Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Home

Many of the household products used every day have a significant negative impact on the environment. By selecting eco-friendly household products, we can reduce our use of various natural resources. Selecting products that utilize fewer natural resources today leaves resources for future generations to enjoy. Making wise decisions will benefit our lives, communities and planet, and are more cost-effective for the savings in energy used.

Newer, energy-efficient appliances in the kitchen can save 25% of the energy expended by older models. Select the size appliances that meet your particular needs. Look for the Energy Star label certifying their energy and cost effectiveness as well as lifespan for the appliance. Stoves that use natural gas instead of electricity are more efficient. Convection ovens circulate the heat in the oven. Use a smaller toaster oven, electric frying pan or microwave instead of a large oven to prepare smaller meals. Dishwashers with short wash cycles and air-dry options use less water and energy. Although some models may have a higher initial cost, the savings will be apparent on monthly energy usage.

Energy Star certified computers can save up to $100 per year in energy costs. 100% post-consumer recycled papers destroy no trees, and are available for most office needs. Most office supply stores carry earth-friendly versions of basic office supplies for comparable prices. Instead of buying new, expensive furniture or inexpensive particleboard pieces, recycle a vintage desk or convert an old door and file cabinets into an office desk. Free Green Print software can be installed that reduces wasted pages when printing, saving ink and paper, as well as electricity.

Bathrooms are a major waste of water and money in the home. Install high-efficiency flush toilets that utilize half the water of older models. Low-flow shower heads use half the water and can save several thousand gallons of water annually. Faucets are available that utilize less than one quarter of the water of regular models. The savings on wasted water can be hundreds of dollars and thousands of gallons of water per year. Look for the WaterSense label created by the EPA for efficient products that reduce water use by at least 20%.

Shipping raw materials and finished products from the source to the consumer requires high levels of fuel consumption. Instead, recycle or re-purpose furniture into other rooms. Recondition old pieces from thrift stores to give them new life. Recover upholstered furniture. As a last resort, recycle it to a thrift store or donate it to keep it from the landfill. Purchase new furniture based on more than design and cost. Consider sustainable and eco-friendly furniture made from natural fabrics, recycled materials, low- or no-VOC fabrics, paints and stains, and locally manufactured. Look for furniture manufacturers that follow eco-friendly practices such as recycling waste materials from production.