When thinking of going green in the home, many thoughts go through my mind, and it can be overwhelming, especially since there are many areas to consider. It can also be costly to convert a home into an all-green environment. That alone can cause the well-intended to put the project on the back burner.
However, a green conversion for your home can be taken in steps…easy and inexpensive steps, actually. In fact, some of these steps can help you save money, rather than cost you money in remodeling.
If you are thinking of going green for your home and family, but want to start with baby steps, read on for some easy and cost-effective ideas to get you off to a great start. You will be surprised at how these easy steps can help your family feel better and stay healthier, even during the cold and flu seasons.
Step 1: Get Rid of the Clutter
Don’t wait until spring…dig in now to get rid of the clutter! You might be wondering what this has to do with going green, but bear with me here for a minute. A cluttered space is a harbor for allergens such as dust and pet dander. And, anyone with allergies and asthma knows how important it is to keep more than just their lungs clear.
Now, how does this tie in with going green? Allergies and asthma attacks are often treated with medication. Don’t get me wrong, if you need medications, then you should follow doctor’s orders to maintain healthy lungs. However, if you can help counter your allergies and asthma symptoms naturally by not having all these irritants around, you might be able to use fewer medications.
Step 2: Set the Thermostat to ‘Green’
One of the easiest ways to go green is to watch your thermostat closer. You might be able to get away with turning the heat down a couple degrees (or more) in the colder months, by simply wearing layers in the house, or sitting with a blanket while lounging around.
I am not suggesting that you turn it down to the point of your lips turning blue, but most homes can handle a couple degrees lower. The average room temperature is 72° F. However, many people can easily tolerate as low as 68° F, or slightly lower…including babies.
In fact, the ideal temperature for optimum health in the winter is between 66-72° F when sitting… and 72-75° F in the warmer months. Just keep in mind, there is nothing wrong with wearing a sweater, or using a blanket in the winter, if it seems chilly to you at first.
Step 3: Healthy Alternatives when Replacing Items
There are many larger items that can help the home go green, but they can also be costly to replace. The best thing to do in this case would be to replace them with ‘green’ as the need arises. Here are a few suggestions:
- Flooring – When the carpet needs replacing, consider bamboo flooring, which will help with the environment, as well as allergies and asthma. Look for sales and clearance items.
- Mattress – As the mattress wears down, you might want to consider an organic mattress, which is produced without the chemicals often used in traditional mattresses. You can look for discount mattress sets to help save in cost.
- Window Treatments – When the time comes, replace draperies, which are a haven for dust and allergens, with blinds.
- Appliances – If the washer, dryer, refrigerator, or stove burns out, replace it with an energy efficient appliance to help save in energy and cost.
These are just a few pricier items that you can replace slowly, and as needed. Take a look around your home and keep your eyes and ears open to see what you can replace with energy efficient items, or organic materials.
Step 4: Use Natural Products
This one is perhaps my favorite. There are many products within the home that can easily be ‘green’. In fact, you might not even need to purchase anything for a while. You can create cleaning, hair, and skin products right out of your kitchen pantry.
White vinegar can be used in place of commercial window cleaners, or a rinse for your hair. Salt can be mixed with a little water to be used in place of a deep scrubbing product for both counter tops and skin. Honey is often used as a facial mask, or mayonnaise as a skin or hair conditioner.
There are several websites available for natural ‘recipes’ to replace the chemically-laden products we have used for years. The best news is that it’s also saves on the pocket book!
In Closing
If converting your home into a green environment is on your agenda, then I hope I have provided some easy and inexpensive tips to encourage you in giving it a try. Any time you can feel better, help the environment, and save money at the same time…it’s a good thing.
About the Author
Kathy Barber is a freelance writer, mom, and business owner. She enjoys researching on the Internet and finds inspiration for new projects through browsing. In fact, when visiting www.best-mattress-reviews.com, she decided to write about going green in the home with replacing items, when looking to replace her own. Kathy resides in Michigan with her husband and young son. She enjoys spending time with her family, camping, cooking, and listening to a variety of genres in music.
Categories: Green Living | Tags: eco-friendly home, green home, natural products | Permalink