With the economy testing our wallets more than ever, going “green” and being more Eco-friendly can help lighten on our monthly spending and the mother nature too! Try some of these easy ways to go green from Good Housekeeping.
Also check out this book
By:Alex Wilson. This book is written for homeowners planning a new home, intended to improve the overall environmental performance of new houses being built, the book sets out to answer some questions relating to having a home designed and built-and getting what you want.
13 Easy Eco-Friendly House Tips
1. Save money in the bathroom
Buy water-efficient showerheads. With low-flow models, a family of four can cut water usage by as much as 280 gallons a month — and yet not feel much difference in water pressure
2. Bring home superhero plants
Certain greens can help remove indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. Don’t have the gardening gene? Golden pothos, English ivy, and peace lilies are all easy-to-grow toxin fighters.
3. Recycle rechargeables
Cell phones, digital cameras, and camcorders have made these batteries more popular than ever, but in certain states — Florida, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont — it’s illegal to throw them away.
4. Adjust fridge and freezer temps
Refrigerators eat up the most electricity in the household. Maximize efficiency by keeping the fridge at 37° F. and the freezer at 0° F.
5. Lighten up with energy savings
Consider using compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs). They cost a bit more than regular bulbs, but you’ll lower your electric bill and pay less in the long run — CFLs last up to 10 times longer than traditional ones. (Worried that fluorescents will fill your house with a greenish glow? That’s no longer a problem.
6. Recycle smart
From furniture to electronics, one person’s trash is another’s treasure — so when you want to dispose of an old item, don’t make the dump your first stop
7. Mow-ercise!
Today’s non-gasoline-powered reel lawn mowers are easier to push than the old models. Their eco-benefit: zero emissions (plus, you’re getting great exercise). If you prefer a power mower, consider a quiet, battery-operated model from Black & Decker.
8. Warm up to solar energy
You may not be ready for a totally sun-powered home, but you can get a taste of the technology by using solar-powered lighting in your yard or on your patio.
9. Go native
Plant flowers and shrubs that are well suited to your climate (the staff at your local nursery can help). The benefit: You’ll use less fertilizer and pesticides.
10. Buy a laptop
It uses considerably less power than a desktop computer.
11. Get off junk mail lists
Register with the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service (dmaconsumers.org) and you’ll see a significant reduction in mail after three months.
12. Double up on printing
Configure your printer so that it prints on both sides of the page. You know those extra pages you get when printing out one simple email? Turn them over and put them back in the printer for reuse.
13. Protect the earth while you picnic
At your next outdoor party, ask people to write their names on disposable cups so they’ll use only one (to make it easy, put out markers). If you use disposable dinnerware, buy the kind that won’t clog landfills or kill trees.
Cleaning Green:
Here is a list of Cleaning Products that are safe for the environment and often made from natural ingredients available to most though grocery stores or online:
J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care
Kiwi Green
Such great tips! I’ve saved so much since I started making my own cleaning supplies. And once we started planting natives we saved a lot too-things stopped dying! =)