10 Simple Tips to be Greener at Home

I think we all know how important it is to recycle. Not sure what is recyclable? Check out this recycle chart. But many people don’t realize that there are even more simple steps you can take to play a small part in reducing landfill waste, cleaning the air, and preserving the natural landscape that cost little time or money just  by switching up how you run your home.

If you think “going green” has to be difficult, expensive and daunting, fret no more!! I have some simple eco-friendly tips for a greener home and family.

10 Simple Tips to be Greener at Home

1.  Turn Things Down (or Turn Them Off) -The easiest way to make your home greener and save money on your monthly bills is to make sure you’re not using utilities more than you need. Turn off the lights when you leave the room, or open the curtains and blinds and rely on the sunlight to cut down on electricity use. Only run the dishwasher when you have a full load.  Shut down and turn off your computer completely at night.

When it comes to heating and air conditioning, small changes can make a big difference. By turning down your home thermostat by  3-4 degree  during the winter (or increase during the summer), you will quickly see the savings add up. And, if you do this one degree at a time over the course of several days, your body will adjust and you shouldn’t really notice the change.  Adjust the thermostat even more when you are not home.

2.  Change your light bulbs.  Switch a few of your light bulbs to CFLs , which use about 75 percent less energy and last seven to 10 times longer than regular incandescent bulbs, until eventually you have all of your house switched over.

Image credit: sandralise / 123RF Stock Photo

3.  Laundry.  Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.  Line-dry when you can.

4.  Go Paperless. Pay bills online.  Sign up for e-bills too. Put a stop to unsolicited mail and sign up to opt out of pre-screened credit card offers. 

5.  Use cloth instead of paper.  Use cloth instead of paper products to clean.  Microfiber clothes are great or you can be frugal, and make rags out of old towels and t-shirts.  Use cloth napkins, instead of paper.

6.  Buy and use green cleaning products, such a Clorox Green Works®, a line of naturally derived cleaning products to clean your home.  They are just as effective with killing germs and leave your counters, sinks and home sparkly clean without harsh chemical fumes or residue!  Each Green Works product contains at least 95 percent naturally-derived ingredients and work on par with conventional cleaners.  They put the power of nature in every bottle.  Shop for eco-friendly beauty products,  eco-friendly fashion lines and eco-friendly home decor.

image source: Martha Stewart

7.  Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers, bulk storage or even pretty vases. 

8.  Buy used and donate.   Shop thrift stores and craigslist to recycling perfectly usable items.  Donate items you no longer need or use.

Image credit: mcininch / 123RF Stock Photo

9.  Stop using disposable bags.   Purchase reusable bags.

10.  Wash your hands in cooler water.    A recent study by Vanderbilt University found that washing your hands in colder water has the same hygienic benefits as hot and reduces energy costs and consumption.

 

Do you already do some of these things?  There are SO many more simple things we can all do, I’d love to hear what you can add to the list!

You don’t have to compromise on clean to be green.

Disclaimer: I have partnered with Clorox to spread the word that you don’t have to compromise on clean to be green  with Clorox Green Works program. All opinions, and views are 100% mine!