GOING GREEN AT HOME
Reduce cost, water through simple changes
Going greener at home doesn’t have to be hard on your or your bank account. Here are some simple tips for living well, both for you and for the environment.
BE ENERGY EFFICIENT
Make sure your doors and windows get a good seal to keep the outside — and inclement weather — out. Install new weatherstripping if yours is old or worn. Look for light coming in around the doors and windows or use your hand to feel drafts of air coming in. Some local utility companies may perform this service for you; call to find out if your electrical provider does.
GO HIGH TECH
The market is flush with gadgets that can help you save energy and live more sustainably. Learning thermostats, smart lights and home assistants can get overwhelming, especially if tech isn’t your cup of tea. Start with local electronics or home stores and ask lots of questions to find the right gadgets to help you go green.
CLEAN GREEN
Choose household cleaners that go easy on the environment. Pick plantbased cleaners and check the lists of ingredients for chemicals that can trigger allergies or asthma. Choose fragrancefree cleaners, if possible.
RECYCLE
This is the granddaddy of them all. Sort your garbage out by paper, plastic or glass and look for the recycling symbol to determine if its reusable. If your municipality doesn’t offer home recycling pick-up, consider taking it to a recycling business. Some of them even pay for your trash.
COMPOST
While we’re talking trash, look into creating a compost pile, especially if you garden. Visit your local garden center to find lots of models of composters, from simple piles to turning bins. You’re sure to find something that fits your space.
SUBSTITUTE CLOTH FOR PAPER
Use pretty cloth napkins that can be washed and reused instead of paper napkins. You can also repurpose old clothes into rags for cleaning instead of using paper towels.
USE LESS WATER
Replace your shower heads with low-flow models, take shorter showers, and turn the faucets off while brushing your teeth and doing other chores. Do laundry only if you have a full load. If you’re replacing appliances, look for energy efficient models that save water and electricity.
SWITCH OFF (OR WHOLE BULB)
It may seem like a no brainer, but turn off the lights when you’re not using them in a specific room. If you can, take advantage of as much natural light as possible. Also, switch out your older light bulbs for more energy efficient models.