All around us, people are talking about the environment being in peril. To homeowners, this seems like a big phenomenon. It is an issue perceived to be so vast and immense that ordinary people living simple lives cannot possibly do anything to affect that reality. This is a misconception that needs to be straightened out. There are many easy ways that can be done to protect the environment. One need not go out and put a lot of effort into a big activity. There are baby steps that we can take. People do not even have to leave the front door in order to impact the environment. Yes, it can all start in our homes.
Making our homes eco-friendly does not entail high costs and massive structural improvements. Although installing solar panels and other pricey energy-saving devices will be beneficial in the long run, those who are on a tight budget need not wait for a big financial break in order to be able to actually do something for the environment. If we are aware of the little things we can do to help, the whole running of the household will turn these little things into a big gesture. And if the whole neighborhood will be doing the same things, then it will be a community effort which will surely impact the world.
There are different aspects of our everyday lives which can be programmed to suit our environmental advocacies. In household management, there are specific areas which we can work on in order to create eco-friendly homes.
The Kitchen
With the many activities that take place in the kitchen, this corner of the house can be a breeding ground for pollutants and environment hazards. Homeowners must look for the many small ways that can be done to trim down the amount of energy used in the kitchen. For instance, homeowners can check their current kitchen appliances such as refrigerators and dishwashers to see if they are energy-efficient. Old appliances usually consume more energy than newer models. Another tip is to cover pots when cooking or heating water so that the desired results will be seen in a shorter amount of time. Alternative appliances should also be used if the same result will be achieved. Thus, it is better to use an electric kettle than a pot on stove when heating water.
In choosing pats and pans, homeowners must look for those which are free of chemical coating. While stain-resistant pans and non-stick or grease-proof pots are very useful and efficient in cooking, they are reportedly manufactured with perfluorochemicals. These are toxic substances which tend to collect and build up over time. While the features of kitchen utensils coated with these may be attractive, the use of such harmful substances will prove to be detrimental in the long run.
Homeowners should also be wary of the food being prepared in the kitchen. It will be wise to be picky when it comes to the food that you will feed your family. Microwave-ready items must be avoided because they are known to amass harmful chemicals when heated. Farm produce must be bought with caution. There are certain fruits and vegetables which tend to contain more pesticides. Homeowners must keep themselves equipped with the information on these matters.
Coffee, which is a breakfast staple in many homes, may have a much deeper environmental history than most people know. Some beans are grown in a process that is more environment-friendly. These brands usually possess a certain certification. Homeowners may look for such brands when shopping for coffee beans.
One’s eating habits can also be made eco-friendly. People can support local farms by buying fresh and organic local produce such as meat, poultry and eggs. Patronizing local farms will decrease gas emissions and reduce consumption of oil. Vegetable dishes should be prepared more often than meat dishes because cultivating vegetables requires less energy than raising animals.
Cleaning and maintenance
Homeowners must make an effort to use biodegradable detergents. The use of toxic cleaning products must also be lessened if not entirely terminated. Cleaning solutions which contain synthetic scents and abrasive chemicals should be avoided. Vinegar and baking soda may be used as alternatives to detergents. It will be safer and cheaper to use these. When buying towels and rags, it is better to choose those that can be washed and used several times instead of disposable paper products.
Containers of chemical cleaners must be disposed of properly. They should be separated from the regular household garbage which is biodegradable. These containers have to be sealed properly before being thrown in the garbage because the leftover chemical fluid may leak into the soil where it is dumped.
In home renovations, care must be employed in choosing the right kind of paint. Many kinds of paint give off volatile organic compounds or VOC’s. These harmful chemicals are also found in common household items such as gasoline and nail polish. They emit a disturbing smell which can be harmful to the health. Many paint products are now free of VOC’s. Homeowners can choose to purchase such products even if they may be slightly more expensive.
Appliances and lights
Use energy-saving lights. Make the effort to replace old bulbs with compact fluorescent ones. Compact fluorescent light bulbs or CFL’s may be more expensive than the regular ones but they will surely bring down electric bills in the long run.
Other than purchasing CFL’s, homeowners may also look into investing in dimmers and light timers.
Household appliances may also be configured to achieve a more environment-friendly setup. It will be helpful to regularly maintain the cleanliness of the cooling coils at the back part of refrigerators. This will keep the coolness of the refrigerator even when kept at warmer temperatures. The fridge and freezer temperatures may be adjusted according to the current storage needs of the household. No need to keep the freezer very cold if nothing needs to be frozen.
If any of the home’s residents frequently use the computer, it will also be wise to invest in laptops. Laptops consume significantly less electricity than desktop computers. Given the fact that these computers are used for long periods of time, it will be beneficial to choose one that is more energy-efficient.
Activities
Many activities can be tweaked a little to make small but significant contributions to the environment. Instead of using wrapping paper for gifts, homeowners can recycle old boxes and bags which can be trimmed and embellished to look brand new. It is better to pay bills through the internet. This will reduce the use of paper in such transactions. In picnics, barbecues and outdoor parties, you can ask people to label their plastic cups with their names in order to avoid using more than one cup in the duration of the event.
Shopping
Bring your own tote when going grocery shopping. Many supermarkets now give away or sell reusable shopping bags. This will reduce and even eliminate the reckless use of plastic and paper bags in shopping. When shopping for grocery items, look for products which have less complicated packaging. The less cardboard and plastic that are used, the more environment-friendly the products are. To save on gasoline, avoid drive-through windows if there are many cars waiting in line. Make purchases over the counter instead. This may be faster in some instances.
Gardening
You can choose plants which are scientifically proven to combat certain pollutants. Before filling the garden with the common household plants, homeowners can do background research on which greens inherently fight aerial toxins.
Homeowners must also use lawnmowers that are not powered by gasoline. Although they may be more difficult to push, they will help reduce gas emissions in the house. Plus, they can give you a good exercise when using them.
Cut back on the use of fertilizers and pesticides in maintaining vegetable gardens and shrubs. Look for organic alternatives when taking care of your plants. There are many organic fertilizers already out in the market.
Waste management
Responsible waste management calls for the making of a compost pile in the backyard. This will not only properly dispose of the waste but will also enrich the lawn and garden soil in the long run. Compost pits also help prevent global warming by being an effective alternative to landfills. Landfills emit methane which is one of the most hazardous greenhouse gases.
Recycling is also a smart move. Instead of throwing away things you no longer want, you can put up garage sales and make money out of them. These will allow your junk to be put to good use instead of using up space and polluting the environment.
It is evident from this set of tips that even small changes in one’s lifestyle can spell big gains and advantages to the environment. No action is too insignificant as to not affect the state of our surroundings. Baby steps must be taken in order to achieve a greener household. All it takes is a little cooperation from each and every one of us.
