10 Easy Ways to Green your Home

Our lives are full of to-do lists, healthier ways to live, and be a happier person- so I'll keep it short. Here are a few easy ways to make your home healthier for you and the environment. 

1. Use a fabric shower curtain
Plastic shower curtains aren't recycle-able and can off-gas in your home. (P.U.) Fabric shower curtains are also easier to clean, just throw them in the wash when needed, way easier than scrubbing.

2. Direct your power bill to green energy
I use Arcadia Power's free version, 50% of my regular energy bill goes to renewable energy (wind and solar). They are a national company and you can participate whether you are renter or homeowner, super cool! Use my referral code & receive a discount on your first bill.

3. Use eco friendly cleaning supplies
Chemical cleaners are unhealthy for us and our water supply, while all natural cleaners smell like heaven and do the job just as well. Some of my faves are:
Dishes - I love Mrs. Meyers lavender dish soap, smells delicious & is easy on your skin too.
Laundry - I prefer the Trader Joe's liquid detergent, the scent is light and fresh and cleans everything well. It's also safe to use for front-loading washers & lasts forever.
Bathroom cleaner - Method Bathroom Cleaner, it's a tough cleaner & smells trés bien.
Kitchen cleaner - Trader Joe's Cedarwood & Sage Multipurpose Cleaner

4. Use washable and re-usable cleaning cloths
These are so easy to use & throw in the wash when needed. I much prefer using these to paper towels - they save paper waste and also don't leave little paper flecks behind.
Dusting & Surface Cleaning - Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Windows - Method window + glass microfiber cloth

5. Use dryer balls instead of fabric sheets
These last for years (I've had mine for 3 years and still going strong) and they also help your clothes dry more quickly.

6. Use a water filter instead of bottled water.
Number one, the plastic bottles are terrible for our environment. Two, 25% of the water is actually tap water and many bottled water options actually contain toxic chemicals. I use this PUR filter which also removes lead. Bonus - PUR also recycles the filters, just mail them back when it's time to change the filter. I also love my reusable water bottle, which keeps your water nice and cold.

7. Compost & Recycle
My kitchen trash can is so petite (4.5 liters) due to composting and recycling. I keep the compost in the freezer until the bag is full to bring to my community garden. It also helps your freezer from running more frequently due to helping fill the freezer (a full freezer runs less than an empty one). Check our recycling guide for more on recycling info. 

8. Don't microwave plastic
If you use a microwave, use glass or ceramic dishes that are microwave safe instead of plastic. When the plastic is heated, it leaches chemicals into your food and in the air.

9. Conserve water
One easy way is when you're brushing your teeth, turn the water off - voila! (Don't let the faucet run when not in direct use in general btw.) Here are more ways to save water at home.

10. Use recycled paper Toilet Paper 
Trader Joe's is my fave for TP, it's 100% recycled paper and a few dollars for 12 rolls