Even the smallest of actions can have lasting environmental effects. Going green at home ensures that clean air and water are available for future generations. Practicing green at home and being environmentally-friendly is just good economics for homes, and the planet earth. Green living not only helps reduce your carbon footprint and save the planet, it can keep you healthier and save money too. At individual level you can make a difference by taking care of little things like separating garbage, minimizing the usage of electricity, planting trees, and using natural things. The kids can be a part of this learning process and become responsible citizens when they grow up as adults. Going green is good for everybody in terms of health and wellness. Using eco-friendly products reduces chemicals in your personal environment and also contributes to a greener planet. You can have best of both worlds by buying products that are made from renewable materials and manufactured in an eco friendly manner. Read the article for how to become eco friendly at home.
Going Green At Home
- Have your own vegetable garden and herb garden. Have a rainwater harvesting facility, or collect rain water and use it to water your house plants and garden.
- To go green switch from traditional lights bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs. These CFL bulbs use less electricity and hence cut down on green house gas emissions. Turn off lights when you are not using the room and enjoy natural light for as long as you can.
- Switch your appliances to an energy efficient model. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot. Turn off your computer completely at night. Fix leaky faucets. Dry your laundry in natural sunlight. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater. Unplug unused chargers and appliances. Make a goal of using showers for five minutes only.
- Use reusable bags, or make your own. Stop using plastic disposable bottles and invest in reusable water bottle. When you buy errands combine it for a week’s quota. Use bicycle or two wheelers or better walk if it is closer to your home. Shop at a local market thereby.
- Reuse scrap paper. Use both sides of paper for printing and let your kids use the back side of the paper for art and coloring. Use cloth diapers or at least do a combination with disposables. You can make rags out of old towels and t-shirts, and give up buying paper towels. Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper.
- Make your own household cleaners. Dispose of the hazardous waste like oils, paints, batteries, solvents and cleaners separately and not with the household garbage. As they end up contaminating soil and groundwater in the area.
- When building or renovating, choose reclaimed wood, recycled building materials, energy efficient insulations and appliances, Buy furnishings made without formaldehyde, or glue. You can choose wooden or cork flooring that can be inexpensive and eco friendly.
- Use things like cosmetics and cleaning products that are eco-friendly. You can choose items that are made from organic materials that don’t have toxic chemicals in them.