Guest Blogger: Krista

If I seem kind of out of it around here lately, it's because I am. Everyone around at home (myself included) is in some stage of cold/flu icky-ness. Lucky for y'all and myself that reader, Krista recently asked to write a guest post. She did a brilliant job if I do say so. Krista doesn't have her own site yet, but as soon as she does, I will let you know. With no further ado....Krista's words:

Preserving the environment doesn’t mean spending more than your budget can handle. Turning your house green can actually save your family money in the long run. It can also safeguard the long term health of your loved ones and present opportunity for some family fun.


1. Trees

A well placed tree can shade your home and shield it against icy wind in the winter time. Planting trees are, of course, great for the environment that we all share. If you’re looking for a money saver that looks great or even if you’ve been searching for a new family project, planting trees works. Of course, with the right precautions, fresh air and sunlight never hurts.

2. Low-Flow

Low-flow faucet aerators can help you save on your energy bill as well. It saves water and other resources, and the best part is that you don’t have to sacrifice that precious water pressure! Low-flow engineering pressurizes your water while using less and without the cost to you. Don’t let your money slip down the drain; reduce water waste; enjoy shower time.

3. Insulation

Checking out your insulation can save your family money and safe guard your health, all in one shot. Insulation keeps your house cool or warm, depending on what time of the year it is. If insulation is inadequate or faulty, your energy bill will be much higher than it ought to be. Also, older insulation may contain asbestos. When inhaled or ingested, asbestos can cause lung or stomach cancer. Mesothelioma symptoms are often latent for 20-50 years. Replacing old insulation with newer, asbestos-free product can save money and lives.

4. CFLs

Compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, may be a tad bit more expensive than your average incandescent light bulb. But statistics say that switching even five of your most used light bulbs, say your kitchen, living room, and bedroom bulbs, could save you hundreds of dollars in the long run. If more families tried this, it could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly a trillion pounds.

5. Candles

Family night doesn’t have to mean gathering in front of the TV for movie night. Turning the lights off and lighting a few eco-friendly candles sets up a pretty awesome story night. If you have a fireplace, roasting marshmallows or just cuddling up for family sharing time means some real bonding and a cut in energy costs and output.


Being eco-smart doesn’t mean throwing fun out the window. Place importance on family time by planting trees and using that candlelight; promote long term health by watching for mesothelioma symptoms and replacing old insulation; understand financial efficiency. All of these go hand in hand with transforming your house form guzzler to green. Maybe it’s time that you made the switch!

Thanks Krista! If you are interested in doing a guest post, feel free to contact me! greatgreengracious@gmail.com.