Your Villa - Foothill Cities - June/July 2021

D E S I G N + B U I L D With sustainable practices top of mind and a revived shift toward conscious consumption, Americans everywhere are seeking ways to lead a more sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle. From saving water to reducing energy usage, these are the top five ways to go green for the environment and your wallet. Reduce your energy usage. By using less energy, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and save on your household bills. If you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, laundry pair or dishwasher, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most efficient appliances. Shop smartly. You can reduce your carbon footprint when you buy locally sourced fruits and vegetables in season, which don’t need to be transported for long distances. Another green way to shop is bringing your own reusable grocery totes to avoid the plastic bags provided at the store. Limit food waste. To best limit food waste, focus on appliances that keep your food fresher longer and organize your refrigerator to keep items in view. A recent study found that Americans toss 103 pounds of spoiled food per year - that’s roughly $3,000 wasted annually. Use eco-friendly cleaning products. Some household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Make your own all-purpose cleaner with natural ingredients for an eco-friendly approach to cleaning. For example, let orange peels sit in a jar with white vinegar for 7-10 days, drain the liquid into a spray bottle and you’re left with a great smelling, homemade, all-purpose cleaner. Be water wise. There is a widespread myth that dishwashers use more water than hand-washing, when in fact, far less water is consumed when you run a dishwasher designed with water efficiency. On average, hand- washing uses about 27 gallons per load compared to the dishwasher which uses around three. Saving water outside the kitchen is just as important; many washers on the market have connected features that offer consumption forecasts for each laundry program so you can stay on top of your usage. A good rule of thumb when doing laundry is “less is more” - avoid adding too much detergent to the washer, as the machine will take longer to rinse and will use more water. BrandPointContent.com edited by YourVilla Staff Going green: Eco-friendly home Call for a phone or in-home estimate FireplaceDoorGuy.com 951-757-2696 Over 30 Years of Experience! California Custom Lic #781152 CHIMNEY SWEEP SPECIAL $299 CERAMIC GAS LOGS $699 $175 TO INSTALL CUSTOM FIREPLACE DOORS, REMODELS & CUSTOM LIGHTING Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Expires 7/31/2021 CALL FOR DETAILS 44 | YourVilla Magazine