One of the things I love most about practicing green alternatives in my home is that usually they are the more frugal option. Being environmentally-friendly is just good economics – in our home and budget, and with the earth God gave us.
There are many little things we can do in our homes to play a small part and make a big impact on our earth and it's environment. We can double our efforts by getting our kids involved and helping them understand the why to our what. Once they get it, it will become second nature to them when they’re adults – and that much easier to pass it down to their children.
Here are some small, easy, green choices we can make in our homes.
25 Easy Ways to Go Greener at Home – Besides Recycling
1. Plant an herb garden with your children.
2. Stop using disposable bags – order some reusable bags, or make your own.
3. Buy an inexpensive reusable water bottle, and stop buying plastic disposable bottles.
4. Wash laundry in cold water instead of hot.
5. Turn off lights when you leave the room.
6. Don’t turn on lights at all for as long as you can — open your curtains and enjoy natural light.
7. Support your local economy and shop at a farmer's market.
8. Turn off your computer completely at night.
9. Research whether you can sign up for green power from your utility company.
10. Pay as many bills as possible online.
11. Put a stop to unsolicited mail — sign up to opt out of pre-screened credit card offers.
12. Reuse scrap paper. Print on two sides, or let your kids color on the back side of used paper.
13. Subscribe to good eco-friendly blogs. My favorites are The Daily Green, TreeHugger, and Keeper of the Home. Of course, you gotta subscribe to Simple Organic.
14. Before buying anything new, first check your local Craigslist or Freecycle.
15. Fix leaky faucets.
16. Make your own household cleaners.
17. Lower the temperature on your hot water heater.
18. Unplug unused chargers and appliances.
19. Repurpose something – save egg cartons for paint wells, seed starters, or treasure boxes, etc.
20. Collect rainwater, and use it to water your houseplants and garden.
21. Swith to cloth diapers – or at least do a combination with disposables.
22. Use cloth napkins daily instead of paper.
23. Repurpose glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage.
24. Five-minute showers – make it a goal for yourself.
25. Donate to- and shop at - thrift stores such as Goodwill. You’ll be recycling perfectly usable items, and supporting your local economy.
