An eco-friendly home can be healthier to live in, save money and ease your impact on the environment.
Here are some tips for your home:
* When building or remodeling your home, consider adding lots of insulation to minimize heating and cooling usage. Choose household appliances and products that have the Energy Star-rated label. They use less water and electricity, thus saving you money. Use weather stripping on windows and doors to prevent leaks of warm and cool air.
* Recycle household items and electronic equipment properly to reduce harmful mercury and other toxic waste in landfills.
* Make an effort to recycle all paper, plastic, metal and yard waste. Buy household products that are eco-friendly or made from recycled materials. Use green cleaning supplies that contain fewer chemicals and toxic solvents.
* Save water by landscaping wisely. A low-maintenance yard with native plants will require less water. Install a drip irrigation system for watering. Use organic fertilizer for your garden. Leave your grass clippings on your lawn to add nitrogen to your soil, or use them for compost.