a theme. You may just decide on a color, or it may be a particular style, say French Country or Italian Tuscany, for say the kitchen. Doing this will give you a starting point, and will help to guide you through the decorating stages.

4. Planning
When planning your design, work from the largest area of the room to the smallest. For instance, start with walls, windows, floors, furnishings and then finish with accessories. It is important to remember the larger the decorating surface, the more impact it will have on the finished design.

But the most important thing of all when decorating on a budget is to have fun!

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Budget Home Decorating Tips

(A Guide on Decorating Your Home on a Budget)

Contents:

Chapter 1 A Few Decorating Budget Tips to Get You Started

Chapter 2 How to Decorate a Living Room on a Budget

Chapter 3 Ways to Decorate a Dining Room When Your Budget is Tight

Chapter 4 Some Ways to Decorate Your Kitchen on a Budget

Chapter 5 A Few Helpful Tips for Redecorating Your Bathroom When on a Budget

Chapter 6 Some Tips on Redecorating the Master Bedroom When Finances Are Tight

Chapter 7 How to Decorate the Nursery When Your Budget is Small

Chapter 8 A Few Ways for Decorating a Child’s Bedroom When on a Budget

Chapter 9 How to Decorate a Teenager’s Room When You Have Budget Constraints

Conclusion

Introduction:

For anybody, decorating on a budget can be a challenge, but it also can be very rewarding. It will also teach you how to showcase your home. In the following articles, we will provide great ideas and tips for decorating various rooms within your home without going over budget.

Just by adding a few small, but creative and decorative details, you can make any home look like a million dollars. As long as you approach your decorating on a budget creatively, it should not only save you money but will be fun also.

If you want to create the perfect look for your home, and you are on a budget, then you need to get creative. It is not impossible to design a new look for any room in the home on a shoestring. So as long as you are willing to invest your time and energy, then you should be able to make a room go from plain to perfect in no time at all.

As already mentioned above, decorating on a budget can be fun. So instead of looking at the more expensive items that are available, why not instead start looking at their inexpensive counterparts. There are plenty of companies around which offer items that look as good as the more expensive items for the home, at half the price.

The real test for anyone who is decorating on a budget is their ability to take an inexpensive item, and then be able to camouflage its real value. So what they should be able to do is make a $10 item look like a $100 item instead. This can certainly be achieved, all it requires is a little patience, and a little decorating know how. However, when decorating on a budget, it does not mean that you have to cut down on the quality of everything that you want. Not only can decorating on a budget be fun but if creatively undertaken, it can also be done with flair and style.

It is important when doing any decorating on a budget that you have a plan. So you need to know what furniture you need (if any). What color scheme do you want for each room? What style do you want? By doing this, you will not waste time and money in purchasing things that you do not need, and also that you do not like.

In fact, budget decorating is all about knowing what is a good deal and what isn’t.

So why not give it a try, and as long as you make your decorating on a budget fun and enjoyable, you will find that it can be done.

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