| By :
Mark Etinger
Going green is more than just a trend, it's a lifestyle. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, here are some basic ways to help the environment. These range from the simple to the more dedicated, but all will help you feel better about how you live and the way you impact the world. 1. White Vinegar: This liquid is a powerful solvent that you can use on its own for difficult stains, or combine a tablespoon with a quart of water for everyday cleaning. Much less harsh on surfaces than chemicals, white vinegar is an environmentally friendly cleaner. 2. Dry Cleaning: Most dry cleaners use toxins like perchloroethylene to remove stains from your clothes. Look around your area for an eco-friendly dry cleaner, or if there isn't one, remove your clothes from the dry cleaner bag to air out. Single use plastic garment bags are a huge waste and clog landfills. A reusable garment bag can bring greater functionality to your dry cleaning, serving as a laundry bag, a garment bag and a hanging hamper. Talk to your dry cleaner about one. 3. Glass storage: BPA's are found in just about everything plastic. The FDA is still examining the negative side effects of BPA's. If you want to avoid potential health risks, switch to glass storage for food. 4. PV systems: If you want to invest in a renewable energy system, pv solar panels are your best choice. They take the energy from the sun and conserve it until it is used by you for appliances and lighting in your home. The government offers large incentives to make the switch to a renewable energy system and will reimburse you for up to 30% of the investment, not to mention you won't have any more electric bill. 5. Buy organic: From free-trade products for your bathroom and bedroom to the food you eat, this tip is comprehensive. This includes sustainable wood beds and dressers without formaldehyde, which is synthetic and is not only of a lesser quality, but is harmful to the environment. Organic cotton breathes more easily, which allows for the easy release of body heat - you will never wake up in an ice cold sweat again. Look at the labels of what you buy to ensure that there are few, if any, toxins and chemicals. 6. Mulch: Rather than buying fertilizers and plant food, you can improve your garden naturally, without spending any money. Using dead leaves, selected food scraps, and other garden leftovers, you can create your own compost and reduce the garbage that goes to the landfills. Don't forget to recycle your plastic, paper and metals too! 7. Plant a tree: If you want to cut back on cooling costs during the summer, think about a strategically planted tree to provide shade for your home. Besides cutting costs, trees are beautiful, natural, and will produce clean oxygen for you and all of your neighbors. These 7 healthy tips for a greener home will give you cash back in your pocket and will make you feel better about contributing to a greener, safer world.
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