It's easier than you may think to go green at home. Here are a host of simple, small changes that can make a huge difference to the environment as well as to your pocketbook.
WATER: Water is a precious resource we can all easily save more of. Try these simple fixes.
- Instead of buying bottled water, carry filtered tap water in a reusable bottle, preferably aluminum, rather than plastic.
- Fix leaky faucets and toilets. Use faucet aerators that conserve water, along with low-flow fixtures for showers, faucets, and toilets. Turn off the faucet between dishes and while brushing your teeth.
- Wash full loads of clothes in cold water (most energy used in washing clothes goes to heating the water). Don’t machine dry clothes (or dishes): use a clothesline or drying rack.
- Take shorter showers to reduce water use and lower water and heating bills.
ENERGY: Nearly half of the energy used in our homes goes to air conditioning and heating. The following changes can help reduce your energy use.
- If possible, install a programmable thermostat; in the winter, set it to 70 degrees during the day and 65 at night. In the summer, set it to 78 degrees.
- Set ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise in summer to pull hot air up to the ceiling. In winter, set them to spin clockwise to move hot air down.
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs, and turn off all lights when you leave a room.
- Plug TVs, computers, monitors and other electronics into power strips; turn off the power strips when the equipment is not in use.
STUFF: Most of us have way too much stuff cluttering our homes. Here’s how to be more earth-friendly in our buying habits.
- Purchase well-made products that will last longer and need replacing less often. You may pay more up front, but you’ll do better in the long run
- Buy gently used: Shop online for lightly used clothing, appliances, and furniture. And don’t forget garage sales and thrift stores.
- Borrow or barter: Trade used items in good condition for other people’s used items in good condition that you may need. Borrow books, e-books, music, and movies from the library. Share tools and appliances with neighbors.
- BYOB: Bring your own bags to the supermarket to cut down on the use of plastic bags.