How to Go Green at Home

In today's environmentally-conscious society many people are choosing to "go green" at home. This means, consumers are choosing to buy environmentally friendly ("green") products and to use services which are earth friendly. These products and practice can certainly make a home healthier and more comfortable, but sometimes people are unsure how to start using green materials in their daily life. There is often a misconception that "going green" is complicated process. Below are some easy ways to begin to "go green" and to choose home materials which are friendly to both the indoor and outdoor environments you live in!

Think about the area you live in. What products can you buy locally? For example, what type of timber is grown in your state? Choosing local products which do not have to be transported over long distances is a very easy way to "go green" and often saves you money.

If you need to buy new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. Washers, dryers, refrigerators and dishwashers with this designation are appliances which have been designed to save energy and emit minimal waste products.

When you use paints, sealants and glues look for products which are lower in volatile organic compounds or VOCs. This will reduce the number of toxic chemicals in your home and in the air of your home.

Indoor air quality can be affected, by all things, carpeting! Carpets and rugs with natural fibers and dyes won't emit toxic gasses which can affect the quality of the air you breathe in your home. If you decide to "go green" with floor coverings, look for fibers such as undyed cotton and hemp. If you choose not to go with a floor covering, think about using bamboo and natural cork floors. Bamboo and cork are fast-growing trees and produce long-lasting wood. They are even naturally termite-resistant and come in a variety of styles and hues.

Think about buying lighting products which use low-wattage bulbs. Look specifically for lights which state they are designed to help decrease energy consumption.

Do your research! Check out "green" home" friendly websites such as www.smarthomeownermag.com. Read articles you find interesting and make notes about products or services you can fit into your life. Ask your local building supplies and home contractors about "green" products and services if they do not offer them, you could ask if they would consider doing so if a customer requested them.

These are some basic suggestions to get you started on the road to "green living". As you make bigger changes keep in mind "green practices" such as using solar energy, installing energy efficient windows or choosing building materials made from recycled products. Simple changes can help you create a home that is not only healthy but energy efficient. The more energy efficient your home is, the money you will save as well.

Remember, using innovative "green" building practices not only helps you create a healthy home, but it helps make the environment healthier for all of us.