If you just bought or are thinking about buying a new home in Los Cabos, and you are part of the few willing to make some changes to avoid climate change, we will try to give you some advice to succeed.
Weather is changing everywhere in the world. We are past the due date, but we still can do something to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from human activities.
The good news is that we are living in a time where there is technology and innovation. You can find smart apps, electric cars, and energy-saving technologies wherever you look, which helps us live greener.
If everyone could make some change, the Earth would be thrilled. If you want to do so and are looking for ways to be more energy-efficient, it will help Earth, your community, and your pocket.
Energy Savers
Save water
Reduce running water while washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or shaving. Install showerheads with a lower flow improves your home’s water efficiency. They have a flow rate of fewer than 2.5 gallons per minute. With the regular showerheads, you can use 5 gallons per minute or more. You should also avoid washing small amounts of laundry in your washing machine. It will help you save water and your money.
Seal the windows and keep the sun out
If you seal the windows, you can reduce the air conditioning cooling the rest of the town. You may add weatherstripping around the frames to seal them and keep your windows drafty for cooler nights. It is an easy and inexpensive way to lower energy costs if you also darken your windows.
Adjust your thermostat while away
When you are in a hot climate, you want to leave your air conditioning on. However, to keep it cool, you are generating carbon emissions that don’t help the planet.
Make a habit of turning off your a/c if you are not around, or set the thermostat a few degrees higher. You can also close the curtains to prevent the sun from warming the rooms all day.
In colder months, turn down the heat when you are not at home, close the curtains at night to add some extra insulation and lower the temperature on your thermostat while away from home. Adjusting the temperature will reduce your monthly utility bill, and you will use way less energy.
Make air conditioning maintenance
A tune-up every six months on your a/c system will ensure that it will run at its most efficient point, which will cut your electricity costs. Maintaining your a/c system improves efficiency by making sure that connections are tight, parts have the proper lubrication, and coils are clean.
Unplug chargers while not using them
The average charger consumes 2.24 watts when your phone is connected and 0.26 watts of energy when you are not using it. Cell phone chargers or any kind of charger plugged in but not in use are famous for being energy thefts. These energy thefts are responsible for 10% of your energy bill. Your pocket will be extra happy if you unplug the chargers when you are not using them.
Change your light bulbs
LED lights (light-emitting diode), halogen lights, and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) will last longer than incandescent bulbs and are more energy-efficient. It is also a great idea if you want to save on your electrical bill.
Buy energy-saving appliances
These energy-efficient appliances such as washers, dryers, televisions, refrigerators, stoves, and air conditioners use 10-50% less energy than standard appliances and help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. If you plan to replace a device or buy new ones for your new home, consider getting an energy-efficient device.
Install solar panels
Solar panels have many benefits. Although solar panels aren’t exactly cheap, they’re becoming a popular way to heat hot water and generate electricity for homes! In the long run, they help you save money on energy bills and use lower fossil fuel. Usually, they are installed on your roof, and by generating energy independently of your utility company, they will save you money every month.
Compost garbage
Making compost is a way to reduce the garbage that ends up in the municipal dumps, recycle organic waste, and generate reusable fertile soil. In some places, such as Los Cabos, the quality of the soil is poor. And it is very common to use black soil or soil with leaves as fertilizers. However, this soil is taken out of the woods, and this causes soil erosion. Plus, it’s expensive.
On the contrary, if you can generate your soil, you avoid contributing to erosion, and you can profit from “the garbage†by selling the composted soil.
You don’t need a huge space to start a compost. Compost is the result of organic waste kept in a pile or container that decomposes after some time. Your fruit and vegetable waste can make up this fertile soil, but it also will reduce the amount of trash you produce daily.
But, what if I am buying a new home in Los Cabos?
In Mexico, sustainable communities are emerging more and more. You can buy a new home in Los Cabos and turn it into a green home. They support actions such as sorting the garbage so that the locality is a reference in the responsible treatment of waste. There is still a long way to go. But someone must take the first step towards sustainability.