Sustainable Living a Great Way to Save a Fortune!
Urban Sustainable living, once totally centered on reducing ones “Carbon Foot print” towards “Saving the Planet” has taken on a whole new meaning as of late. Informed individuals are realizing they can save a small fortune by implementing “Green Technology”, in there homes and business.
An Urban Sustainable Living, “lifestyle” is generally seen of as cost prohibited, labor and time intensive, but that is not the case for the D.I.Y.(Do It Yourself). It’s simply a matter of how you do it. Here are a few suggestions, that I hope you will find useful..
Integrate a solar water heater into your home: Don’t panic, yes there is a bit of plumbing involved, but rest assured, this is a very simple build and very simple to integrate in conjunction with your present hot water heater.
*ROI defined as (estimated time to see a Return On you Investment based on single family home,1k sq,ft with 5 residents, )
Average cost of purchase and professional installation $3K-$5k,
Annual estimated savings $500.00 per year or more.
ROI = 5-6 years
DIY (Do It Yourself-er) $50-$75
ROI = 1-2 months.
Build/make a “regular” Organic Garden: Great project for your health in general. When you grow your own vegetables you will more likely appreciate and eat them. They’re vegetables, naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, full of fiber, etc… It’s also a great way to get outdoors, and get physically involved, which can also improve ones health and reduce visits to the doctor.
Benefits: After ROI, free Vegetables,Annual estimated savings $1,000-$1,600
Annual estimated savings $1,000-$1,600
Average cost of material and creation by contractor $500.00 – $1,000
ROI = 2 years Space required, 300 Sq Ft.
DIY $200.00 – $400.00 ROI= 1 year Space required, 700 Sq Ft.
Build an Aquaponics System: An Aquaponics system is a “Food Production System” that allows you to grow Fish and/prawns, along with 100% Organic vegetables.
Aquaponics is a relatively new science which merges various aspects of farming/gardening, aquaculture, and hydroponics.
Aquaponics systems generally grow Vegetables at rates of 5-17 times faster than that of traditional agricultural methods, requiring only 2% of the amount of water as traditional agricultural methods, 1/10th the space and requires no tilling or tending to soil (it is a water based system), such as tilling or weeding. Thereby practically eliminating all labor-intensive duties required of a soil based system.
Benefits: After ROI, free food for life, Free fish, shrimp (prawns),Vegetable, herbs, spices.flowers etc…
Annual estimated savings $1,600 – $3,200 (not including saving in water when compared to agricultural soil based systems )
Average cost of material and creation by contractor $800 – $1,500.
ROI = 1 years
DIY $100-$300
ROI 6 months
Build Your Solar Panels/ Electricity Generating Wind Mill: Don’t Panic, Yes, this is Electricity we’re talking about here but, the builds are very simple, educational and fun. (OK a bit tedious in certain parts). In some states a licensed electrician, must “witness” the actual tie in to the Grid system and in those states where that is not a requirement, it is still Strongly recommended if you chose to go that route.
You can supply your house’s electrical needs entirely from a solar and wind generated power, combination dependent upon your power needs, available space, the condition of your roof, for roof mounted systems.
Such technical considerations, and there are many to be considered, are beyond the scope of this article.
For the DIY we strongly recommend independent component operations, such as building a power source to operate your Aquaponics pump. Then perhaps supplying a shed with lighting which will familiarize you with roof mountings.
Benefits: After ROI, Reduced or eliminated energy costs for life. Peace of mind during grid power outages.
Annual estimated savings $2,500-$3,600.
Average cost of material and creation by contractor $15K – $20K
ROI = 5-6 years
DIY $3,000- $5,000
ROI= 1 -2 years
