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Living Green

At Eco International Real Estate we are committed to being more earth friendly. Living a greener lifestyle not only can make you healthier, it can cut down your monthly expenses, slow down environmental degradation, preserve natural resources and reduce your carbon footprint. Some things to think about while you are looking for homes for sale in Sarasota- whether it’s for a vacation home rental, holiday home or if you just want to make your existing home more eco-friendly. Here are some ways you can live a greener lifestyle:

1. Purchase products that are low in VOC’s (volatile organic compound). According to the United States EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), VOCs can cause a multitude of health problems such as eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, visual disorders, memory impairment, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system.   Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

2. Help Reduce Environmental Degradation:

  • Dispose of Household Hazardous Waste Safely – Substances such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, and pesticides, which contain potentially hazardous ingredients, require special care when you dispose of them. Make sure that hazardous waste is properly disposed of, not simply left around or placed with other garbage.
  • Don’t Dump Chemicals – Never pour toxic substances down the drain! Although water is cleaned, cities do not have the equipment to eliminate all toxic substances from the water supply.
  • Substitute Toxic Substances – You can make your own non-toxic versions of many popular products, such as insect repellents. Doing so prevents the toxic chemicals found in these products from entering the environment and the water supply.
  • Use Nontoxic Substances – If you can avoid purchasing products containing toxic chemicals, do so. Otherwise, there is a threat that these chemicals could enter the environment and the water supply.

3. Making your home more energy efficient can cut down on your monthly energy bill.

Reducing your household energy consumption can preserve precious natural resources. Florida Power and Light suggests the following ways to conserve energy:

  • Cool your home at 78 degrees or warmer with the thermostat fan switch on “auto.” For additional savings, raise your thermostat to 82 degrees or warmer when you’re away from home.
  • Use the auto sensor function on your dryer, if you have one, to conserve energy by not over-drying your clothes.
  • Install a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically and maximize your energy savings. It also helps to maintain a comfortable temperature when you wake up or return home.
  • Clean or replace your air conditioner‘s filter every month to trim your cooling costs and help your unit run more efficiently.
  • Turn off your ceiling fan when you leave the room. A fan that runs constantly can cost up to $7 a month depending on size and age.
  • Avoid pre-rinsing dishes before putting in dishwasher. It can save up to $70 a year. 7.
  • Limit the time you run your pool pump: Summer: no more than six hours a day. Winter: no more than four hours a day.
  • Adjust the water level on your washing machine to match the load size, especially when using hot water. Always use a cold rinse.
  • Clean the lint filter in your dryer before every load to dry your clothes faster and save money.
  • Heat your home at 68 degrees or cooler with the thermostat fan switch on “auto.” To save even more, lower your thermostat to 65 degrees or cooler at bedtime or when you’re away from home. View more cool weather tips.

We love living in Sarasota and feel strongly about helping to preserve our natural resources. Eco International Real Estate can help you find a home that is built “green” or convert your current home or home you are considering purchasing to be more energy efficient and eco-friendly. We look forward to helping you on your way to a more environmentally conscience lifestyle. Please contact us to help you find homes for sale in Sarasota, Florida- whether you are looking for a new house, a second home or vacation home rental in Florida.