Homeowners Tips

Seven Ways You Can Make Your Home Green and Save The Environment

You can find all kinds of eco-friendly products being sold on the market today. If you want to go green, you can make little changes or even big changes to make an impact on the environment. However, each consumer can make a carbon imprint toward saving money and the environment. Whether you want to go green before you purchase a product or if you’re doing it to save the home environment, here are seven great ideas to get you going.

Idea 1 – Use Beeswax Or Soy Candles Instead Of Paraffin Candles

These types of candles will burn cleaner than regular candles, which are usually made of petroleum-based paraffin. Natural candles are generally soot free and made out of renewable sources.

Idea 2 – Use Cloth Napkins and Cloth Diapers

Quit wasting your money on paper napkins and use washable cloth ones instead. These napkins can go into the wash instead of the landfill. However, if you really like paper napkins, use ones that are unbleached and made of recycled material. Compost them when you are through. 

Cloth diapers are better for the environment, as they are reusable and can be saved for the next child. Quality cotton diapers will hold up for 75 – 100 washings (at minimum), and although energy is required for washing the diapers, it is a fraction of the energy used for disposables. Cloth diapers also make wonderful, washable, household rags (once children have completed their toilet learning).

Idea 3 – Be Battery Savvy

Did you know that up to 70 percent of heavy metal in a landfill are batteries? Instead of throwing them out, consider recycling them. Consider reusable batteries because they tend to last longer and have a low impact on the environment. Before you purchase a battery-operated item, think of anyone who can let you borrow one.

Idea 4 – Save Your Water

Install a dual flushing system on your toilet, low flow showerheads and faucets, all in the effort to reduce how much water your household consumes. Purchase a tankless water heater to save money and space; these last twice as long as regular water heaters.

Idea 5 – Use Cork Or Bamboo Flooring

When you want new flooring, use cork because it’s a natural insulator and the tree isn’t damaged when it’s being harvested. It’s also water resistant and limits how much noise is heard.  Bamboo flooring is harder than hardwood floors and takes about five years to mature. It’s also got some anti fungal properties, which is great for homeowners.

Idea 6 – Pick Out and Use Low VOC-Paints, Glues and Finishes

Bear in mind that new materials tend to give off gassy-chemicals and using low VOC-paints and other material can reduce your exposure to these toxic chemicals.

 Idea 7 – Use Sunlight

Instead of using your electric all day long, use sunlight to brighten up the home/workspace. This helps you to save some cash and gives you some sunlight exposure. Make sure to open the windows every now and then to clear the air from the home.

You don’t have to make the big changes right away especially if you’re new to the whole “go green” movement. However the little changes you make can go a long way for you, your home and the environment.  If you choose to go with the big changes such as using solar panels for your home, be aware of the upfront costs and then the costs down the road.