It’s Easy Being Green
More and more people are becoming conscious of their environmental impact and
seeking out ways to be more eco-friendly. There are a variety of
things you can do, some small, some big, to take care of the environment
in your own home or office.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- New lightbulbs Perhaps the simplest change you can make is to
replace your incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs).
Though CFLs are going to cost more initially, in the end you’ll
end up saving because these bulbs use two-thirds less energy and last
up to 10 times longer.
- Synthetic-chemical-free cleaners When you do your wash, choose a
laundry detergent that doesn’t contain petroleum-based cleansers,
chlorine, phosphorus, artificial fragrances or dyes. You should look
for products that are vegetable based, and are both nontoxic and
biodegradable. You can also find eco-friendly, low-impact detergents
for your dishwasher.
- Alternatives to carpeting Many carpeting materials contain toxic
chemicals, so you might consider laying down rugs made of natural fibers.
If you choose to remove your carpeting completely, try installing sustainable
bamboo or cork flooring.
- Low-VOC paint When it’s time to repaint your space, or if you’re
looking to add color to an existing wall, consider using low- or no-VOC latex
products. These paints are readily available, and worth the extra
cost.
- Eco-friendly furniture You shouldn’t throw out the furniture you
already have in order to get more eco-friendly versions. But, if you
are in the market for new furnishings, look for manufacturers that
use sustainable wood, or wood alternatives such as bamboo. Other things to
consider when buying include the lacquers used during manufacturing, and what
kind of foam or other materials fill the cushions.
You can find more information about environmental impact and green products online
at websites such as
Seventh Generation,
knowyoursource and
The Lazy Environmentalist.
And for even more tips on going green, check out the Fall 2007 issue of
mtj!
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