Living sustainably is now more important than ever to combat large-scale environmental pollution, and to slow down global warming. Greening your home has a positive impact not only on the environment, but also on your family’s health. The following seven tips on “greening” your home will reduce your households’ carbon footprints and make the world a better place today and in the future.
1. Change all regular incandescent light bulbs to CFL bulbs. CFL lights use over 60% less energy than their cheaper counterparts, and will also bring about significant savings on your electrical bill. Using CFL’s can have a tremendous effect on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, which are the number one contributor to global warming. See http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?id=18438 for more details
2. Keep track of your thermostat. Almost half of your home’s energy use is related to the heating and cooling of your home. Since most thermostats are programmable, during the summer months set your thermostat to 78 degrees, and during winter months keep it set to 62 degrees. Use these settings when your home is empty during the day and program the thermostat to return to a comfortable temperature before arriving home. This one change will reflect pretty nicely on your electric bill.
3. Clean Green. Toxic house cleaning products are harmful to your family’s health and that of the environment. Choose products that are phosphate free, petroleum free, and butyl-cellosolve free. Plant based cleaners are the safest bets, and you can even make your own home cleaners from natural products such as vinegar, baking soda, plain soap, essential oils, and more.
4. Use Low-VOC products. VOC’s are volatile organic compounds that are commonly found in paints. VOC’s contribute to smog, ozone pollution, and most importantly – indoor air quality. Paints with VOC’s can affect your indoor air quality even after the paint has dried. Buy paints with the green seal to ensure that your paint has low amounts of VOC’s or is actually VOC free.
5. Reduce Water Consumption. Water is one of the most essential natural resources, and the U.S. along with the rest of the world, is experiencing more water shortages than ever before. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE52900K20090310 . You can cut your household’s water usage in half by purchasing an aerator for faucets and installing low flow showerheads. You can also try simple things like cutting down on the number of times you water your lawn, watering your lawn at night, and turning off the faucet when you brush your teeth.
6. Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances. Appliances represent more than 15% of your household’s total energy consumption. Energy star appliances use up to 50% less energy and water than other models. Whenever possible, purchase appliances with the Energy Star logo, it can make a huge difference in your electric bill and energy use.
7. Recycle, Recycle, Recycle. Recycling cuts down on natural resource usage, reduces landfills, and reduces pollution of the environment. Make sure to recycle all paper, aluminum, glass, and plastic products. You would be suprised about how much trash these items can generate and some of them take forever to decompose-i.e. glass and aluminum cans. Begin recycling and be suprised about how many products you place in your recycling bin insted of your trashcan!
Seven Ways to Green Your Home 
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