It’s estimated that the average household produces an astounding 7.5 tons of CO2 equivalents each year. For many homes, this number can be higher, while for others, it can be much lower. If you strive towards a lower carbon footprint for your own home, there are many ways you can achieve this goal. While each will require a change for your household, the benefits to the earth make it well worth it.This list of the best products for a more eco-friendly home should help you get started.
Washable Straws
Plastic straws do more harm to the earth than most people realize. Since the majority of them cannot be recycled, they must be thrown away to go into landfills. While one straw might not seem like a big deal, it’s estimated that 500 million straws are tossed into the garbage daily. Washable straws are excellent alternatives to avoid using plastic straws completely. These are affordable and easy to clean with brushes that reach from the top to the bottom.
Reusable Bags
There are many reasons why you should use reusable bags. It’s estimated that over 200,000 plastic bags go into landfills every hour of the day. This number is shocking to most, including those who use plastic bags every time they go to the grocery store. If you want to do your part in reducing this number, then investing in reusable bags is highly recommended. These can be used at the grocery store or even traditional department stores for non-food items. In addition to this, there are reusable bags for produce so you can avoid using plastic bags that are usually posted within the produce department in most grocery stores.
Water Filters
Instead of buying plastic water bottles, which can be recycled but are still bad for the earth, it’s worthwhile to invest in a home water filter. This can leave you with great tasting water that you can pour right into reusable water bottles and cups throughout the day. In addition to this, you may want to look at MBBR systems for homes. These help treat wastewater without using excess energy and can be excellent investments.
Washable Cloths
Over 3,000 tons of paper towels are thrown away each day, which is why it’s so important for every household to do their part and stop using them. Fortunately, washable cloths are excellent alternatives that are easy to find, easy to clean, and affordable. Invest in several packages of these and you’ll have enough to clean around your kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, and dining room.
Refill Bottles
Dish soap, laundry soap, and hand soap normally come in plastic containers that are thrown away and re-purchased when necessary. Throughout the year, this can mean a lot of extra containers in the garbage. To avoid constant replacement, try investing in glass bottles and re-filling them with cleaning liquids that come in large recyclable containers. With small changes, you can create a more eco-friendly home.
Use Natural Cleaners
The more natural cleaners you use in your home, the better. These are not only safer to have around children and pets, but because these don’t contain toxic chemicals, they are safer for the planet. Fortunately, more companies are making these types of products than ever before. By doing a little bit of research, you will quickly find at least a few cleaning products that are eco-friendly while still remaining effective.
Energy-efficient appliances
Finally, when buying new electronic appliances, consider the energy rating of these appliances. Appliances that use less energy will not just save you money on your energy bills but save the planet by reducing the demand on energy production. Appliances like eco-friendly washing machines can also help to preserve water with special settings. The energy rating should be clearly displayed within the product information.
Home You Can Feel Good About
When you have an eco-friendly home, you can feel good about doing your part to support a cleaner planet. While these changes may seem small, they do make a big difference when many households make an effort. The suggestions above are great ways to get started, although there are many more to incorporate as you transition to a healthier home.
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