Going Green at Home
by There are simple steps you can take at home to live more green and do your part in saving the planet.
“Going green” seems to be a growing trend in the United States. Everything, from cleaning chemicals to food, can be produced in a more efficient way with all natural or organic ingredients. Many companies are rethinking their products and looking for ways to make them greener. Ways of doing this may include processing or manufacturing a product in a greener way, as well.
A individual can take steps on their own to live a greener life. At home, one can produce less waste by recycling. Most cities have a recycling program in place. They provide the bins for homeowners, and for the emptying of the containers. The homeowner usually pays a small fee which is added onto the water bill every month.
Another green tip to use at home is to replace old light bulbs and appliances with a more energy efficient option. A wide variety of energy efficient appliances are available today, among these are water heaters, dryers, microwaves, and refrigerators. Most of these energy efficient washing machines and dishwashers not only conserve water, but energy as well.
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Replacing doors and windows will conserve energy and will save you money on your monthly heating and cooling costs. In 2008, the IRS introduced deductions for homeowners who have invested in more energy efficient upgrades to enhance their home. That’s a win-win-win situation!
Using organic or natural cleaners is another way to live greener. You can make your own natural cleaners at home using white vinegar, baking soda, or household borax. Be sure to follow all instructions when mixing chemicals. A simple mixture of white vinegar and water can be used as an antibacterial cleaner to wipe down counters or floors. White vinegar will also clean soap scum in your washing machine. Household borax works wonders to shine stainless steel sinks and also works well for cleaning in the bathroom. Lemon juice will cut soap scum and limescale in the tub or sink. Baking soda is a wonderful deodorizer for carpets, mattresses, refrigerators, shoes, garbage cans and disposals. The list goes on and on. These everyday items do not have a harsh odor and are completely safe to be used around children and pets.
Using white rags to clean is also helpful to reduce waste. Paper towels are good for cleaning toilets because they are disposable, but use a cleaning rag for other chores. Let rags hang to dry completely then Wash on the sanitary cycle. This will prevent the spreading of germs, as well as, reduce the amount of paper waste dscarded.
Other things you can do at home to be more “eco-friendly”:
*Mow early in the morning,
*Do not run washing machine or dishwasher until the load is full,
*Turn off lights when leaving a room,
*Open windows instead of running the air conditioner,
*Follow proper procedures for disposal of chemicals and waste that could be hazardous (batteries, oil, chemicals, etc.),
*If remodeling, research eco-friendly options (energy efficient heating/cooling, windows/doors, appliances, flooring, etc.),
*Unplug appliances that are not in use.
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