Here are some simple, inexpensive tips to make your home more eco-friendly. Creating a green home and lifestyle starts with making eco home improvements. Many are affordable, basic, and definitely good for the environment. 

1)  Barbeques- Propane barbeques are best for the environment. If you prefer to use charcoal, there are some brands that burn greener than others. Look for green burning charcoal when you shop.  

2)  Composting- Traditional outdoor composting is great if you have the room. If you’re tight on space, try Bokashi Composting. This simple indoor composting method is cleaner and best of all odorless. Either way you won’t waste a thing and your garden will appreciate it.

3)  Use Green Power- Check to see if your state has green power alternatives available. Call your state or local government office or check it out on the web.

4)  Shopping Bags- Instead of choosing paper or plastic, bring your own bag instead. They are relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can buy them online or even at some local stores. Most are made of recycled materials and save trees as well as prevent plastic from ending up in landfills.

5)  The Local Paper- If you take the paper at your home, be sure to recycle it. Another green option is to cancel the paper all together. Read it online instead for free!

6)  Change Your Light Bulbs- Whether you change them one at a time or all at once, CFL light bulbs are the way to go. They last 1000 times longer than regular bulbs and use much less energy which saves you money.  

7)  Candles- Many people don’t realize that some candles can actually pollute the air in your home. Clean burning candles, such as soy candles, are a little pricier, but can make a difference when it comes to indoor air quality. You can tell t he difference because these candles will burn from edge to edge right down to the bottom with no black soot. They burn longer, so in the end they are more economical.  

8)  Save Water- Replace old faucets and showerheads with newer low flow versions. Today these products are much improved to not only save water but to give you the water pressure you are looking for.  

9)  Fighting Household Pests- Fight pests like ants and roaches by spraying them with soapy water. It kills them effectively without using the regular toxic, smelly bug spray. It’s also much better for the environment and not poisonous to your kids or pets.

10) Green Cleaners- Replace your old toxic cleaners with ones that are better for the environment. You can find them in most local stores. Non toxic cleaners are also safer to have around small children.

11) Look For Energy Star Appliances- These appliances are much more energy efficient and some even come with a tax break. When you’re looking for new appliances, look for Energy Star brands for the best savings for you and the environment.

12)  Green Yards and Gardens- Remember to use organic plant foods and eco-friendly lawn fertilizers. Turn to Mother Nature for pest control. Remember birds and good bugs eat the bad ones in your flower beds and gardens. Get you whole family involved when it comes to planting your garden. Let everyone participate in what you plant and the taking care and maintenance of the garden. In the end, reap and enjoy your organic fruits and veggies together. A sweet reward for everyone’s hard work!

13)  Change Your Thermostat- Install a programmable thermostat in your home to prevent wasting energy. Set it to only be on when you are at home and to turn itself off when you are away.

14)  Recycle, Recycle, Recycle- Check with your local garbage service to see what programs they have available, or simply do it yourself. Turning in recyclables at your local recycling center can turn into extra cash for you or your kids.

15)  Water Heaters- Make sure that your water heater is set at 120 degrees or below. Studies have shown that for every 10 degrees lower that you set your water heater, the savings on your energy bill will be between three and five percent.

It really does make a difference to the environment when each of us make small changes. Some projects are bigger than others, so if you need help with these or any other home improvement jobs, Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc. is ready to help.

The options are endless when it comes to outdoor building projects. You may be interested in adding a front or back porch or maybe a sun porch to enjoy with family and friends. Maybe you have a pool and you are interested in building a pool deck. A backyard deck is always nice when enjoying those backyard family barbeques, a drink at the end of a long day while enjoying the last remnants of sun or soaking up the moonlight, or simply relaxing in the summer sunshine. Perhaps you may want to add a roof deck onto your home or an outside deck onto your master bedroom.

If you have small children a play structure is a great form of exercise and fun. Again varieties and styles are endless. Jungle gyms, tree house s, forts and fortresses are all wonderful options. Add whatever accessories and play items you like. Go wild and don’t forget to get your kids in on the planning as well.

One word of caution after you decide which outdoor project is for you. The building material you choose can make a big difference for you and your family. Pressure treated lumber contains a form of cyanide that acts as an insecticide against pests. Children playing on such surfaces have been shown to develop rashes and skin infections. Cedar wood resists pests naturally and is a much better choice. Though it is more expensive, it is a healthier choice for your family and is strong and sturdy, holding up well over the long haul.

All of these projects will add value and function to your home as well as hours of enjoyment for you and your family. Whatever your home improvement needs may be Five Star Consumer Referrals, Inc. is there to help.

How to Control Something When the Economy is Totally Out of Control!!

Green Ideas For Home Improvement

Now more than ever, many of us are concerned with making choices that are not only good for us, but for the environment as well.  Eco-friendly home improvement options are readily available these days.  These products provide good quality and savings by lowering your water and energy bills.  The savings to you over the lifetime of these products allows them to pay for themselves.

