Tag Archives: sustainable energy

House Considerations When Building Green

When planning for the construction of a new home, every family prioritizes its own wants and needs. However, today’s consumers are inclined to put environmentally progressive features at the top of their lists; green assets not only save money in reduced energy costs but also increase home values. Though the list can seem endless, consider fueling your dreams with at least the following green home construction features.

Solar-Panel Power

Homes in most regions of the country would benefit from being fitted with solar panels New Jersey. Using the sun’s energy for even some of your power needs will benefit the environment and cut down on your monthly utility bills. Additionally, the federal government, along with many states, offers tax credits for solar panel installations,

Energy-Efficient Windows

Homes that retain heat in the winter and cool air in the summer offer two benefits: First, heating and cooling costs remain relatively low; second, interiors do not suffer from cold drafts or hot-air pockets. Double-pane, low emittance windows are the single best source for keeping a house’s climate optimal. They both reflect the sun’s rays and provide a thermal barrier against the cold.

Small-Footprint Structure

Large homes with a great number of rooms can provide value to growing families. It may be worthwhile to consider how much home is too much, however, and choose one with a smaller footprint. Building a structure sized to meet a desire rather than a need is an inefficient use of resources. Wood and other natural items are finite; artificial materials may be made using polluting manufacturing techniques.

The options for building a house that uses energy efficiently abound. In addition to incorporating climate-friendly structural elements, sustainably crafted homes will encompass efficient appliances and lighting. When everything comes together, the environmentally-sound house will make the neighbors green with envy.

3 Green Ideas for Your Farm

As the world becomes more concerned with greenhouse gases, climate change, and protecting the environment, many industries are looking to make positive and affordable changes to meet the times. This includes farmers and ranchers who want to work with more sustainable and green initiatives. Here are three ways for your farm or ranch to become greener.

Photo by Alberto De quevedo on Unsplash

Open Pasture for Grazing

Whether you are raising chickens, cows, or goats, it is better to raise them in an open pasture. They have space to roam free, act in accordance with their natural states, and graze throughout the day, which is a healthy way for them to eat. As a green initiative, pasture-raised or free-range animal products are widely sought after in today’s consumer market. In order to keep the animals safe, you will need to spend some extra money on good quality ranch fencing Texas to keep them away from your neighbors and the roads.

Solar Panels for Energy

Solar-powered energy is not just for homes. Ranchers and farmers should look into the possibility of installing solar panels on their barns, staples, sheds, and workshops; anywhere you may need to turn on a light, run a generator, or power up a fan or space heater. Solar power is considered a renewable source of energy, so you won’t need to use fossil fuels; plus, it will help you save money on your electric bill.

Rain Collecting for Water

You may not be able to get away with using renewable water sources in every aspect of farming and ranching, but collecting rainwater is a great way to waste less water. By rainwater harvesting, you could save money and water by using rainwater for irrigation, washing, composting, and hydrating your livestock. 

Going green doesn’t have to be complicated if you make a few positive changes on your farm or ranch.