Go Green Without Going Broke

You may not be aware of it, but more and more people around the world suffer from respiratory diseases, allergies, and other intolerances. What is scary is that the numbers of asthma-related cases have been increasing gradually over the past five decades. In all likelihood, the polluted air, indoors and outdoors, is to blame. Additionally, you can’t watch your favorite show on TV without coming across advertising campaigns about the endangered wildlife. Admittedly, in most cases, these campaigns rely on donations, which may not be very efficient as most viewers don’t pay attention to the advertising break. Nevertheless, there’s a common denominator to the planet’s suffering, and it’s us. The human presence has put at risk the survival of several plants and animals, without mentioning our own. Will the children or your children still be able to walk in the woods or smell wildflowers? Will they hear the songs of the birds in the morning? Or will they need to wear a breathing mask to go outside? While this might sound like a pessimistic perspective, there’s no need to deny it anymore: People need to embrace a green lifestyle to protect the future of the planet. Here’s how you can transform your household into an environmentally friendly home without breaking the bank.

Go green for less

Know your way around waste

In 2013, the American population generated about 254 million tons of waste. In fact, 99% of what you buy become trash within 6 months’ time. In other words, we live in a world of waste. If we don’t manage what we buy and what we throw away, the planet will suffocate under trash before your children’s children are born. Consequently, it’s important to start a waste management plan in your home. If you have a garden, you can repurpose organic waste such as vegetable peels or food leftovers with a compost bin. This will provide your soil with the nutrients and minerals it needs. For all large items, such as a broken washing machine or anything that isn’t organic and doesn’t fit in a recycling bin, you can rent a dumpster from Shamrock Environmental. By the way, if you haven’t planned anything already, January is a good month to clear out your home from damaged and unwanted items, especially as you take your Christmas ornaments down. Finally, remember that items that can be recycled such as food wrappings and bottles need to be cleaned. Recycling centers are forced to reject dirty items, which defeat the purpose.

Clean home the green way

Keeping your home clean is important. Most households have a weekly cleaning program that targets dust, mold and the dirty laundry. However, have you ever stopped to consider the impact of your cleaning products on the environment? Chemical products are often evacuated through the plumbing systems and require additional treatment in water management centers to be fully removed. Not only are they costly to filter out of the water, but they can also put your health at risk. Instead, you could use non-toxic products that are safe for children and pets, and for the planet. Using lemon, for example, is a great way to remove most household bacteria. White vinegar is useful to remove some odors and stains. Regular ventilation and effective insulation can get rid of mold safely. What about a bug or rodent infestation? More often than not, keeping a clean home can prevent the presence of unwanted guests. As a preventive approach, you might want to adopt a friendly cat!

Organic cleaning

Save the planet, one bulb at the time

An energy-efficient home is a win-win, for the planet and your budget. Contrary to the common belief, you don’t need to add a solar panel to your roof to cut down your energy bills. In fact, all you need to do is to change your consumption habits. Keep the appliances you don’t need unplug, as more often than not they continue to consume energy even when left on standby. Always use LED light bulbs, which can save up to 50% energy.

Shop and eat local

How you shop can save the planet. Indeed, reducing the food miles by buying local products gets rid of the carbon footprints generated during the transportation of imported products. Additionally, you get fresher products that have not been frozen for transport. Finally, you can help to protect the local wildlife as you support your community farms. Farmers manage the local environment without causing the damages that large producers and businesses would create.

Going green is, as you can see, extremely easy. It’s accessible to all, and every little step can make a great deal of difference. So what are you waiting for to save the planet from you

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