by Mike Ohrberg, Director of Restores
Earth Day is April 22, 2102. The best place to start decreasing your carbon footprint is right inside your home. Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley operations two home improvement resale outlets called ReStores. Our ReStores provide an environmentally responsible way to keep good, reusable materials out of the waste stream. The inventory at our ReStores do differ, but most focus on home improvement goods like furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances. Protect our glorious globe by incorporating the following “green” designs into your next remodeling project.
Prepare: Before beginning any project, perform an “existing analysis” of your home. Gather information on water, gas and electricity usage. Do an energy audit to pinpoint daily habits such as leaving lights on when a room is not occupied.
Appliances: Swap in Energy Star qualified appliances that use less energy, such as refrigerators and dishwashers.
Insulation & Ventilation: An energy-efficient home requires both proper insulation and ventilation. Seal windows, doors and pipes, but ensure sufficient ventilation to allow water vapor to pass through and prevent mold.
Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED or compact fluorescent (CFL) lighting. Take advantage of both natural lighting and shading to reduce energy consumption from heating and cooling your home.
Materials: Opt for paints and finishes with low or zero volatile organic compounds which are harmful to the environment and your health. Choose designs that incorporate recycled materials, such as countertops made from recycled glass or flooring made from repurposed wood.
Plumbing: Consider low-flow shower heads/faucets and dual-flush toilets to conserve water.
Most of the items mentioned in this article can be found at your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore.
Shop or donate your unwanted household items to the Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley ReStores. The Temecula ReStore is located at 27479 Enterprise Circle West. The Lake Elsinore ReStore is located at 570 Central Avenue, Suite I. Habitat for Humanity will pick up your donations, if needed. For more information, visit www.habitat4inlandvalley.org.