Living a more natural, environmentally responsible lifestyle can be easy and inexpensive; in fact, it can even save you money. All it takes are a few small changes in your daily routine and habits (no sacrifice required), and before you know it, they'll become second nature to you.
1. Hang laundry outside to dry.
String some clotheslines along a sunny stretch of your lawn and hang your laundry outside with old-fashioned clothespins. The fresh air keeps clothes as sweet smelling as fabric softener does, and you'll save energy by not running your dryer. In the winter, plan to hang your laundry out to dry on warmer sunny days (temperatures should be above freezing) or set up wooden drying racks in a spare room.
2. Switch to cold water.
Set your washing machine's temperature control to "cold" when you're doing laundry. You might be surprised to learn that clothes get just as clean when washed in cold water. Doing that will not only extend the life of your clothes (because cold water is not as tough on clothes as hot water is) but also reduce the size of your utility bill. And be sure to use biodegradable laundry detergent.
3. Use natural cleaning products.
Get your kitchen spotless by wiping down countertops and appliances with a natural cleaning product like
Nature's Source® Natural All-Purpose Cleaner. It uses biodegradable plant-based cleaners to cut through grease and grime effortlessly, with no smeary residue.
4. Put on a coat.
You can buy an insulated “jacket” for your water heater, which will reduce heating loss by as much as 45 percent. The jackets cost as little as $25 at a hardware store and are easy to slip over your heater. Be sure to read and follow all directions carefully. And note that the U.S. Department of Energy recommends that if you use a jacket on an electric water heater, you keep the thermostat under 130 degrees F to avoid overheating the wiring.
5. Use cloth napkins and dishtowels.
Minimize your use of wasteful paper towels and napkins by investing in super-absorbent cloth dishtowels (use them to mop up spills) and a few sets of pretty cloth napkins.
6. Bundle up.
Turn the thermostat down a few degrees. Instead of warming yourself with expensive fuel, grab a cozy sweater, cuddle under a throw while watching TV, or put a down comforter on the bed. And be sure to turn down the temperature when you're going to be out of the house for a long period of time. Lowering your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees F for eight hours a day can shave off as much as 15 percent from your annual heating bills.
To make temperature regulation easier while you’re asleep or away, consider installing a programmable thermostat with settings that fit your family’s schedule. These can be purchased for as little as $30 and can save you hundreds of dollars a year.
7. Air out your home.
In the winter months, when windows and doors are kept tightly shut, air can get stale. Every few weeks, throw open your windows and doors, turn on the attic or ceiling fan and let some fresh air circulate through the house. Just make sure to turn off the heat first.
8. Keep filters clean.
Periodically clean out air-conditioning filters and heating ducts to ensure that your systems run efficiently and that dust doesn’t get recycled throughout the house. This can also help cut down on indoor airborne allergens that you could be sensitive to.
9. Be dishwasher savvy.
Minimize your dishwasher’s energy usage by running only full loads and, if possible, turning the water temperature down slightly. And if you scrape off dishes by hand, the prerinse cycle is not necessary unless there is baked-on food. Then let the dishes air-dry by either setting your dishwasher accordingly or shutting it off manually after the final rinse.
10. Time your showers.
Save water and the energy it takes to heat it by streamlining your shower routine. Set an egg timer for five minutes and try to get your soaping and rinsing done within that time. Afterward, use
Nature's Source® Natural Bathroom Cleaner to remove tough dirt, grime, soap scum and hard-water deposits.
And don’t forget about regular preventive maintenance for your bathroom drains before clogs become an expensive problem.
Drano® Max Build-Up Remover prevents clogs from forming in your pipes and removes pre-existing buildup to keep your drains flowing smoothly. Its unique formula uses natural enzymes and bacteria to cut down on clogs without harming pipes, garbage disposals or septic tanks.