Looking to live a more environmentally friendly life? Here are six easy ways to incorporate green living into your household.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. If you’re looking to save time, energy and money, get serious about waste reduction. Not sure where to start? Commit to focusing on the four primary recyclables: aluminum, plastics, paper and glass.
Switch Out Light Bulbs. It’s a well-known fact that CFLs and LEDs use much less energy and last a lot longer than regular incandescent bulbs. While the initial cost may be a bit steeper, you’ll be saving money in the long run.
Conserve Water. Paying attention to the way in which water is used within your home is a good way to green up your routine. Whether it’s turning off the water when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers, only running the washer/dishwasher when full, repairing leaky faucets or installing water-saving toilets/shower heads, there are numerous ways to limit your water use—without affecting your routine.
Go Green When You Clean. A quick search on the internet will open the door to a vast array of all-natural, environmentally safe cleaning products. If you’re feeling remotely adventurous, you can make your own cleaners with ingredients you most likely already have in the pantry.
Unplug Devices When Not in Use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, anywhere from 5 to 10 percent of your residential electricity is sapped by devices that are plugged in all day, every day. A little effort goes a long way when it comes to unplugging devices such as computers, stereos, coffeemakers, lamps, toasters, etc.
Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances. From washers and dryers to refrigerators and freezers, there’s no shortage of energy-efficient products to choose from. By scoping out the ENERGY STAR label, you’ll help protect the environment (and save money at the same time!). And better yet, when it comes time to sell your home, energy-efficient appliances will surely work in your favor.
