Tag: go green

Sustainable Scapes: Environmentally Friendly Landscaping Solutions

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of The Lily Pad Cottage.

Imagine your dream landscape in the backyard of your lake house. Maybe the freshly cut grass is a vibrant shade of green, your flowers and shrubs are perfectly manicured, and a sprinkler is installed to keep everything looking fresh. However, this vision of a perfect green space may not actually be sustainable. Andrew Gabries, the owner of Go Green Lawn and Pest Control, warns, “A yard that looks good but isn’t healthy is difficult to maintain.” Despite the green grass appeal, it’s best to design an environmentally friendly landscape. Fortunately, there are several solutions to creating a beautiful — and eco-friendly — backyard at your lake house.

Reduce Water Use

Photo courtesy of Evergreen Turf.

Despite long showers and multiple dishwasher runs, most residential water usage is concentrated outside the home. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a typical American household uses 320 gallons of water per day. Further, 30% of this amount is used for outdoor purposes like landscaping. In dry climates like the Southwest, this number increases to 60%. Simply put, this common practice is wasteful.

In contrast to popular opinion, you don’t need to water grass daily. By watering less, utilizing hardscapes, and planting artificial grass, you can reduce the amount of water waste at your home. At the end of the day, even though bright green grass might look ideal, grass with slight brown tones is healthier. 

Choose Native Plants

Planting non-native flowers and shrubs may add a fun, exotic flair to your garden. However, they are not likely to flourish without manually engineering the environment. This is not helpful for environmentally friendly landscaping. Pablo Solomon, environmentalism leader and science consultant for the U.S. Department of Education, advises, “Whenever possible, use local natural plants and trees in your landscaping. This will reduce watering and dependence on herbicides or pesticides.” For example, lupines and willowherbs are native to Lake George in New York, while crown beards and evening primroses will grow naturally at Lake Lanier in Georgia. If you aren’t sure which plants are native to your lake area, the National Wildlife Federation created an interactive Native Plant Finder tool to help.

Reconsider the Lawnmower

Photo courtesy of Erik Mclean via Pexels

Although many lake homeowners have a standard gas lawn mower on hand at their properties, these tools emit fuels that can be toxic to the environment. Further, at a lake property, landscaper Steve Ambrose comments, “These fuels can easily float in the air and into the lake as vapor, even if you are far above the water.” Luckily, there are several environmentally-friendly alternatives to the traditional gas lawnmower. Solomon advises gardeners to “use hand tools if your time and health allow. You not only help the environment but stay in shape as well.” 

However, if you don’t have the time or physical capabilities for hand tools, electric mowers are another great environmentally friendly solution. Ambrose adds, “Electric maintenance equipment saves on fossil fuels and pollution, but also cuts down enormously on noise pollution.” You may even consider investing in an automatic electric mower. With this tool that essentially functions as a Roomba for your landscape, there’s no need to expend energy. It’s also best to mow the lawn at midday, just after the morning dew has set in, and the grass can dry and heal throughout the day before nighttime. 

Don’t Spoil the Soil

Many gardeners add chemicals to their soil to foster plant growth. However, these chemicals are rarely necessary and negatively impact the environment. If you’re unsure, you can test the soil in your backyard to see if chemicals are needed. If it turns out that your soil needs some fertilizer, opt for a natural choice such as adding mulch to plant beds. Ambrose comments, “I would stick to entirely organic naturally occurring fertilizers and see if the soil that is directly next to the lake can go unfertilized.” Gabries compares a landscape to your own food intake as a human: “The more organic products you consume, the better the results tend to be.”

Why Go Green?

Photo courtesy of bluegrasslawn.com.

For any homeowner, choosing environmentally friendly landscaping techniques benefits wildlife, reduces air and soil pollution, and creates less work for you as a gardener. However, lake homeowners specifically have a greater calling to go green. Ambrose explains, “Lakeside properties are a lot harder to be environmentally friendly with, but the responsibility is far greater. Usually, a house on a lake has water access, but the water actually belongs to the state. You will need to be careful to be a good citizen.” So, next time you think about turning on the sprinkler or the gas lawn mower, keep in mind that a perfectly polished lawn doesn’t always equate to sustainability. When it comes to landscaping, aim for natural beauty. Your plants will thank you. 

