You should start food to boil in cold water
It sounds like the greenest idea: If you’re going to boil a bag of pasta, why not fill the pot with the hottest possible tap water you have so it takes less time (and energy) to bring it to a boil? But the reality is you should never do that, because there are health risks. In most homes, hot water systems use tanks and boilers that contain metal parts, and over time, the metal corrodes and contaminates the water. Boiling water doesn’t make those metals — including lead — go away, and they can contaminate whatever you’re cooking. Always use cold water when you need to bring any water to a boil.
TAP WATER
It’s been proven that tap water is almost always safe to drink, but there is one thing you can do to make sure wherever you are, it’ll be even safer. If you’re filling a glass from the faucet, do this: Let the water run for at least 15 seconds. This is especially important if the faucet hasn’t been used in the past six hours or if you’re unsure when it was last turned on. This will help flush out any metals, like lead, that may have seeped into the water that was sitting in the pipes. If you want to avoid that, fill a pitcher, add a lid and keep it in the fridge.
SYNTHETIC FABRICS
When you wash clothing made from synthetic materials like nylon and polyester (usually found in workout clothes, fleece and sweaters), microscopic fibers are released during the washing process and go down the drain. These fibers end up in waterways and can eventually affect the biodiversity of our oceans. To avoid this, invest in a washing bag designed to trap these fibers. Fill the bag with your synthetic fabrics, and wash as normal. It’s that easy.
LED BULBS
We all know LED light bulbs are the smartest and most energy-efficient choice when it comes to lighting in the home. They use a fraction of the energy of traditional bulbs and last a very long time. But did you know you can up your green game by choosing LED bulbs that are also dimmable? By dimming LED bulbs, you not only can create mood in your home, but you can reduce energy use even more and extend the life of the LED bulb, too.
JUST SAY NO
We may have been taught it’s rude to refuse a gift, but in an effort to be more environmentally conscious, there are circumstances where it’s OK. Is a store offering a free gift with purchase? If you really don’t want it, politely decline. Is an online order offering to upgrade your shipment to overnight delivery for free? Opt out if you don’t need it right away and stick with the more fuel-efficient ground shipping option instead. And when you have a special occasion like a birthday, ask for wastefree things like plants for a garden or edible things you can all share.
ENERGY MONITORS
Have you thought about investing in an “energy monitor” for your home? Think of it like the fitness tracker you wear on your wrist, but it’s a device that tells you how much energy is being used in your whole home, as well as where it’s being used. The monitor syncs with your phone and can pinpoint energy usage all the way down to the exact spot in your home. It’ll help you see where energy is being wasted so you can remedy it and reduce consumption.
COMPOSITE DECKING
When it comes to building a porch or deck for your home, there’s no comparison: Composite decking is the greenest and most convenient choice. Unlike wood decking that comes from forests, which needs to be replaced and repainted and will eventually sag and rot, composite decking stands the test of time.
Plus, it’s made from recycled materials — often from plastic bags collected in supermarket recycling bins — and has the look and feel of natural wood. It’s also maintenance-free, meaning once you install it, it’ll look as good many years later as it did on the first day.