This week I thought it might be cool to go room by room and offer some tips that are both easy and will make your rooms greener and healthier.
Let’s kick it off with a high traffic area – the living room:
- If you have a fireplace or woodstove, make sure that you close the damper when you don’t have a fire going. You can save a lot on your energy use and electric bill by containing the air or heat you keep inside your house.
- Buy furniture made from sustainable woods or recycled materials.
- Try to buy soft furniture and fixtures, like sofas, carpet, chairs, and blankets in organics or natural, renewable fabrics and materials.
- You can also go for alternative non-carpet flooring choices.
- Turn off the television at least two nights a week (more if you can). It’s summer so you can head out for an evening game of Frisbee with the family, or simply have a family game or quiet-time night.
- Unplug equipment when not in use. Your stereo does not need to be plugged in 24/7 and it drains electricity.
- Choose the best air conditioner for your space.
- Buy plants that actually help to improve air quality – your whole family will feel better.
- Use LED lighting to light small reading areas, and use long lasting eco-friendly light bulbs in other lighting accessories. Once in a while try lighting organic soy candles instead of turning on the lights.
- Clean and dust your living room without the use of toxic chemicals.