With the rapidly deteriorating environment, the piling up of mountains after mountains of garbage, and pollution only getting worse each day, more people are calling for green solutions to help do their part to solve these environmental crises. In our own little ways, we can help improve the environmental situation by going green. We can start implementing green ideas at home and hopefully spread the idea in the neighborhood.
Replacing your light
Ordinary light bulbs are not energy efficient compared to compact fluorescent lamps. Replacing your lights with CFL’s can help decrease your electricity consumption, therefore decreasing your monthly electricity bill as well. Make sure to remember to switch off lights, alarms and timers when not needed. Dirty lightbulbs burn out faster so wipe the bulbs from time to time.
Homemade cleaners
Commercial cleaners mostly contain dangerous chemicals that are harsh to both our body and the environment. Common cleaners contain bleach and other chemicals that are washed out to our water system every time we use them. Instead of buying cleaners and detergents, you can create your own homemade cleaning materials that are safe to the skin because they are made from all natural ingredients. For example, you can mix white vinegar with hydrogen peroxide to clean countertops and windows. Check out our blog post here on how to create your own homemade cleaners.
Conserve Water
Don’t leave your water running while you’re drying the dishes. Turn off your faucets when you’re not using water. Instead of letting water flow freely, you can use a basin where you can store water and rinse utensils with it. You can also use a glass when brushing your teeth to help save water.
Another way to conserve water is by investing in low-flow fixtures like showerheads, faucet aerators and toilets. You should also buy water heaters that are tankless because it heats only that which is needed.
Surround yourself with green
You can plant trees in your backyard or in your front lawn so that when these trees grow, you have free shade (during summer) and free protection from winds and harsh weather (during winter). You can contact your local seedling bank or nursery to get the plants that you need. You can also ask for advice on which plant or tree grows best in your area.
Choose low VOC products
Volatile organic compounds are everywhere. From the cosmetics that you’re wearing, to your perfume, to the fuel that you use for your car. Other products that contain VOC are paints, varnishes, cigarette smoke, pesticides, gasoline, various glues and adhesives, and cleaning products. VOC products contain carbon-containing substance that become “off-gasses” at room temperature. So when you buy products at the store, choose brands that are low in VOC.
Grow your garden
Plant it and eat it. Gardening is a very relaxing hobby, and one that is beneficial as well. You can grow organic produce like vegetables and fruits without using chemical fertilizers. You can use a small patch of land to be your garden or use pots if you have no space.
Recycle
Reuse materials like paper, plastic, rubber, cloth etc. It saves money and you also save the environment. Recycling is an important factor in bringing down the amount of garbage that is being collected every day.
Insulate and Ventilate
Seal your home to make sure that the temperature inside doesn’t leak to the outside. In summer, you can use electric fans instead of AC to lower your electricity bill.
These are just small steps that could have great impact on the environment. Think green!