TriState Pennysaver News

- by Ceil Petrucelli

It's easier than you think to "be green" around your home. Sometimes, just incorporating a few small changes or rethinking how you live, what products you use (or reuse), and just being more conscious and aware of your daily habits and how much you actually "consume" can make a big difference over a period of time. Here are a few simple things you can do to make your home a greener and healthier place to live.

1. Take your shoes off when you come into the house. We bring in a lot of dirt on our shoes, so place a mat, bin, or tray by your main entry and take your shoes off when you enter. I have a tray by my front door (no real "mudroom" at my house) and I leave my "outside shoes" there and keep a pair of comfy slip-ons or slippers to wear around the house. My "inside shoes" don't usually go outside.

2. Replace your incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Did you know that CFLs use up to 75% less electricity and last up to 10 times longer than regular light bulbs? They've come a long way over the past few years, too. Yes, they are a little more expensive, but worth the investment in the long run. Just replace your other bulbs as they burn out.

3. Shop with canvas bags versus using paper or plastic. Keep a few in your car so you're not caught without one when you go grocery shopping or running errands. Think of the trees you'll be saving. The production of plastic bags uses up large amounts of non-renewable petroleum; they are not biodegradable; most end up in landfills (or in the ocean) polluting the soil and water and often pose a serious threat to wildlife and birds.

4. Replace your paper napkins with cloth napkins. Cloth napkins are available at many retailers, or you can make your own from a yard of inexpensive fabric. You may also be able to find them at tag sales and flea markets.

5. Begin using non-toxic and natural cleaning products. You can purchase many green cleaning products now at your local supermarkets or discount stores, or use products you already have around the house like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, salt, baby oil, and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Sometimes, all you need is a little hot water, mild detergent, and elbow grease to keep your house clean and chemical-free.

6. Don't use paper towels as frequently for clean-ups or to dry your hands. Use a kitchen towel to dry your hands and a micro fiber cloth to wipe down countertops, appliances, and to clean up minor spills.

7. Look for linens and textiles made from natural and organic fibers and water-based dyes. Pillows, comforters, sheets, and blankets made from organic cotton are free from potentially dangerous pesticides.

8. Use low or no VOC paints and stains. Did you know that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the air for years after you paint? Most paint manufacturers now produce at least one or more non-VOC paint products. Benjamin Moore and Sherwin-Williams are two of my favorite brands.

9. Clean your washing machine and dishwasher quarterly by running a cleaning cycle using a bleach and water solution. Especially if you have a front loading washer or a drawer dishwasher that tend to collect water and can get musty or moldy. Air them out regularly as well.

10. Keep your bed pillows and mattresses fresh by cleaning regularly. Air out your mattress and vacuum regularly. Replace your bed pillows at least every three years and wash them regularly. Use hypoallergenic pillow covers and mattress pads under your sheets and pillowcases to block dust mites and other allergens.

11. If you're thinking about redecorating and buying new furniture, think it through again. You may be able to reuse and repurpose your existing furniture by rearranging it, swapping pieces out from different rooms, or repainting or recovering a piece that has seen better days. Not only will repurposing save you some "green," it will keep discarded furniture out of landfills.

12. Rethink some of your recycling. Do you have some glass jars which can be reused to store things like nails, screws, small parts? Do you have some cans which can be cleaned out then painted or covered with pretty paper and used to store pencils, pens, paint brushes, etc.? Paper bags, cardboard cartons, and shoeboxes can be given a second life with some creative thinking.

13. Replace your vinyl shower curtain liner with a nylon one. Vinyl (also known as PVC) shower curtains release dioxin, a known carcinogen. In addition, they are slow to decompose and clog landfills. If you do use a vinyl liner, wash it often with a mild detergent and a little white vinegar to keep mold, mildew, and soap scum to a minimum.

14. When you're updating bathroom or light fixtures, replace with energy star rated ones. Not only will you be saving energy, you'll probably see a difference in your electric bill as well.

15. Are new appliances in your budget anytime soon? When purchasing new appliances, make sure they are energy star rated which can save you a bundle on your electric or gas bill and water consumption over time. If your old appliances are still in good shape, you can sell them or donate them. If in bad shape, contact a hauler or scrap metal dealer to dispose of them.

These are just a few tips to get you started. For more ideas, there are lots of on-line resources, magazines, and books available as well as local resources which can assist you.

Ceil Petrucelli is an interior designer, decorator, and home organizing consultant based in Bennington, VT and is the owner of Ceil Petrucelli Interiors and The House Therapist. She specializes in family, pet, and eco-friendly design solutions for your home. She can be reached at ceilpetrucelli@comcast.net or her website www.ceilpetrucelliinteriors.com