These 5 tips can help green your home
Worries about pollution, global warming push us to be more eco- friendly
More people are making small, daily changes in their homes to live a more eco- friendly life. Chronicled on blogs, Pinterest, podcasts and Instagram, their concerns are driven by concerns about global warming, pollution and habitat loss.
Here are five ideas for greening your household.
1. Laundry: Some simple changes will be healthier for you and the planet, and might save you money, said Melissa Ozawa, at “Martha Stewart Living” magazine. Use cold water as much as possible. Don’t overdo the detergent.
Not too long ago, she learned about Guppyfriend Washing Bag for fleece and acrylic items. The bag collects microfibre particles released during washing process so they don’t go into the water.
Over the years, Ozawa has used her dryer less, hanging clothes on a rack indoors or outside in warm weather.
2. Cleaning: Check under your sink and in your utility closet. Are there rows of cleaning products in plastic bottles? How much do you know about their formulas?
Some consumers are creating cleaning potions using baking soda, vinegar and lemons. Some seek out brands with plantbased, natural or nontoxic ingredients, such as Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s or Method.
One cleaning product start- up is combining federally- recommended safer chemical ingredients with BPA- free, refillable acrylic bottles. Blueland sells four types of cleaning products; the bottles are shipped empty, and you add water and a dissolvable cleaning tablet.
3. Organizing: Recycling, repurposing or donating clutter is aworthwhile project. But don’t buy unnecessary organizing supplies, said Margaret Richey of Margaret Richey Design Sense, in Maryland.
She shops the house first. “I am amazed at what I find,” she said. Sometimes she spraypaints glass jars and cans, or dips them in paint, to make them into decorative storage containers.
4. Rugs: When shopping for a rug, the U. S. Environmental Working Group suggests looking for those made of wool or other natural materials such as jute, sisal and linen; padding made of wool or felt; and no stain or waterproofing treatments.
Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, suggests choosing rugs free of PFAS — a category of chemicals that do not break down in the environment and can cause health issues.
5. Furniture: Cheaply made plastic or particleboard furniture is likely to end up in a dump before long. Instead, consider giving an old piece of furniture a new life.
“With old furniture, you get a lot of bang for your buck and you get your own signature look,” said New York designer Anthony Baratta.