How to Go Green at Home

Instructions Step 1: Unplug your spare fridge Got an old refrigerator you keep in the garage? Unplug it for the summer; an inefficient unit in a hot room can really run up your electric bill. Step 2: If you have central air-conditioning, don’t close the vents to unused rooms thinking you’re saving money. Research has …

Instructions Step 1: Wait until the leaves have turned brown Wait until the leaves have started to turn brown before you rake them up. If you have a lawn mower or a leaf shredder, shred the leaves before raking them. Both of these techniques help the leaves to compost more quickly. Step 2: Place the …

Transcript Man: Leftovers? Woman: Tag your green! Man: Let food cool down a little before putting it in the refrigerator. The hotter the food, the harder the fridge has to work, and the more energy it consumes. A-ha!

Transcript Man: Got a garden? Woman: Tag your green! Man: Water it before 8 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Otherwise, as much as 30% of the water is lost to evaporation. Smart!

Transcript Man: Falling leaves? Woman: Tag your green! Man: Don’t bag or burn them. Both harm the environment. Leave them where they fall and mow them once a week instead. They’ll turn into fertilizer. Easy!

Instructions Step 1: Use natural decorative materials Use natural materials such as pinecones, evergreen boughs, and homemade popcorn and cranberry strings for your holiday decor. Step 2: Bring a cloth bag shopping Bring a cloth bag when you go shopping, and decline plastic or fancy shopping bags. Step 3: Give gifts of experience Gifts of …

Instructions Step 1: Turn off the water Teach your kids to turn off the water while they brush, and to conserve water by taking shorter showers or to use less water in the bathtub. Set a timer to make it a fun challenge. TIP: Set a good example for your family by practicing energy-saving techniques …

Instructions Step 1: Get rid of BPA Recycle or throw out old containers made of hard, clear plastic, because they are likely to contain BPA that can leach into your drinking water. TIP: Old products containing BPA are usually labeled with plastic number 7, but being in the number 7 class doesn’t necessarily mean the …

Instructions Step 1: Try diatomaceous earth Available at garden centers, diatomaceous earth is an odorless powder that is to many insects what Kryptonite is to Superman. Made of the fossilized shells of the prehistoric sea creature diatom, it causes critters to dehydrate and die. Step 2: Use essential oils on skin You may like the …

Instructions Step 1: Ask yourself if you really want water Only ask restaurant servers to bring you a glass of water and refill it if you’re planning to drink it. Step 2: Check your toilet Make sure your toilet isn’t leaking by putting a drop of food coloring in the tank. If it shows up …

Instructions Step 1: Get a green machine If your washer is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an energy-efficient one. Energy-efficient models use half the water and about 35% less energy per load. TIP: Look for washing machines marked with the Energy Star logo. Step 2: Buy eco-friendly detergent Buy eco-friendly laundry …

Instructions Step 1: Change your sheets When it’s time to buy new bedding, look for sheets made from organic or chemically untreated cotton, hemp, or bamboo, which even big wholesale chains now carry. And make sure your next mattress is made from organic cotton, wool, or natural latex or rubber. Step 2: Buy pillows At …

Instructions Step 1: Let fresh air in Open your windows and let the fresh air in. Use exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom to boost indoor air quality even further. Step 2: Shine with vinegar Vinegar cuts grease and dirt. For cleaning windows, fill a spray bottle with water combined with one quarter cup …

Instructions Step 1: Look for the logo The easiest way to find ‘green’ appliances is to look for the Energy Star logo, which indicates that the model far exceeds the federal minimum requirements for energy efficiency. Step 2: Compare energy guides Compare the energy guide—a sticker that indicates the energy efficiency of the product—on models …

Instructions Step 1: Replace your old water guzzler with a low-flow toilet. By law, new toilets must use 1.6 gallons of water per flush or less to get the job done, compared to 5 to 7 gallons in the old days. Step 2: If you can’t get a new toilet, make sure yours doesn’t have …

Instructions Step 1: Read labels Check labels when you shop. Look for natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, cashmere, bamboo, hemp, and linen. Step 2: Avoid synthetics Avoid new synthetic fabrics made with petrochemicals, such as acrylic, polyester, rayon, nylon, or anything labeled stain-proof or wrinkle resistant. Many such fabrics are treated with chemicals that …

Instructions Step 1: Check your water temperature by holding a meat thermometer under the hot water faucet for a few minutes. If it’s over 120 degrees, it’s time to adjust the thermostat. Step 2: Before you open up any part of an electric water heater, turn the power off! Water and 220 volts DO NOT …

Instructions Step 1: Install a water-efficient showerhead. At about 2.5 gallons per minute, the showerhead will use less than 13 gallons for a five-minute shower—as compared to 30 to 50 gallons for a typical bath. Step 2: Time your shower. Right before you jump in, set the timer to five minutes. Step 3: Soap your …

Instructions Step 1: Remove old caulk Remove all old caulk around the area you’re going to seal with the putty knife. Make sure the surface is clean and dry. Step 2: Clean area Use a strong cleaning solution if necessary to remove all grease and grime. Step 3: Load caulking gun Cut 1/4 inch off …

Instructions Step 1: Examine old bulbs Examine your old bulbs. Note their wattage and color. Step 2: Note light fixture details Note the size, shape, and location of your light fixtures. TIP: Take special care to measure enclosed light fixtures to be sure that larger CFLs will fit. Step 3: Calculate CFL watts Calculate how …

Instructions Step 1: Plant native shrubs, trees, and flowers that are adapted to the rainfall in your area. Step 2: Plant low, spreading plants such as sedum to provide living ground cover, which holds moisture in your soil. Step 3: Limit the amount of yard space given over to thirsty lawn, and increase the amount …

Instructions Step 1: Plant native vegetation Plant whatever flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs are native to you area (your library or local gardening club can help). Because they have adapted to your area’s climate and soil, they will require less care—meaning fewer pesticides and fertilizers. TIP: Save water by including drought-resistant perennials in your landscaping. …

Instructions Step 1: Make a half-assed air-conditioner Mimic the cooling effects of AC by putting a heaping bowl of ice in front of a fan. Hey, a half-assed air-conditioner is better than no air-conditioner. Step 2: Use linen sheets Use linen sheets, which are twice as cool as cotton, the next best choice. TIP: Leave …

Instructions Step 1: Avoid packaging Vote with your wallet: purchase goods with little or no packaging. Avoid buying food with unnecessary wrapping—especially Styrofoam or plastic—such as pre-packaged fruits and vegetables. TIP: Whenever possible, buy in bulk—you’ll save money and the planet. Step 2: Start a compost Instead of throwing out coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, …

Instructions Step 1: Switch your lights Swap your regular light bulbs for compact fluorescent lights. Not only do they use up to 90% less energy, they also last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Step 2: Get a plant Get a plant. They don’t just look nice; according to a study by NASA, …

Instructions Step 1: Get your furnace tuned up Get your furnace tuned up before winter sets in. Doing this annually will keep your furnace running efficiently. Step 2: Install a programmable thermostat Install a programmable thermostat so you can lower the heat when no one is home and at night while everyone is sleeping. TIP: …