Have you been yearning for a more eco-friendly existence? You don’t need to go to extremes or jump through tons of hoops to reduce your environmental impact.
Start simple – at home! Here are 7 ways to achieve a more environmentally friendly life at home:
1. Change the bulbs. Making the switch from traditional incandescent light bulbs to LED lights will save energy – these bulbs use up to 85% less power and provide the same amount of light. LEDs are now available in a variety of colors, and with a lifespan of about 22 years, choosing LED light bulbs is a no-brainer.
2. Clean green. Swap out chemical cleaning products for more eco-friendly options. Seventh Generation, based in Burlington, offers a plant-based line of disinfectants, surface cleaners, soaps, and laundry detergent that will remove grease, grime, and dirt without harsh fumes.
3. Unplug. Even when you are not using a device, anything that is plugged in will still draw energy – so be sure to unplug your phone charger, toaster, printer, etc. when not in use. It is a small amount of electricity, but unplugging anything unnecessary will reduce your energy use in the long run.
4. Reuse/Recycle. We are pretty lucky when it comes to recycling in Vermont – most glass, metal, plastic, and paper can be recycled and you don’t even need to sort it yourself! There are undoubtedly items in your home you are looking to get rid of that cannot be recycled, think about reusing these items in a new way, like repurposing an old ladder into a bookshelf, or turning an old picture frame into a jewelry holder. Pinterest is a great resource for ideas for upcycling and repurposing items you are no longer using.
5. Harness the power of the sun. Go solar for your exterior lighting. You can find tons of options for pathway lighting, stair lighting, and spotlights – all utilizing the power of the sun so no need to plug in.
6. Recharge. Rather than tossing tons of AA and AAA batteries when they die, buy rechargeable batteries and a good charger. You’ll reduce the number of disposed batteries, creating less waste. An added bonus – look for rechargeable batteries made with recycled batteries.
7. Use appliances to your advantage. Dishwashers and clothes dryers produce a lot of heat, capitalize on this by running these appliances throughout the day in the winter months and at night during the summer.