Save water in the bathroom by replacing your old toilet with either a low flow or dual flush model.  Also replace your regular shower head and faucet with affordable low flow versions.

Painting either the inside or outside of your home can make a big difference in the appearance of your home.  When you go to select your paints, look for ones that are either recycled or non-VOC brands.  Non-VOC means non volatile organic chemicals.  There are also brands which contain low or reduced levels of VOC.  Just ask for eco-friendly paints at your local home improvement or paint store.

When replacing the flooring in your home there are many eco friendly options.  One to look into is cork flooring.  It holds up well, is comfortable to walk on and comes in many colors and designs.  The adhesive used is also non toxic so it won't harm the environment.

Another option for flooring is to simply refurbish the floors you have.  You may have older hard wood floors that are either visible or covered up with carpet or other flooring.  Once refinished, these floors can shine like brand new.

If you're looking at carpet, consider carpet tiles instead.  The problem with more traditional carpet is that it has a tendency to harbor nasty things such as dust mites, mildew, and pet dander.  Unfortunately these are hard to get out even with steam cleaning.  Carpet tiles are usually made from recycled materials, easy to install and easy to keep clean.  They also come in outdoor carpet styles if you would like to spruce up outdoors as well.

If you do decide to go with carpeting, try to skip the carpet padding.  The extra material, chemicals and labor involved is often unnecessary.  The padding also makes it much harder to keep your carpet clean without having to use harsh chemicals.

When you are shopping for bedding, remember to look for organic brands.  Other companies often add formaldehyde as a softneing agent.  This toxic chemical is not only bad for your, but also bad for the environment.  Mattresses can also be eco-friendly.  Many companies now carry them.  They are generally made from a material called natural latex rubber which is not harmful to the environment.

Solar options are great to consider as well.  They will reduce your energy usage as well as your energy bill.  If you're replacing your water heater, try a solar powered model.  Also consider solar panels.  They may be expensive to buy, but many companies now rent them as well.  This makes them very affordable and accessible to almost anyone.

ENERGY EFFICIENT WATER HEATERS

There has been a lot of talk recently about how we all need to do our part to make our world a greener place to live in. A great way to start pitching in is by simply making a few changes right in your own home. Changing out your old hot water heater for a newer more efficient version is both simple, eco-friendly, and goes a long way towards helping our environment. 

Older electric water heaters consume larger amounts of energy than either their natural gas or oil fired counterparts. More energy usage creates a higher demand on our local power plants. Studies show that a typical family of four using a traditional electric water heater over the course of one year, uses enough energy to cause a typical power plant to emit about eight tons of carbon dioxide into our air. This is almost double the carbon dioxide fumes emitted by a typical family automobile. A family of four using a natural gas or oil fired water heater over the same period of time will only contribute around two tons of carbon dioxide into the air. By switching from your old electric water heater you can save energy, utility costs, and the air we breathe.

Solar water heaters are also a good choice. Several homes have sufficient access to sunlight to have a solar water heater installed with no problems. They can also work in all climates.

Solar water heaters also offer some financial benefits. Although the initial cost is more, between $1500.00 and $3500.00 for a solar water heater versus $150.00 and $450.00 for an electric or gas water heater, you will immediately see the savings in your electric or natural gas bills. The amount you will save in energy bills will pay for the new solar water heater on average in four to eight years.

Solar water heaters last just as long as more conventional water heaters, on average 15-40 years. After the initial time it takes for your solar system to pay for itself, paying zero in energy costs virtually means free hot water for you and your family. More savings can be found by checking with your tax consultant. Starting in 2005 the government began offering homeowners up to 30% tax credit off the cost of installing their new solar powered water heater. Restrictions do apply, so be sure to check with you tax professional for details.

If you decide that installing a solar water heater is right for you and your family, be sure to hire a qualified professional to help you with this project. Certified installers will be familiar with any zoning and building codes in your area as well as if you will need a building permit for installation.

"Using Five Star Consumer Referrals was the best decision I could have made.  The staff was very professional and genuinely cared for the outcome of my bathroom remodel.  Their customer service was terrific and they followed through with my job until it was completed.  I will definitely call Five Star for all of my future home improvement needs."

Tracy, Redondo Beach

"As a contractor I'm always looking for good reliable leads.  Five Star consistently sends me qualified leads, even in these trying times.  The Five Star Team really cares about the homeowners and their affiliated contractors.  I'm proud to be a Five Star contractor."

-Joe, Lake Forest

"Once again Five Star came through for us and I truly appreciate it."

Liz, Laguna Hills

"I've used your services before and have always used the contractors you've referred.  We will definately use your services again & will refer you to our friends & neighbors for their home improvement needs."

Linda, Laguna Niguel