Green living is becoming ever more popular with every passing year albeit at a relatively slower pace than we would all like it to happen. A lot of us can make subtle changes in our lives which would not only benefit the environment but also our own households. These changes however cannot be implemented all at once since they are something we must be aware of at all times so we can turn them into a habit. We have prepared our list of things you can do to live green in a sensible manner without too much hassle:
- Consider buying a laptop – desktop computers are known to have a higher consumption rate. Having a laptop will not only give you mobility but it will also cut your power bill as well.
- When dusting use a cloth and water instead of toxic chemicals to do the dusting itself. You will do the same job without having to breathe all the chemicals in.
- Keep your home shoe-free as there are many contaminants we track into our house with them. Some people even walk around their home with their shoes on thus spreading everything around and then breathing it in. Consider a nice shoe rack to avoid this.
- Look for perfume-free products in both cleaning and doing laundry as many of the chemicals used in creating these synthetic aromas are irritating to sensitive skin and lungs.
- Buy yourself a HEPA vacuum cleaner capable of filtrating the tiniest of particles. Old-fashioned vacuums spread an alarming amount of dust as much as they suck it up because of their inefficient filtration.
- Carpets are a real breeding ground for dust mites and they collect contaminants very well. Either avoid using them around your home in favor of hardwood floors or vacuum all the carpets carefully every week to keep the contaminants to a minimum.
- When you’re buying new appliances seriously consider only working with those with the Energy Star rating as they are much more efficient consumption-wise. You will save a good amount of money and you will help the environment as well by lowering your power consumption.
- Find ways to avoid lead paint in old homes because of its toxic qualities. Paint made prior to 1978 was made this way until its hazardous qualities were discovered. Sanding this paint can lead to it settling into your carpet or elsewhere. Lead paint is especially dangerous for pregnant women and young children because of their sensitive immune systems.
- Avoid disturbing and dealing with asbestos insulation around your home as it is a very insidious substance whose microscopic fibers can be easily taken into your lungs or even through your skin. If you touched asbestos never touch your eyes until you’ve washed them well. Avoid using asbestos as an insulation in future construction if you live in a country where its still used.
- When you’re painting avoid paint which contains volatile compounds as they can convert to gas given the correct temperature and sunlight. This builds up smog not to mention endanger the air quality inside your home. Look for paint which is free of those to avoid the danger.
- Consider using a bacteria-based solution for any clogging in your drains. They are sold around hardware stores and what they do is breed a bacterial environment which feeds on the goop which accumulates down pipes while at the same time being friendly to humans. These will need some more time to work so give them enough so they can breed and don’t worry they’re not dangerous.