In celebration of Earth Day, you may have been thinking about how you can be more eco-friendly. It feels good when you know you’re producing less waste and helping the planet. But the best part is that being environmentally friendly is usually also wallet friendly! As the nation’s leading home builder, Lennar has this in mind. Our homes have energy efficient features built-in, as part of our Everything’s Included® homes. Here are some of those features, as well as other easy and small changes you can make in your everyday life to help live a more eco-friendly lifestyle:
Use Less Paper and Recycle
In today’s world, we mostly operate using modern technology, so it should be easy to go a day without using a notebook or piece of paper. But if you’re still doing things the old-fashioned way, start by taking notes and making lists on your smartphone. It’s super convenient since you take your phone with you wherever you go. You can easily access that grocery list and jot down what you’re needing before you forget. If it is essential to use paper, make sure you recycle it, and purchase recycled paper products. It takes less energy to create paper through recycled and used sheets than by creating ‘new’ paper.
Use Energy Efficient Light Bulbs
When it’s time to replace your light bulbs, make sure to use an energy efficient bulb like CFL or LED. Today’s energy-efficient bulbs are available in the wide range of colors and light levels so there is no sacrifice to the look of your home. Bring in the savings in the form of energy and money on your electric bill. New Lennar homes in Nashville are installed with LED bulbs, so your home is efficiently lit from the day you move in.
Use Reusable Bags
Instead of using the plastic bags when you’re buying groceries, or buying from any store, bring your own reusable bag. Keep reusable bags in your car so that you’re more likely to use them whenever you’re shopping.
Use Cloth Instead of Paper Products
You can significantly reduce waste by replacing paper napkins with cloth napkins. It’s an added bonus that you feel fancier at mealtime! And instead of buying wet wipes, use a spray on cleaning product and wipe with a reusable cloth instead. You can take it a step farther by using natural or homemade cleaning products!
Use a Programable Thermostat
Another energy and money saving feature installed in Lennar homes are the Honeywell T6 Pro Smart WIFI Thermostat. Smart thermostats learn to work with your schedule to optimize efficiency, only using energy when its needed.
Unplug When Not in Use
Unplug your electronic devices and appliances when you’re not using them. Start with rooms that don’t get much use. Like unplugging the TV and other electronics in the guest room. But also look at things that you might use every day that can be easily plugged and unplugged, like your cell phone charger, or your toaster. You’ll be wasting less energy, as well as less money on your electric bill.
Reduce Water Waste
There are a few ways to easily reduce water waste in your home. Start by just being conscious of how much water you’re using. Take shorter showers, turn the water off while brushing your teeth and scrubbing your hands. Buy energy efficient appliances for your dishwasher and washing your clothes. Buy low flow shower heads and faucets. Don’t buy water bottles! Buy a reusable portable cup, and a water filter instead.
Stop Unsolicited Mail
Call up the companies that send you junk mail, and tell them to remove you from their mailing list. This includes credit card offers, shopping catalogs, and anything else you regularly toss. Reducing junk mail can make a huge impact on reducing paper usage.
To learn more about the energy efficient features of our homes being built in the Nashville area, stop by one of our Welcome Home Centers. Or reach out to one of our New Home Sales Consultants to get more information, and schedule your community tour.