Lake Home Tips: Keeping Your Kitchen Energy Efficient

Posted on Staff

Energy efficiency helps the environment, but did you know investing in energy efficient home appliances and best practices can add value to your lake home?

According to Zillow’s Consumer Housing Trend’s Report 2017, 48 percent of buyers list energy efficiency as one of the most desirable features a prospective home can have.

But even if you’re not selling just yet, practicing energy efficiency and upgrading your space with energy efficient appliances can help save you big money.

So, take a look at how you can save money and save the world with these helpful tips:white and wooden kitchen with lake sign

Refrigeration

Refrigerators are the biggest source of wasted energy in your kitchen.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, this appliance alone uses 100 billion kWh, and is responsible for 7 percent of your home’s energy use.

Some tips for keeping your fridge efficient include:

  • Ensuring that the refrigerator is in good repair and the seal around the door(s) is undamaged. An improperly sealed fridge door requires the appliance to work overtime, thus using more energy and wearing out it out more quickly.
  • Keeping lots of food in your refrigerator will help the appliance maintain its proper temperature.  The less empty space in your fridge, the less air needs to be cooled.
  • Allow foods to cool off before putting them into the refrigerator.

To upgrade your kitchen, buy a new refrigerator that is “Energy Star” certified. Certified appliances can help save more than $270 in energy costs over a five-year span, according to the Energy Star website. The site also reminds consumers that a fridge more than 10 years old could be costing owners close to $110 per year.

At the lake, you can avoid over using your refrigerator by having a cooler outside with drinks and snacks in it. That way, there’s no need for your guests to keep going in and out for refreshments.

Cooking

The next energy waster in your kitchen is your stove and oven unit.

Mindful cooking may help you save money in the long-run as well as conserve some of your home’s energy.

Some tips for keeping your range energy efficient include:

  • When you are cooking on a range, use only burners that you absolutely need. Use as few as possible.
  • Turn down the heat once water has reached its boiling point. Normally, you do not need the full heat in order to maintain a boil.
  • Do not open the door of the oven too often. Instead, use the oven light (if your model has one) to check on food.
  • Do not preheat your oven unless you absolutely have too.

Energy Star does not currently certify stove and oven units, as they consume significantly less energy than refrigerators. In fact, cooking units only account for roughly 2 percent of a home’s entire energy use.

It’s easy to avoid using your range at the lake: just fire up the grill! You might be surprised how much you can cook outside, like grilled veggies, baked beans, grilled potatoes and more.

Washing the Dishes

Dishwashers also consume about 2 percent your home’s energy, however, this might be the easiest area in which to conserve energy in the whole kitchen.

Some tips for keeping your dishwasher energy efficient include:

  • Rinse your dishes to avoid having run them through the dishwasher multiple times.
  • Wait until your dishwasher is completely full before you operate it.
  • Consider hand drying your dishes. The dishwasher’s drying cycle uses a tremendous amount of energy.

Energy Star-certified dishwashers can save an average 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime and cost an estimated $35 a year to operate.

Depending on the number of guests at your lake home however, you might be able to avoid using the dishwasher all together. Instead, hand-wash your dishes or use biodegradable disposable plates and utensils.

Smaller Kitchen Appliances

Even if the appliances in the kitchen are turned off, they may still be using energy for no purpose.

Things like coffee makers, microwaves and even bread makers use energy. This is a slow type of energy drain, but it adds up quickly.

Unplug your appliances when they are not being used. Especially if your lake home is a seasonal residence.

Even when you aren’t there, you are still paying for this unused electricity.

 

For more tips on how to make your lake home energy efficient, read our “Inexpensive Quick Tips to Save on Energy Costs” and other efficiency-related articles here!

Inexpensive Quick Tips to Save on Energy Costs

Posted on Staff

nest smart thermostatAs winter approaches, we’re all wondering how much our heating bill is going to cost us this year. Every year, it seems it gets more and more expensive to just stay warm.

Even when you think you’re monitoring your heat and cooling usage, the utility bill is through the roof. If you have had any experience with this, here are a few super simple tips to keep you from emptying out your wallet every time the bill comes.

