Ways for Households to Go Green
Recycling cans or turning off the television for an hour a day may not seem like actions that can significantly improve our environment. When it comes to households going green, even the smallest things really do count. Green living involves making simple lifestyle changes that become habit over time, yet have a big impact on our world. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Compost
-
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 26 percent of the solid waste produced in the United States comes from yard trimmings and food scraps. Composting can help to reduce this number as well as improve air and soil quality, and decrease the need for chemical fertilizers. Composting consists of gathering waste like leaves, eggshells, hair and coffee filters into a pile, either outside or inside, then waiting while the organic materials break down. What results can be used to enrich soil and grow plants. Complete guides to composting, such as found on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources website, are available online.
Reduce Utility Use
-
Turning off the lights when leaving a room or shutting off the water when brushing your teeth are easy and common ways to go green, but there is much more households can do to conserve energy. Consider buying energy efficient appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators that use less water and electricity. The Natural Resources Defense Council suggests that homeowners buy natural gas, rather than electric, appliances whenever possible. Whether gas or electric, an energy efficient appliance will also help cut down on utility costs. If you are not ready to buy a new appliance, consider drying clothes outside, turning off televisions and computers when not in use and switching to low-energy light bulbs.
-
Clean Green
-
The chemicals found in household cleaners can be toxic to the environment as well as your health. Ammonia, for example, can irritate the eyes and skin. Green your cleaning cabinet by looking for eco-friendly products. WebMD recommends products that are labeled "chlorine free," "phosphate free" or "VOC free." You can also create your own cleaning products. Look for ideas on websites such as Planet Green for making a homemade cleaning kit. With just a few ingredients like baking soda and vinegar, you can make your own all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, laundry detergent and rust remover.
Recycle
-
The website Do Something reports that 80 percent of what Americans toss in the trash is recyclable, but only 28 percent of that ever makes it to a recycling bin. Start recycling at home by calling your local waste management company or city office to determine what recycling services are offered. Some trash collectors will provide you with free recycling bins or these can be purchased for a minimal price. Set the bins or containers near the regular trash can in your home. Clearly mark them for plastic, paper, glass, aluminum or whatever items your city will allow. Post a list for your family to remind them of what can and cannot go in each bin.
Cut Waste
-
Leftover food, tossed magazines and plastic water bottles are just a few of the subtle ways households create waste. Composting and recycling can help reduce our environmental footprint, but there are some additional ways we can use less. "Good Housekeeping" suggests purchasing reusable bags for groceries, planting trees around the home to reduce heating and cooling costs, buying refillable containers and using microfiber cloths instead of paper towels for cleaning and spills.
-
References
- Environmental Protection Agency: Composting: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
- Do Something: 11 Facts about Recycling
- WebMD: Green Cleaning Products: Can Nox-Toxic Cleaners Work for Your Home?
- Natural Resources Defense Council: Efficient Appliances Save Energy -- and Money
- "Good Housekeeping"; Green Green Tips
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
