Greening Up Your Lifestyle

Attaining a greener lifestyle DOES NOT have to be expensive or time-consuming.  In fact, some minor changes actually cut expenses and have a positive impact on your health and quality of life.  Making your daily routing more sustainable can be as simple as learning some green basics, modifying your habits, and making informed choices.  Here are 5 easy changes to make:

RECYCLE

Recycling waste, such as plastics, paper, and glass costs almost nothing and it preserves natural resources and keeps trash out of landfills.

When shopping for new products, look for items made from recycled content.

Also safely dispose of electronics and household goods such as paint, chemicals, and unused prescriptions.  Learn more at www.Earth911.com.

 

ZERO-WASTE KITCHEN

Instead of using the disposal or tossing food scraps, compost them.  Composting keeps trash out of landfills and provides a natural way to enrich garden soil.

Even unexpected things, like wooden spoons, dryer lint, and cardboard Q-tips are compostable.  Learn more

at www.MasterComposter.com and www.MasterComposter.com(http://EPA.gov.)

 

ELIMINATE TOXINS

Chemicals in common household products, including shower curtains, cookware, and furniture, can seep into your living space.  That compromises indoor air quality, which can cause health problems and exacerbate respiratory ailments.

So carefully consider what you bring home.

Also consider product packaging.  Even a seemingly innocuous house plant sitting in synthetic soil and a plastic container could cause harm.

 

CLEAN NATURALLY

Though we associate that stout lemon scent with cleanliness, such odors usually stem from cleaning products loaded with harsh chemicals that can be toxic to people, pets, and the planet.

Opt for green-labeled cleaning products or mix up your own using non-toxic baking soda (an abrasive), vinegar (a disinfectant), and lemon (a deordorizer).  These alternatives are accessible, inexpensive, and better for your health.  Learn more at www.Earth911.com.

 

RECONSIDER YOUR TRANSPORTATION

Re-examine your public transit options and consider biking or walking, both of which are essentially free and benefit your wallet AND your waistline.

If you can not abandon your car entirely, explore rideshares and find ways to reduce auto trips.  Learn more at www.BikeToWorkInfo.org

or at http://MapMyRide.com

 

REALTORS® who have earned the National Association of REALTORS® Green Designation (https://green.realtor/work-green-designee/find-member) can refer you to local experts who can assess your home's performance.