Yes “eco chic” is a thing! To put it simply it’s the intersection of being environmentally conscious and chic at the same time. For some reason there is this stigma placed on people who are environmentally conscious as being “granola” or having to go without the comforts that other people enjoy. I have to admit, I was totally of the opinion that people who made strides to live an environmentally conscious lives were uninterested in anything having to do with what it means to be chic. With most things that you find yourself assuming, I was totally wrong. Good thing I’ve teamed up with SoCalGas to put an end to the misconceptions. Read on for ways that you can be eco-chic.
Being eco-chic is a lifestyle. Whether you own a hybrid vehicle or a Tesla, or have other environmentally conscious item’s around your home there are so many ways to incorporate the lifestyle into your day-to-day. Installing a solar water heating system in your home is one of the biggest next steps in becoming eco-chic.
Install Solar Water Heating Systems:
• Solar water heating is an effective way to boost the efficiency your existing hot water system, while reducing energy costs.
• A solar water heating (solar thermal) system does not replace your existing water heater. It works with it by preheating the water with the warmth of the sun to help your hot water system use less energy. This way you always have hot water, day or night, rain or shine.
• Choosing the right solar water heating system not only maximizes the energy you save every month but also determines your rebate from the California Solar Initiative. The amount of your rebate is based on how much energy the solar water heating system is expected to displace annually, so it’s important to find the right system for your home.
• Upgrading to solar water heating can help you:
Reduce your energy consumption.
Lower your water-heating bill.
May be eligible for federal, state and local rebates when available.
Make your house more environmentally friendly.
Reduce your carbon footprint.
• Start by selecting an eligible contractor from the California Solar Initiative Thermal Program. Eligible contractors will help you determine the right system for your house, apply for your rebate and maximize your energy savings every month.Learn about workshops for contractors and self-installers. See workshop dates.
Buy Energy Efficient Products:
Energy efficient products with 5 start energy rating consume less energy and prove to be eco-friendly. For instance, CFL bulbs consume 40% less energy and last 10 times longer than traditional bulbs.
Buy locally Grown Products:
When you buy or produce locally grown products, you are actually reducing your carbon footprint in the form of using less plastic bags, saving fuel to get vegetables from the market, and using less packaged material. So yeah if you’re going to the Farmer’s Market on the regular you’re already in the game!
Buy Recycled Products:
Look out for the recycling symbol when you visit the grocery store . Also, try to carry grocery bag’s with you to avoid buying items in plastic bags that will later end up in landfills. Most stores have bags right out check out that you can purchase if you forget yours at home.
Be eco-friendly in the bathroom:
- Turn the tap off when brushing your teeth.
- Have quick, refreshing showers instead of water wasting baths. Just think of all that water going down the drain when it could use as much water as 3 showers in 1 bath! Showers are just as good as baths.
So see being echo-chic isn’t all that hard and you’re probably doing a lot of things on this list already.
What are some ways you’re being echo-chic? I’d love to know in the comments below!