A Greener Home: Earth Day Tips On How You Can Make Your Home More Earth Friendly

I've reached out to my readers and clients on things that they do to make their homes greener and I have put those suggestions, along with other, here for you to read. Sometimes just doing the small things around your home can really go along way. Especially if a lot of people are doing them. So let's start with some of those simply tips:

*Turn off the lights in a room if you don't need them on
*Turn off your faucet when brushing your teeth
*Unplug the things that don't need to be plugged in. Even a phone charger that is plugged into the wall when your phone isn't attached to it, is wasting energy.
*Wait till you have a full load of laundry or dishes before doing a wash.

Now here are some tips my readers and clients use around their homes:

Dawn from North Carolina writes "Clean with vinegar. If you don't like the smell you can add orange peels to cover up the vinegar odor plus it adds an extra grease cutting ability."

Becky from North Hills admits "Before bed, my husband pees right after I pee, and then we only have to flush once! Haha! Saving water 1 pee at a time!"

My personal thought on Becky's suggestion is that this might not be for everyone...but if you do want to save the Earth one flush at a time, I would suggest adding this tip to making your home a greener place: Try waiting till your husband or wife is ready to take a shower and save some water by taking only one...together. 

I personally use vodka to clean and sterilize floors and counters. I use a steam mop on my floors and lightly sprinkle a cheap vodka while mopping. I also clean my counter tops with good old fashion soap and water. 

*When your dish sponge starts to get an odor, don't toss it out, just put it in the dishwasher with the dirty dishes and run a cycle. Good as new! 

*Solar panels aren't just for the fancy green home owners anymore. Did you know that you can rent them for your house now? And if you own a condo here in SoCal, you are allowed to put them on your roof there too. Now this is exciting! 

*How about a rainwater cathment systems? These are wonderful sources for watering your yard and plants. They even have an association where you can learn more about the systems at http://www.arcsa.org/ 

*Don't forget that even though you may not be using an appliance at the moment, if it is plugged in, even if it's off, it is using energy. So unplug everything that isn't necessary. 

*reuse your paper towels. When you wipe the counter, wash it in water and wipe the floors too. They can be reused time and time again. 
 
*And those reusable bags you use at the grocery store...can't we use these or other similar bags when we go to clothing stores or places like Target? Sure we can! I wouldn't use the exact same ones you use for food to put clothes in but just buy a few extra for these types of shopping trips! 

Do you have any great tips you use around your home that make you a greener person? I would love to hear and share them with others so please add your own comments on here and let's start working towards a greener, more Earth friendly, home.