Sustainable Home Checklist: Simple Green. Easy & Economical
Simple Green. Easy & Economical
Anyone can do these.
- Timers for irrigation and outdoor light systems
- Rain barrel or water cistern to capture water
- Organic fertilizers
- Composting
- Mulch or wood chips
- Use of native plants/ Elimination of invasive
- Group plants by water needs
- Deep rooted plants (they take less water overall)
- Reduction of grass size
- Pest resistant plants
- Natural animal repellant plants
- Trees for wind blocking (to prevent soil/mulch erosion) and shade to naturally cool your home.
- Set mower to 3 inches to allow for pollination
- Use low VOC paint for less toxic air
- Recycle old materials, or even old furniture by giving it a facelift or donating instead of tossing.
- Use HEPA air filters
- Replace all main lights with LED
- Use solar or LED for all garden and cafe lighting
- Install dimmers on lights
- Utilize motion sensors
- Power Strips to prevent a phantom load
- Clean refrigerator coils
- Weather strip doors
- Caulk window trim
- Repair window glazing
- Putty around window panels
- Remove shrubs at foundation (anything too close to the house can go into the foundation with its root system)
- Aerators on faucets
- Wrap hot water heater, pipes
- Dual flush toilet controls
- Fix leaks
- Low-flow shower head
- Programmable thermostat (smart thermostat)
- Thermal drapes (blackout curtains, or UV filtering)
- Clean air filters often
- Seal ducts
When house-hunting, families often focus on bedroom count, kitchen size, and school districts—but the humble backyard deserves equal consideration. After decades in real estate, I've developed what I call "the soccer ball test" to help families find their ideal outdoor space.
As we celebrate our beautiful planet today, I wanted to share some simple yet meaningful ways we can all connect with nature while treading lightly on the earth. These small sustainable outings don't require extensive planning or resources, but they can make a real difference—both for the environment and for your own wellbeing.
As a mom, I've learned one of life's most valuable lessons: knowing when to offer guidance and when to let go. This delicate balance hasn't just made me a better parent—it's become the cornerstone of my approach as your Northern Westchester real estate agent.