Tips for greening your home

Making small changes adds up to big help for the environment.
ELIZABETH NIDER

Green is the new black. Finally, it's trendy to care about the earth. Many of us have always valued caring for the environment but while even more of us are jumping on this bandwagon, there are still those of us who haven't. Perhaps the environment is the least of some people's concerns in this time of economic uncertainty, but after reading the information and tips below, you'll realize that going green isn't only beneficial for the environment, it's easier on the wallet as well. Begin at home:

Bathrooms

Shower curtains: PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic shower curtains contain unhealthy chemicals that are released into the air when heated. That nice new shower curtain smell is actually not so nice after all – at least not for the environment or for your health. Today, there are plenty of PVC-free shower curtains, made with other plastics or from cotton. Installing glass sliding doors is another alternative. As part of the attempt to rid the home of toxic plastics, also consider that some plastic toys contain PVCs, and support toy companies that have removed PVCs from their products, such as Brio, Lego, Little Tikes, Sassy and Tiny Love.

Cleaning supplies: For the adventurous and experimental type of person, using a homemade cleaner can be both effective and fun (to make, that is, as scrubbing the shower probably has the same level of excitement regardless of whether Vim or baking soda is used). For those with a busier schedule, there are many excellent natural cleaning products that can be found at stores like Capers, Choices or Save-On-Foods. Seventh Generation is a reliable brand that manufactures an assortment of natural cleaning products. Of course, making cleaning supplies is more economical, but when bought on sale, store-bought natural cleaners can be purchased at close to the price of conventional cleaners.

Water: Taking shorter showers can help conserve energy, as can using warm water instead of hot. (Moreover, did you know that warm water is better for the skin and hair?) Installing a low-flow showerhead can reduce by about half the amount of water used compared to a regular showerhead. They can cost about $15, but low-flow showerheads will save money on energy costs. While on the topic of water, remember two more tips: check all faucets in the house for leakage and don't let the water run while tooth brushing or shaving.

Living rooms

The thermostat: According to B.C. Hydro, "Turning the heat down by just two degrees can reduce your home heating costs by five percent." Wear a sweater, cozy slippers or socks to stay warm instead of cranking up the heat. Turning down the thermostat when no one is home or at night is a great energy saver.

Furniture: Consider visiting an auction when looking for new furniture. This can help reduce waste and can give a living room a unique look. Also determine whether or not furniture actually needs replacing; perhaps it just has to be repaired.

Bedrooms

Flooring: When considering a change in flooring, go for bamboo or natural cork flooring. Carpets are not only great playgrounds for bacteria and dust, but they are usually made from unnatural sources. Bamboo is a renewable resource and looks very appealing, but try to find high-quality bamboo, because lower qualities may have formaldehyde in their binders. Cork flooring is made from scraps of wine bottle corks and is naturally resistant to mold.

Lights: Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps), which use about 75 percent less energy. Although a CFL bulb costs more, because it lasts 10 times longer and uses about 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs, it is worth the investment. It's important to dispose of CFLs properly because they do contain a small amount of mercury (about a fifth of what is in an average watch battery), so find out where the nearest CFL recycler is. What's even better than CFLs is using no bulbs at all. Instead, open up the blinds and curtains and let some natural light in the house.

Closets: Isn't it stylish to show up to work or to a party with a one-of-a-kind outfit? Many consignment stores have exceptional quality clothing. Purchasing previously worn items is a form of recycling, which reduces the amount of total waste produced. Washing items in cold water reduces energy use and is advantageous because cold water helps delay fading and prevents clothing shrinkage.

Kitchens

Grow a garden: Even if it's just an herb garden on the windowsill, growing herbs or produce at home costs less and undoubtedly has fewer pesticides. Composting is an excellent way to use food scraps to improve the soil, just make sure to research the how tos before starting.

Dishwasher: Running the dishwasher when it's full is more efficient and uses less water than washing dishes by hand and, by either selecting the air-dry cycle or opening the dishwasher door instead of using the heat drying cycle, about 15 percent less energy is used.

Storage: When purchasing food, take notice of how it's packaged and, if possible, choose items that are loose or in bulk instead of in plastic or Styrofoam containers. If the choice is between glass and plastic, choose glass and then reuse it at home for salad dressings or other sauces.

It is important not to get frazzled when starting to go green. This should be a positive process, not one that seems impossible. Choose the easiest and smallest changes first, and try to get others involved for support and to increase awareness.

Elizabeth Nider is a freelance writer living in Richmond.