How Can Your House Be Like The Eco House?

First and foremost, thank you to the users who have left comments and suggestions. I appreciate them, so please keep them coming.

I have had several requests to give an update on how some of the sustainability features shown at the Eco House can be integrated into everyday living for the average Athens resident. So, I have compiled a list of some suggestions, based on what I learned and observed at the Eco House.

1. Recycle.
This may seem like an obvious factor, but it is important to remember that so many things we use everyday can be recycled! This includes glass, plastics, paper and cardboard. And recycling is now made easy: for students who live on Ohio University's campus, simply use the pre-sorted recycling bins that are in every campus building; for those living off-campus, contact the company that collects your trash in order to request recycling bins at your residence.

2. Use a low-flow shower head.
The Eco House uses a low-flow shower head to cut down on water use, and now you can too! Low-flow shower heads are environmentally-friendly because they reduce the amount of water needed for regular bathing purposes. There are several models available at the Athens-area Lowe's store.

3. Make a compost pile.
Compost piles are beneficial to the environment because they provide a use for old food scraps and other food waste, as well as cycle carbon back into the environment. If you cannot create an outdoor compost pile, the worm composting piles (like the one displayed at the Eco House) are available for order online. These worm composting piles are space-efficient, so they would be perfect for someone just looking to maintain a small amount of compost.

4. Be conscious of your usage habits.
The most important thing I learned from my trip to the Eco House is to simply be mindful of your usage habits, particularly with regard to water and electricity. Easy ways to conserve include taking shorter showers, using a water filter for drinking water instead of buying bottled water, turning off lights when exiting a room, turning off your computer at night and maintaining a reasonable setting on the thermostat in your residence. All of these simple, one-second acts will contribute to the effective use of resources and will help cut down on energy waste.