Keep your home a safe and healthy place for your family. Here are 10 simple ways to make your home more eco-friendly today:
1. Recycle
Let’s face it- we produce a lot of trash in our homes. From paper products to plastics, there are so many items that could be recycled. If you don’t currently recycle glass, cardboard, or plastic, look into your community’s recycling program. Take the time to separate those items from garbage so that you can reduce your contribution to landfills.
2. Change out your shower curtain liner
Have you ever noticed that awful smell that overtakes the bathroom when you hang up a new shower curtain liner? What you smell from that vinyl liner is actually the off-gassing of toxic chemicals. That doesn’t exactly make your bathroom seem like a relaxing retreat, does it? Swap out that vinyl liner for a safer PEVA shower curtain liner, and forget about that toxic smell.
3. Use low or no VOC paint
While it’s always nice to give the rooms in your home a fresh look, it is not nice to be breathing in the toxic fumes that come from most paints. There are low and no VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints on the market today, and it is well worth it to invest in those products when painting your home. It’s an especially good idea for children’s bedrooms.
4. Make your own natural cleaning products
Did you know that there are simple and effective cleaning products that you can make with just a few basic ingredients? There’s a good chance that you have the ingredients sitting in your pantry right now. You can safely clean with various combinations of vinegar, baking soda, and other natural items.
5. Add air purifying houseplants
A great way to green the air in your home is with houseplants. Not only do they add to the décor, but they also naturally purify the air in your home. Just be sure to check the plant types if you have pets, as some are toxic to animals when ingested.
6. Switch to CFL bulbs
Keep your home lit with CFL bulbs, rather than the traditional light bulbs that burn out quickly. You’ll be doing your wallet and the environment a favor by choosing compact fluorescent bulbs.
7. Insulate
If your home is poorly insulated, you’re not only going to have higher energy bills, but you’re also going to be wasting a great deal of energy when running the heat and the AC. Make sure that you have your window and door frames sealed properly to keep cold air in during the summer and warm air in during the winter.
8. Go minimal
Many people are embracing a more minimalist lifestyle today. It doesn’t mean that you need to get rid of all of your belongings, but it does mean choosing what you want to keep and buying with intention. Reduce impulse purchases on low quality items and carefully consider the things that you do buy.
9. Install energy efficient appliances
When it comes time to change out old appliances in your home, opt for energy efficient models. You can save money and make a better choice for the environment by purchasing appliances that are Energy Star certified.
10. Grow your own produce
A garden is a great way to provide your family with fresh fruits and vegetables. You’ll be able to plant your favorite produce and get the whole family involved in the gardening process.
There are many simple ways that you can make your home green, clean, and eco-friendly. The benefits of making eco-friendly choices are not only for your own family, but they also contribute to a better world.
