Buying eco-friendly home products or green cleaners is only half of the battle. Fortunately, it’s easy to go green by making small changes to how you run your household. The key is to think about every part of your daily routine, and work out how you can do things in a more environmentally-friendly way.
Start with your morning routine. If the first thing you do is pour yourself a cup of coffee, there is a change you can make straightaway. Go for certified coffee (with a USDA Certified Organic label), which means it was produced using sustainable standards. Next, you’re probably going to wash and get ready for the day ahead. Instead of filling your tub with gallons of water, have a quick shower instead. This will save up to two-thirds of the water you would use having a bath. While you’re in the shower, lather up with an organic soap bar. Organic skin care products have no harsh chemicals, meaning they are gentler on your skin and better for the environment. Go for products that are in recycled, or at least recyclable, packaging.
When you brush your teeth, remember to turn the tap off while you scrub. Leaving the water running while your brush can waste up to five gallons of water each day! Teach your kids to follow your example and they will grow up with an awareness of environmental issues.
Other eco-friendly home products that you can switch to include shampoo, dishwasher detergent, laundry detergent, carpet cleaner and dog washing products. Look for products that are free from dyes, nitrates and phosphates, come in 100% biodegradable packaging and are not tested on animals, and you can clean your home with a clear conscience!
Another way to go green is to walk or use public transportation as much as possible, instead of driving your car. If you do need to drive, talk to some of your coworkers about car-pooling. Reducing the number of cars on the roads is an important step toward reducing the impact on the environment.
