Conservation at the cottage
(… this article, although slanted towards Canadians, contains tips that are valid anywhere that there are cottages; also, residents of other countries will find similar resources by using Google, or another search engine, and using keywords from this article …)
Canadian Environment Week occurs between June 3rd and June 9th. This summer, while enjoying a refreshing swim in the lake, or simply admiring the scenery from your patio, you can help preserve the environment that is so often taken for granted. There are a number of small adjustments that you can make to improve the energy efficiency of your cottage or home.
Many of us have taken significant steps to make our homes more energy efficient, but often the cottage home is overlooked.
“We continue to help consumers make the energy conscious choice,” says James Savage at Philips Electronics, a global leader in lighting technology. “For example, we have created the Marathon Family of energy efficient light bulbs that provide a soft white light.”
Here are a few tips to make your cottage home more environmentally friendly:
. Keeping Cool and Staying Warm: There should be no need to cool a well-designed cottage. Energy use can be reduced by simply taking advantage of prevailing evening winds. Consider installing a wind trap or raised vent on the roof. This will pull the hot air up and out, while drawing cooler air in below.
. Energy Efficient Lighting: Replacing your incandescent bulbs with energy efficient bulbs will not only reduce energy consumption and help the environment, but will save you money. For your indoor or outdoor lighting, consider using the Philips Marathon BR30 Reflector. An ideal replacement for any application that uses a 65-watt incandescent reflector, the wide flood provides smooth even lighting without hot spots and can save up to 75 per cent in electricity costs.
. Septic Systems and Toilets: Phosphorus from improperly treated sewage has a direct effect on the amount of algae in lakes. A standard installation, which consists of a tank, effluent distribution system, and a tile bed for the dispersion of effluent, is the best option for family cottages.
Canadian Environment Week is a good time to make a few simple changes to your cottage home. Preserving the environment will allow you and your family the opportunity to enjoy summers at the cottage for generations to come.
Credit: http://www.newscanada.com