Home & Garden

Making your lifestyle more eco-friendly may seem a very daunting task. The easiest place to start to make the switch is in-and-around your home. Starting the process here will help family and guests jump on the green bandwagon, too. Going green at home can range from altering the appliances your home uses to the products you clean with to the fertilizer you use outside.

Green practices around the home will not only help lower utility bills but also provide a healthy living environment for you and your family. Switching to non-toxic cleaners and lead- and PVC-free materials will help keep harmful toxins from entering your home. Installing Energy Star appliances and energy efficient windows will help reduce energy bills. Purchasing green furniture made from reclaimed wood or bamboo will be a wonderful, sustainable touch to any room.

Implementing these small practices in your home will get you started down the road of green living.

Greening Your Home

1. Running your washing machine, dish washer, and dryer only when you have a full load will help cut down on the amount of water and energy used.
2. Creating a compost pile in your garden will reduce the amount of waste your home sends to landfills.
3. Basic recycling - plastic bags, bottles, glass, paper - in your home is the easiest green step your family can take.
4. Make sure everyone in the house knows to turn off the lights when they leave the room. Unplug anything that is not being used consistently - electronics chargers and small appliances still use small amounts of electricity when turned-off but still plugged-in.