House/Home
Green Laundry Tips
Wash only when dirty. Most pants and some shirts can be worn two to three times before washing.
Line dry clothes year round. A large drying rack will make this easy and convenient. The U.S. Department of Energy rates clothes dryers as the second biggest user of household energy.
Buy concentrated laundry detergent in refillable containers. This cuts down on shipping weight and garbage.
Green Roof
A green rooftop is a rooftop that incorporates plants as part of a building’s roofing system. Properly designed, green roofs are stable, living ecosystems that replicate many of the processes found in nature. Green rooftops can provide multiple ecological benefits including stormwater management, water quality improvements, reductions in energy use, air quality improvement and increased wildlife habitat.
Cloth Diapering
As a mother, I am often questioned about the choices I make in raising my children. Every time I leave the house with my 5 month old I am bombarded with unsolicited advice about all aspects of his well-being ranging from his attire to his diet. Nothing has brought on more comments, though, than my decision to use cloth diapers.
From “Brown” to “Green”
Most homeowners typically face an array of choices involved in designing, building, outfitting, upgrading, expanding, tweaking, and/or overhauling the sanctuaries in which they reside. For many, it provides an important opportunity to express their personal values in the choices made, be they ethical, social, aesthetic, or environmental.
Products That Make a Difference for the Environment and Your Wallet
As energy costs rise, consumers must find ways to reduce their energy consumption to not only save money, but to also protect the environment by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases caused by burning fossil fuels. Using appliances less frequently can cut energy usage or consumers can switch to energy efficient appliances without making the sacrifice. For example, with ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators, homeowners can save energy and money while helping to protect our environment.
A Balancing Act
We’ve all seen the lists of things we can do to reduce waste at home – bring a reusable bag to the store, recycle, buy in bulk, compost food scraps, buy less stuff – and the list goes on. Many of us have taken some of these steps toward waste-free living. What is it that keeps us from making more of these lifestyle changes? Are there simply too many to make? Is it hard to know which choices will have the most impact? Are some of the choices more expensive or less convenient than their more environmentally sound alternatives?
Using Water Wisely: Why Not Start Right Now?
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