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Going green starts at home. From recycling and composting to using eco-friendly
products, there are a handful of simple, everyday practices that you can put
into action to make your home a more sustainable and green place to live.
Choose Earth-Friendly Home Products
Say
goodbye to those harsh, chemical-ridden products in your bathroom and kitchen;
say hello to something that’s both eco-friendly and safe for your family as
well as the environment. The Environmental
Working Group has reported that the chemicals and cleaning agents found
in many common household cleaning items can lead to birth defects, asthma
risks, respiratory issues, chemical burns and cancer.
Consider
checking out Amway.com
for safer, eco-friendly options. Here, you can find dozens of
household and everyday products that are safe for you, your family and the
planet.
Avoid Unnecessary Waste
The
United States makes up one-third of the global trash that exists, even though
our country accounts for only 5 percent of the world's population, according to
the Environmental Protection Agency. Data reported by Virginia Tech shows
that 65
percent of Americans do not recycle simply because it’s too
confusing, takes too much work and isn’t required.
The
effort to cut back on waste starts at home. You can recycle your unwanted glass
bottles and plastics, and compost paper products and food waste such as banana
and orange peels and egg shells. It’s easier than you might think. The experts
at Gardener's Supply Company offer tips to make learning how to
compost simple.
Save Energy
A smart
thermostat can not only save energy, it can also save you money. There are
hundreds of “smart” devices on the market; many of these items are probably
already in use in your own home. Why should your home’s thermostat be any
different?
Consider
updating that old thermostat to Nest, a smart thermostat that
is programmable directly from your smartphone. The thermostat can even sense
when nobody is home and turn off your heating or cooling to save energy. Nest
is even smart enough to learn your settings and preferences.
Look for Eco-Labels
Many of
today’s appliances are not only state-of-the-art but eco-friendly as well.
Manufacturers have made it easier for consumers to make informed decisions
about what they are purchasing at the store by adding eco-labels to their
products. You’ve likely seen these labels, such as the Energy Star
sticker, on your home’s appliances or on products in the stores.
According
to the Department of Energy, Energy Star-rated dishwashers use 41 percent less
energy than other dishwashers without the eco-label. Washing machines with the
label can cut water usage by 40 percent. If you’re ready to update your home
appliances, consider Energy Star-rated products to save money and energy.
Teach It
One of
the best ways to carry on a legacy of sustainability is to teach what you
practice. Encourage your entire family to recycle or compost. Talk with your
kids and engage in an educational discussion about the health of the planet and
what it means for all of the plants and animals living here.
The best
way to encourage action from those closest to you is to lead by example. It’s
not hard to do. Start small and you might just see big changes.
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What are your eco-friendly practices within your home?
