A Green Home is a Happy Home!

A GREEN HOME IS A HAPPY HOME

Energy‐efficient appliances, windows and other green upgrades are a great way to live environmentally friendly, but there are other simple (and inexpensive) steps you can take to keep green in your home.

Clean green

Cleaning products can be toxic and unsafe. Be sure to check labels and when possible substitute conventional products for green‐friendly or homemade cleaners. Lemon juice, vinegar, lavender oil and natural soaps are great alternatives.

Recycle

Tossing recyclables in your bin is a great first step, but get smart with recycling by visiting your city’s website and following its instructions. For example, pizza boxes and other items with food grease are often non‐recyclable. Glossy paper, which used to be a throwaway item, can be recycled today in most cases.

Improve your air

Did you know that houseplants can help rid air of pollutants and toxins? Areca palm, Reed palm, Dwarf date palm, Boston fern and Janet Craig dracaena in particular are known for air‐ quality effectiveness.

Limit paper consumption

Consider registering with the Direct Marketing Association to stop junk mail delivery and sign up for paperless billing to manage your payments online.

Reuse

Harvest rainwater for watering your houseplants and garden. Ask your local hardware or home store for tips on collection options that are cost‐ effective and easy to install.

Repurpose

Check local used‐item listings before buying new, use glass jars as leftover containers and bulk storage, and make rags out of old towels and T‐shirts.