Earth Day Green Plumbing Tips!

With sustainability in mind for Earth Day, you might be considering going green. A great way to get started is with the home first. For instance, a leaky faucet or toilet can have a negative environmental impact, wasting gallons of water each hour. The initial investment upfront to go green may seem intimidating to some, but it will have long-term benefits, which we’ll get into below.

First of all, what is green plumbing?

Green plumbing refers to installing (or updating to) plumbing systems that reduce energy and water consumption. A great example of green plumbing is an indirect hot water system. Here’s what Chris from Petri Plumbing says about it: “An indirect-fired water heater does not require electricity or gas and, therefore, does not need a vent. This means that the indirect system is a near net zero in energy consumption whenever your boiler is running.” The overall goal of green plumbing is to waste as little energy or resources as possible.

Can renters make their apartments more energy efficient?

The answer is yes. Even if you are not the apartment owner, you definitely still have options, including some cool new tech. Chris recommends installing smart devices, like timers or thermostats, for HVAC needs, and reducing hot water consumption will help reduce water consumption.

What changes can I make today?

A good way to make your apartment eco-friendly ASAP is to be conscious of what you are using, not just what you are doing. By being intentional about your consumption – considering when and how you use water – you can reduce your intake and make your life greener.

Does saving water just mean turning off the tap when I brush my teeth?

Turning off the tap when you brush your teeth is certainly a start, but cutting back on water means being more mindful in all of your consumption. This could be watering your plants in the mornings or evenings when sun exposure is limited (so your plants soak up all that water!) or by not rinsing your dishes before using the dishwasher. Depending on your lifestyle, there are small, yet impactful changes that you can make.

Is there anything else renters and homeowners should know about green plumbing?

Going green can involve a high investment upfront and that can unfortunately scare some people off. But, in the long run, you can save money on your water bills, decrease your energy use, and even be considered for tax breaks.

Earth Day is always a great annual reminder that our first and ultimate home is the planet we live on. Let’s embark on an exciting journey this Earth Day to be better residents on this big blue marble we all co-lease together!

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