Ways To Help Make Green Decisions For Your Home

The importance of becoming environmentally aware is becoming more and more important, and more people are taking the environment into account when buying a home or planning new construction. The rising cost of energy is one major reason, but many consumers also see a need to make choices that cut down on pollution and make the smartest use of the earth's limited natural resources.

The good news is that simple changes can make a world of difference, simply turning your television and computer off standby or by replacing all incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs will save energy and best of all it saves you money! So take a look at what's new on the green scene below.
 
 

Conserving Water

Looking to get serious about conserving water? Whether your goal is to help your community during a time of drought, keep pollution out of waterways, or save money on your home water bill, there are many simple, effective changes you can make around the house.
Looking for ways to lower your trash output? These elements can help sustain a zero-waste home and increase your quality of life. By adopting a few elements of a low-consumption lifestyle, many families can reduce their garbage output.
 

Low-Consumption Lifestyle

  • Choose fresh fruits and vegetables and bulk food over smaller packages will cut your exposure to preservatives.
  • Create fewer surfaces for junk by reducing furniture piece and collectables.
  • Simply cleaning supplies by using none toxic Castile soap, vinegar, and backing soda.
  • Use bulk body-care products that are sold at health food stores.
  • Use less gas by grouping car-essential errands on a single day.
  • Select natural & used fibers for household linens and clothing.     
 

Toxin-Free

Many bedroom products contain chemical flame retardants called PBDEs, which have been banned in several U.S. states and other countries because they interfere with nervous system development, causing problems with memory and attention. The Environmental Protection Agency says that its toxicology database on PBDEs “is inadequate to truly understand the risk." Given these uncertainties, it’s smart to keep PBDEs out of your sleeping space.
Here are six ways to be more energy-efficient in the laundry room and keep some money in your pocket.

Save Energy

  • Save energy by using cold water to wash your cloths since it is naturally cold. 
  • Wait until you have a full load of laundry to eliminate the energy waste that occurs with multiple loads.  
  • After every drying cycle, make sure to clean off the lint vent inside your dryer to help it get adequate airflow.
  • Service the dryer's vent that leads to the outside so your dryer doesn't have to work harder. 
  • Install code-compliant venting materials by avoiding plastic and foil accordion-style vents that trap lint.
  • The most energy-efficient way to dry laundry is by hanging you cloths up to dry when ever possible.