Green Fixes for a Better Planet
• When you buy a new carpet, ask the showroom to unroll it for 2 weeks before delivering to air it our. Low for low-or no VOC paints carrying the Green Seal and carpets with the Carpet and Rug Institute tag; these labels guarantee few emissions.
• Plug gadgets-especially your cell phone charger, computer, and all its peripherals-into a surge protector strip. When you turn off the strip, it’s like you have actually unplugged them completely and they are just draining the power still.
• Can’t invest in a new model of fridge just yet? Then keep your fridge full,. since it takes more energy to cool an empty space in your fridge. Just don’t overstuff it, cool air can’t circulate when food is crammed against the top and sides of the fridge.
• Don’t use a snow blower to clear your driveway or sidewalk of snow, instead use a Wovel, a wheelbarrow-like shovel that lets you clear your driveway without straining your back. When spring comes, trade your gas mower for a lightweight, push-operated reel mower instead as well. This burns more calories and not carbon, which is a great change.
• A glass door is safest for the shower than a shower curtain. Wipe it daily to prevent mold and mildew. If you don’t want the expense of installing one, choose a curtain made of nylon or a natural material. Hemp cloth won’t leak through, so no liner is needed for that choice. Just close the curtain to let it air-dry, and wash it every few weeks.
• When washing your laundry, set the temperature gauge to slash your household’s energy use. But, wash sheets on hot to kill dust mites and reduce allergies. A study found that washing bedding in hot water killed 100% of dust mites, compared with only 6.5% in warms water.
*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Unload your truck, the lighter your load, the less gas your car consumes. Ending up saving you money and also helping the planet.
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