8 Easy Steps to Make Your Home Eco-Friendly
Everyone should want to do their part to help preserve the environment. No matter what your situation, there are plenty of ways you can contribute. You don’t even have to make big changes in your everyday life. Here are some of the eight best ways to make your home eco-friendly.
Reuse Old Items
Throwing away old items such as clothing or towels is a big waste. Instead, the next time you uncover an old shirt that’s full of food stains, you can use it for something different. Although you might not wear it again, you can give it a new purpose by using it as a rag for cleaning. You might even want to tear or cut it into pieces so you can use the old shirt as rags when doing your regular cleaning.
Other household items such as aluminum foil, plastic baggies and even paper towels can be reused as well. You can even reuse an old toothbrush for cleaning your bathroom and kitchen sinks when gunk and grime becomes an issue.
Use Sustainable Materials and Everyday Essentials
Making your home eco-friendly involves thoughtful choices, such as using sustainable materials like bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood furniture, recycled glass countertops, and low VOC paints. Additionally, consider incorporating everyday items like clothes, underwear into your household. Women's underwear made of 100% cotton or bamboo socks are not only gentle on the environment but also provide comfort and durability. By integrating such eco-conscious products into your living space, you contribute to a greener lifestyle while enjoying the benefits of environmentally friendly alternatives.
Use Cold Water in the Washing Machine
When using your washing machine, use cold water instead of warm or hot. Cold water uses up less energy. It’s also more effective at eliminating stains, less likely to shrink your clothes and less likely to leave wrinkles.
Hand-Wash Your Clothes
Hand-washing your clothes in the sink is a great option when you want to be more eco-friendly. You can use cold water and a dab of dish soap and then hang them so they can air dry. This gives your washing machine and dryer – if you have one – a rest, saving precious energy.
Recycle
Many areas have recycling programs these days. If you still throw everything in the trash, you’re doing it wrong. Now is the time to recycle your bottles, cans, aluminum foil and plastic. However, not all plastic can be recycled, so it’s important to know what to look for on your plastic containers. Those with the numbers 1, 2 and 5 can be recycled while others might not be recyclable.
Knowing what cannot be recycled is essential as well. For example, you can’t recycle styrofoam or soiled paper plates.
Start Composting
Composting is a great way to do your part for the environment. Fruit and vegetable matter and even eggshells can be put into a composting container in your garden. It can all break down into the earth, combining with the soil. Composting is great for nourishing the plants in your garden and animals that visit.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
Making your own cleaning products is easier than you might think. It’s also a great way to be more eco-friendly. You can use all-natural ingredients such as lemon juice, white vinegar, baking soda and water as a mixture and add them to old spray bottles you have sitting around your home. Use them in the kitchen and bathroom when things get grimy.
Water Your Plants with Used Water
If you have houseplants, you should water them with used water. For example, if you have a pet, instead of tossing away their water in the morning, pour it into a watering can to give them to your plants. You can do the same with water you use for boiling food.
Completely Fill the Dishwasher Before Use
If you have a dishwasher, make sure it’s completely full before running it. This saves money and is eco-friendly. You might also want to run it in the middle of the night. Using your dishwasher during off-peak hours saves even more energy.
These tips are great for the environment and your home.