Programmable Thermostat

While it may seem like an expensive option, upgrade to a programmable thermostat. This will let you schedule times that you’re out of the home, and your thermostat can be set to colder or warmer temperatures than you would be comfortable living in.

If you work out of the home like most people, there is 9-10 hours a day that you could be saving on energy costs. There are even new smart thermostats that learn your typically schedule and behaviors and adjust the temperature accordingly!

Seal Windows and Doors

For any time of year, sealing any cracks in your home is a great way to reduce costs. By removing any air that gets in the house, the heating and cooling system has to make less effort to keep the desired temperature in the home.

The less the heater or the air conditioning has to kick on, the lower your utility bill.

Unplug

Do you have something you don’t use frequently, but keep plugged in? Unplug it! Don’t keep your chargers plugged in when they’re not in use, and unplug any large appliances you don’t use frequently.

Just be cautious of how many items you have plugged in, and you’ll notice a drop in your utility costs.

Let It Air Dry

One of the biggest energy consumers in many homes is the dryer. Even the energy-efficient models consume a lot of electricity or gas to heat the clothing to full dryness.

Instead you can air dry your clothes (outside if the weather permits) or inside, by laying them flat on surfaces or hanging them up on a rack or other convenient place.

If you have to have that “freshly dried” smell, you can time dry your clothing or turn it to the air dry setting.

Off-Peak Hours

Check with your local power company to verify, but most of these companies have peak hours that they charge more for kilowatts used. These are usually hours that everyone is home and awake- 6am to 9am, and 2pm-8pm (give or take).

During these hours, the price per kilowatt is increased slightly. If you really want to be a utility budget ninja, do your major energy usage during off-peak hours. Set the dishwasher to run at 11am while you’re at work, or set your clothes to dry overnight and fold them in the morning.

These are just a few suggestions on how to save money and energy, and there are plenty of other ways. Just get creative, and you will save money and the planet while you do so

 

7 DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home

Posted on Staff

go green logoGreen cleaning has become very popular as more and more people are becoming more environmentally conscious.

In line with this trend, homeowners are turning to cleaning solutions that are completely 100% organic and natural.

Harsh chemicals do many bad things to our bodies as well as the environment in which we live. Breathing in strong, unnatural, commercially produced solutions can be detrimental to our health.

Here is a list of 7 DIY natural cleaning solutions for your homes that can be used with out fear of harmful side effects caused by harsh unnatural chemicals:

  • Lemon juice– the acidity levels in lemons help to break down dirt and grime while leaving a lemony fresh scent. For an extra-strength cleaning solution, use the lemon peel as well. It is great for wood as the oils infuse it, leaving a shine.
  • Vinegar– like lemon juice, the acid in vinegar breaks down the mess and acts as a powerful cleaning agent. You may also use vinegar to clean your fruits and vegetables, as it also kills bacteria.
  • Baking soda– add this ingredient to your lemon juice or vinegar to help clean up quick. Baking soda is the most common natural cleaner used, besides lemon and vinegar. Because of the grittiness of baking soda, the substance helps to clean messes up that are stuck on or simply hard to wash off with just vinegar or lemon juice and water.
  • Essential oils– some of these actually help clear out mold and bacteria. By only adding a couple drops to water, essential oils are a great way to save money while being environmentally friendly. Great uses for essential oil solutions include getting rid of shower scum with lemon oil, cleaning your toilet with tea tree oil, and lastly, washing your windows with lavender oil.
  • Borax– this is commonly used for doing your laundry with an all-natural product. Many times borax is paired with a bar soap that you grate and washing soda. It is an extremely economic way to clean your clothes, while being completely additive free.
  • Salt– adding this to your solution or even making a salt and water, thick concoction is the way to go when you have a tough mess to clean up. The salt acts as an exfoliant; it gets the messy job done quickly and efficiently, and you can be sure your counter, floor, wall, or any other surface, will be super clean.
  • Hydrogen peroxide– this is an extremely effective natural cleaner. Peroxide disinfects, and it can actually kill mold, salmonella, and bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide also works the same way a natural bleach works on your clothes and white surfaces.

