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Step 1
To green your house, take steps to reduce your energy consumption. You may want to turn down the temperature on your hot water heater or reduce the thermostat on your heater. You can install energy efficient double-paned windows to reduce your heating and cooling bills as well. Install ceiling fans. Open windows on nice days. Turn of the lights, and if you like, switch to LED lights, which do not give off heat and are even more energy efficient than compact fluorescents.
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Step 2
Eliminate as many toxic cleaners and pesticides as you can. You can choose to use baking soda as a scrub instead of harsher products, for example. Boric acid is good for both keeping pests away (sprinkle some around the house) and for freshening up laundry.
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Step 3
To further green your house, reduce the amount of water you use. Replace showerheads and faucets, installing low flow models instead. You can also drastically reduce the amount of water your toilet uses. Fix any dripping faucets or running toilets.
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Step 4
Use sustainable, natural materials when you remodel. Synthetic carpets and pressed woods emit fumes that are not healthy to breathe. Think about putting in tile or bamboo flooring, for example. Organic cotton bedding is also a nice green choice.
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Step 5
Think about the outdoors. Plant native plants that do not have to be watered very often, if at all. Consider installing solar outdoor lighting.
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Step 6
Don't add clutter to your house. Instead, eliminate it. Set up a recycling system for grocery bags, boxes, old clothes, etc. A green household seriously considers the environmental impact that new purchases will make.
