5 Ways to Make Your Home Greener and Healthier

Housekeeping Tips

By Natural Health+

Turning your home into a green environment is not only better for the planet, but will also help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. From a simple rearrangement of your existing stuff to converting key areas to an eco-friendly section, your house can be a major contributor to green living.

Here are 5 ways to make your home greener and healthier:

1. Reduce water consumption. Take short showers instead of soaking in the tub, which use fifty per cent less water. Install a two-flush toilet that expends only half a tank for pees. Finally, use the microwave oven to thaw frozen food instead of placing them under an open faucet.

2. Consider evaporative coolers. Also called swamp coolers, these alternatives to air conditioners have fans draw air from pads soaked with cold water, cooling rooms by as much as thirty per cent while using seventy five per cent less energy. On the other hand, these coolers work best in dry climate and can be taxing to your water bill. You may improve room insulation to also reduce heating bills further.

3. Reduce the use of toxic products. Chemical-intensive insecticides, floor cleaners and other household products all contribute to the long-term problem of hazardous waste disposal and environmental poisoning. Look for eco-friendly counterparts or use healthier substitutes, and dispose empty containers properly.

4. Use energy-saving light bulbs. The prevalent compact fluorescent bulbs use only a fraction of the energy consumed by incandescent bulbs and last much longer. The newer LED bulbs are even more efficient, and their prices continue to plummet as more and more people switch over. These bulbs are designed to fit into existing light sockets for convenience.

5. Plant trees around the house. Not only will trees shade your house from the sun and reduce your cooling costs, they will also beautify your lawn. Fruit trees can even provide nourishment and some variants require minimal maintenance.

After applying these five methods, keep looking for ways to convert your house into a green haven. These steps will ensure years of efficient, healthy living while doing your share to help the environment.