With so many other alternatives to chemical cleaning solutions, there is no reason to not add green cleaning mixtures to your cleaning routine.

There are also all natural cleaning solutions available in most markets today, in case you didn’t want to make your own.

To be environmentally friendly and health conscious, all natural solutions are the way to go to ensure safety and health for your family.

Tank vs. Tankless Water Heaters

Posted on Staff

A traditional water heater, or a tank water heater, preheats about 30-50 gallons of water at a time. As all the warm water is used, it begins to refill again.

Tankless water heaters use a gas or electric heat source to warm up the water on-demand, making it much more convenient as you won’t have to wait for water to heat up again once the water gas fired water heater unit with tank heater has emptied.

But what are the actual pros and cons of using a tankless water heater vs. a traditional one?

Here is a short comparison of the two:

Traditional (tank water heater) Pros

  • Installation costs are typically half the amount of a tankless water heater. According to a comparison on Home Advisor, a traditional water heater costs about $890 to install. Tankless installations cost about $3000.
  • If you needed to replace it, it is less complicated than that of a tankless.

Traditional (tank water heater) Cons

  • These types of heaters result in higher utility bills. Because of the way the traditional water heaters are set up with a pre-set temperature regardless of your needs, they cost more to maintain the heat, especially during winter months.
  • Traditional water heaters are bulky and hard to put into place. These water heaters cannot be stored outside, so if you have a small house or apartment, you must have a closet dedicated to the water heater.
  • They run out of hot water. Although 30-50 gallons of water seems like a lot, it really isn’t. It is easy to fill up a bath tub with that amount of water and run out. You then have to wait until the tank refills and reheats, which could take longer than you would like.
  • Traditional heaters have shorter lifespans in the long run. With an average water heater lasting 10-15 years, it is likely you will to have to replace it twice as much as you would a tankless water heater.

Tankless Water Heater Pros

  • Although installation costs are more expensive, having a tankless water heater costs less over time.
  • They are not bulky and take up little space. These water heaters are able to be stored outside, making for a more appealing heater since it won’t take up any storage space.
  • Tankless water heaters last at least 20 years.
  • These water heaters produce hot water on demand, about 2-3 gallons per minute.

Tankless Water Heater Cons

  • The initial cost is higher than that of a traditional water heater.
  • To replace a traditional water heater with a tankless, it may cost more due to it being a little more complicated.
  • Electric tankless water heaters are less energy efficient than traditional water heaters, and are not built for heating your entire home.

While there are obvious reasons that a tankless water heater’s benefits outweigh the traditional tank heater, there are cons to each of the options. It may be in someone’s best interest to invest in a tankless water heater, as the pros are much stronger than the cons, but the initial cost may deter someone from doing so.

The cost of a traditional water heater is much more appealing to those on a budget. But while they cost less, they take up more space, an unappealing factor for homeowners with limited extra space.

Another con is that through the years, the traditional tank water heater will need to be replaced more often, although easier to do.

Comparing the two, in the long term the tankless will cost less money due to the fact that the heater isn’t constantly using energy to keep the water heated since it is heated on demand. But, if you only plan on being in your house for a few years you may not be there long enough for the energy savings to catch up to the initial cost.

There is rarely a “right” answer, as every situation has varying circumstances. For the best option, examine your situation and decide what works for you!

 

Keeping Your Lake Safe From Harmful Chemicals

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

When living on a lake, it is crucial to make sure you do your part to keep the water clean. Within this article, you will learn of some easy ways to keep the lake clean and the wildlife healthy and happy.

Run-off lake drainageKeep Pollution From the Drains

Unfortunately, many storm drains lead to the lakes and the streams. It is important to remove any waste away from the storm drains to it does not end up in the water. Some items that end up in storm drains are:

  • Oil
  • Pesticides
  • Herbicides
  • Cleaning Chemicals

In order to make this happen, there are tasks you can perform. When it comes to leaves or fertilizer, sweep it back into your yard and bag it up instead of letting it wash away from your driveway. If you have any chemicals that need to be dumped, do so in a responsible manner.

Fertilize with Care

Improper fertilization will harm the water. When you fertilize improperly, it will end up in the storm drain. It will then lead to the water and use up the air that the wild life needs to thrive under the water.

