Ways to Go GREEN at Home

Being environmentally-friendly is just good economics – in our home and budget, and with the earth God gave us.

There are many little things we can do in our homes to play a small part in reducing landfill waste, cleaning the air, and preserving the natural landscape.  But we double our efforts when we get our kids involved, helping them understand the why to our what.

When they get it, it’ll be second nature to them when they’re adults – and that much easier to pass it down to their children.

1. Plant an herb garden.  It’s good to have a reminder around of where our food originates.
2. Switch all your lightbulbs to CFLs (or at least switch a few).
3. Create a homemade compost bin
4. Switch one appliance to an energy efficient model (look for the “energy star” label).
5. Stop using disposable bags – order some reusable bags, or make your own. 
6. Buy an inexpensive reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles. 
7. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.
8. Turn off lights when you leave the room.
9. Don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can — open your curtains and enjoy natural light.
10. Drive the speed limit, and combine all your errands for the week in one trip.
11. Better yet, walk or ride a bike to your errands that are two miles or closer.
12. Support your local economy and shop at your farmer’s market.
13. Turn off your computer completely at night.
14. Research whether you can sign up for green power from your utility company.
15. Pay as many bills as possible online.
16. Put a stop to unsolicited mail — sign up to opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.  While you’re at it, go ahead and make sure you’re on the “do not call” list, just to make your life more peaceful.
17. Reuse scrap paper.  Print on two sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper.
18. Conduct a quick energy audit of your home.
19. Subscribe to good eco-friendly blogs.  (The Daily Green, TreeHugger, and Keeper of the Home Simple Organic)
20. Before buying anything new, first check your local Second Hand Goods Shop.
21. Support local restaurants that use food derived less than 100 miles away, and learn more about the benefits of eating locally.
22. Fix leaky faucets.
23. Make your own household cleaners.
24. Line dry your laundry.
25. Watch The Story of Stuff with your kids, and talk about the impact your household trash has on our landfills.
26. Learn with your kids about another country or culture, expanding your knowledge to other sides of the world.
27. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
28. Unplug unused chargers and appliances.
29. Repurpose something – turn one of your well-worn t-shirts into basic play pants for your baby.  Or save egg cartons for paint wells, seed starters, treasure boxes, or a myriad of other crafts.
30. Collect rainwater, and use it to water your houseplants and garden.
31. Switch to cloth diapers – or at least do a combination with disposables.
32. Switch to shade-grown coffee with the “Fair Trade” label.
33. Use a Diva Cup for your monthly cycles.
34. Use cloth instead of paper to clean your kitchen. Be frugal, and make these rags out of old towels and t-shirts.
35. Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper.
36. Read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and open your eyes to the way conventional food is processed.
37. Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage, especially in the kitchen.
38. Five-minute showers – make it a goal for yourself.
39. Donate to – and shop at – thrift stores such as Goodwill.  You’ll be recycling perfectly usable items, and you’ll be supporting your local economy.

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