We all hear about “going green,” but it’s
hard to know what we can do to truly make a difference – not to mention the
cost and time commitment. To help, we’re put together an easy plan: make one
(really!) simple change each day for a week, and you’ll be on your way to a
safer, greener way of life.
1. Clean green
Make your own all-natural cleaning
products. It’s easy, economical, and healthier for your family and pets. With
just a few basic ingredients, you can clean almost everything in your home.
Find cleaning product “recipes” at safetyathome.com. Click on the link for
Seasonal Safety and go to Spring.
2. Every drop counts
Turn off water when you’re not using it
(like when brushing teeth), repair leaky toilets, and but low-flow faucet
aerators or showerheads. Fun fact: fixing a slow-drip can save 3,000 + gallons
of water a year!
3. Switch “Off”
Save electricity and reduce environmental
impact by turning off lights when your leave a room. Light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) use less energy and last longer than other bulbs. Make a switch today!
4. Breathing room
Prevent mold growth with good ventilation
systems. Check that appliances and any fireplace or wood-burning stove is
properly vented. Use only lead-free, non-toxic, low-VOC paints, especially in
kids’ rooms.
5. Creative recycling
Challenge your family to see who can make
the most creative object from recycled materials. Award a prize. Fun fact:
recycling just one aluminum can saves enough energy to operate a TV for three
hours!
6. Insulate your home
Caulk and weather strip your home or add
insulation to your attic, walls, and basement. This will help cool air stay
inside during the summer and cold breezes outside in winter.
This
will help cool air stay inside during the summer and cold breezes outside in
winter.
7. Natural or not?
Terms such as “All-Natural,”
“Eco-Friendly,” and “Mother-Earth Approved” on packaging do not necessarily
mean the product is environmentally sound. Read carefully.