Do not leave fertilizer on paved surfaces, do not apply it to frozen land, and do not use the wrong type. Also make sure you do not over fertilize.

Dispose of Chemicals Correctly

Chemicals and household products can end up in the storm drains. Keep them out of the lakes and streams by taking them to the local hazardous waste center or wait for a collection day. Chemicals that are harmful include:

  • Household Cleaners
  • Gasoline
  • Antifreeze
  • Pesticides
  • Solvents
  • Paints
  • Motor Oil

There are many places that will take these chemicals from you so that it does not harm the environment. It is your responsibility to get rid of them should you need to.

Maintain Your Boat Engine

Make sure that your boat engine is operating properly and not leaking. While even brand new engines leave behind some pollution, old and improperly serviced motors can really dump a lot of harmful pollutants into the water.

It is up to everyone near the lake to keep it clean. Even if you live near by, the storm drains can still be connected. Follow these tips to keep the lakes and water free of debris and dangerous chemicals or bacteria. We can all do our parts to keep each other healthy and safe.

5 Simple Ways to Go Green

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

There are ways to go “green” to help you save the planet and help you keep money in your pocket. This is especially important when you have more than one home. Following this list will help you in your home and vacation home.

1: Energy

  • ThermostatSet the thermostat three degrees lower in the winter months and three degrees higher in the summer months. It will save you on cooling and heating costs.
  • Once the older bulbs burn out, install LED bulbs.
  • Wash your laundry in cold water. This will save you 85% of the energy burned when doing laundry.
  • Upgrade to energy efficient washers and dryers.

2: Water

  • Although this is an obvious one, take shorter showers to save water.
  • If shorter showers are not an option, or you want to save even more money, then you can install a low flow shower head.
  • If you have a garden, get a rain catcher. Use rainwater to water your lawn and plants.

3: Gas

  • Exercise is important to your health, but it can also save you money. Walk or ride a bike to work or to the store. It does wonders to your physical health and your mental health as well.
  • Use commuting options if you live too far away from home. It will help save gas for you and the others that are going to the same area.

4: Electronics

  • It is important to keep electronics out of the trash. Many places will accept electronics for free and recycle them for you.

5: Cleaning

  • Cleaning products can be expensive. There are other times that you can use in their place. For example, you can use white vinegar. It has natural bacteria killing properties.

This list may seem short, but there are so many other ways to go green. It will depend on the lifestyle you live. Look at your lifestyle to see different ways that you can change it to save money and the planet. For instance, if you drink a lot of soda out of cans, then save the cans and recycle them. It will not only keep the cans from the landfills, but also recoup some of the money spent on the soda.

How to Grow an Herb Garden in Your Kitchen

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

Herb gardenThere are many reasons why people chose to grow kitchen herb garden. They produce organic and healthy harvests and are cheap as well. They are easy to grow and all they need is sunlight and warmth. In case your kitchen lacks direct sunlight, you might place your herb in other rooms as well. Now, we’re going to give you a brief explanation on how to start your own kitchen herb garden.

The first step of growing kitchen herbs is deciding what plants we want to grow. The answer is simple; start with whatever you prefer to eat. Search on internet to find out what seeds or seedlings produce your favorite dish, and buy them at your local gardener.

The second step is to choose whether you need seeds or seedlings. You can buy seed packets, or buy herb seedling from local shops. If your choice is seedlings, make sure that the plant is not rootbound by checking the plant’s bottom.

Third step is to choose the seeds/seedlings that you want to buy. The most used seeds are Basil, Chives, Cilantro, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, etc. Ask your local gardener or look up online which one would be a better choice to produce the harvests you desire.

What you’ll need:

Soil: Mix soil, moss, and perlite to produce a high quality soil for your herb garden. You can also buy this mixed soil in most garden stores for a reasonable price.

Herb containerContainers: You will need lots of containers to put your herbs in. Look in your house if you have some unused containers. If not, check the garden stores, they will definitely have them. When you find them, create drainage holes in its sides before planting seeds/seedling.

Sunlight: The most important factor in growing herb garden is providing enough sunlight for them to be able to grow. They must be exposed to sun between four to six hours every day. Less light will most likely prevent growth.

