Urban Homesteader

We are a small family living in a typical suburban home built in the 1970s. In our quest to live more simply and sustainably, here are the “green” steps we’ve taken:

Bought a hybrid automobile. 

Replaced some of our old appliances with energy-efficient models:

• Hot water heater
• Refrigerator
• Stove
• Dishwasher
• Microwave/hood

Made the following heating/cooling improvements:

• Added additional insulation in attic, in garage ceiling, and in exterior overhangs
• Replaced the old aluminum windows with energy-efficient, Low E glass windows
• Replaced the old storm door with an energy-efficient insulated storm door
• Replaced all the thermostats with programmable models
• Installed an energy-efficient evaporative cooler 

Made the following changes in the kitchen:

• Replaced the old incandescent bulb kitchen light with an energy efficient halogen light/ceiling fan
• Switched to phosphate-free cleaners and dishwashing detergent in recycled/recyclable packaging
• Try to cook from scratch and use organic and local foods whenever possible
• Compost kitchen scraps

Changed computer settings to ‘hibernate’ to save energy when not in use.

Replaced incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs wherever possible.

Replaced the old carpeted floor in the office with sustainable bamboo flooring. (Installed insulation in a previously unknown drafty floor gap during this process.)

Planted a fruit-bearing currant bush in the front yard instead of a purely ornamental plant.

Installed a bat house on the south side of our house to naturally reduce mosquitos.

Took steps to reduce our junk mail.

Got a multi-use recycling bin from our trash company (cost: $42) and reduced our trash by an average of 50% per week.

Disposed of toxic chemicals and waste responsibly.

Put marble-filled pop bottles in each of three toilet tanks to reduce water usage.

Take reusable grocery bags to our grocery store, and pocket 5 cents for each bag saved.

Are working to improve and reclaim the gardens by amending the soil with organic matter.