Now that you have everything that you need, let’s get started.

  • Place seeds in water for about two to four hours before planting them in soil. This will fill them with water they will struggle to find when they initially get planted.
  • Fill all containers with soil up to one inch below the rim. Plant seeds approximately one fourth of inch below the top of the soil. Putting them lower will most likely prevent them from ever reaching the surface whereas putting them higher will most likely decrease the amount of nutrients they can take.
  • Place the container in a place out of direct sun light until it starts to grow and water it often. Note however, that different plants require different amounts of water per day.
  • When you see the herb growing out, move the container to an area with sunlight exposure between four to six hours a day. Continue to water them accordingly.
  • Large numbers of seeds growing in one container is not a good thing; it is actually dangerous for them. They will all feed from the same soil and will most likely lack nutrition. Thus, if several seeds grow, remove a few of them to allow the other seeds to grow. Be careful while you are removing the seeds, you might accidentally damage other seeds as well.
  • If planting seedlings, bury the roots in the soil and put it immediately in the sunny area.
  • When herbs are grown, harvest them. Leave the sprigs of every herb so they will grow back again so you will have herbs in the future as well.

By following these steps, you will create a kitchen herb garden and start growing your own healthy food.

Benefits of Living on a Lake with Boating Restrictions

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

If you’re interested in lakefront property, you may be put off by the idea of purchasing real estate on waters that might have boat restrictions.

You shouldn’t let boat restrictions scare you off though, as there are quite a few benefits you can enjoy from living on such a lake.

Boating restrictions on a peaceful lakeKeeps noise levels low

Some lakes have restrictions on the size of motor that can be used on their waters.

If you live on such a lake, you won’t have to worry about noise levels as much. This is because smaller motors tend to run more quietly. Not only will your time on the lake be more peaceful, but you’ll also be able to enjoy spending time on your own property more since you won’t be disturbed by noisy passing watercraft.

The fact that there is less noise on your restricted lake will make fishing more pleasant as well.

Keeps water conditions safer

A good number of boating accidents could be prevented if the right safety precautions were taken. As such, the requirement to register your boat helps keep you safer while out on the water. So does the requirement to take a boating safety class or have personal flotation devices with you at all times.

You might be surprised to know that nearly half of all boating accidents are related to alcohol use. You are more likely to encounter a drunken boater than you are an intoxicated motorist. Many states have enacted laws to deal with the dangers of drinking and boating, making it just as serious an offense as drinking and driving. The result is that your risk of being injured in a boating accident is greatly reduced.

More boating accidents happen at night than during the day. This is why it is important to have restrictions on nighttime boating. A few of the things that will help make boating safer at night include:
• Having extra patrols on the water
• Requiring boats to have proper illumination as determined by the U.S. Coast Guard
• Speed limitations

No Wake Zones

boating restriction, no wake zoneNo wake zones are typically enacted near fishing docks, piers, marinas, and bridges. This is in order to ensure safe conditions for everyone. If these zones weren’t enforced, it could be difficult to get in and out of your docked boat or might interfere with you fishing from the shore.

Not everyone is courteous enough to avoid making waves, so it’s actually to your benefit to have designated no-wake zones on your lakefront.

No wake zones also serve another purpose in that they protect boaters from dangers associated with flooding. Dangers such as extremely high currents or debris in the water.

Prevents Environmental Damage

Some bodies of water have strict regulations regarding sanitation and pollution control to prevent damage to the environment.

For example, the size and type of engine your boat carries could be regulated to keep exhaust fumes from contaminating the water and polluting the air around your lake. Others will have restrictions on the disposal of waste. This is so water quality is not affected. There might also be restrictions on launching your boat to prevent erosion along the shoreline.

These regulations allow your lake to be a habitat for native fish and wildlife. They are especially important if it is also a source of drinking water for you.

Sometimes Boating Restrictions are What You Want

Rather than be discouraged by boating restrictions, it would help if you considered how they benefit you and other home owners in your area. Most restrictions do not seriously affect your use of the water, and will not be overly burdensome for you to comply.

Don’t let the idea of boating restrictions stop you from realizing your dream of owning lakefront property, as boating restrictions will only enhance your enjoyment of the lake.