More people are taking steps to live an eco-friendly lifestyle as a poll indicates that more than 80% of individuals are already recycling, while 57.5% use reusable bags. Moreover, nearly half of all the participants in the survey are now avoiding single-use plastics. Doing all of these things can surely help to minimize waste and pollution, but families can also do their part to save the planet by incorporating sustainable home maintenance tasks into their daily routine. Doing so not only conserves natural resources, but it can also help you save money in the long run. Here are some home maintenance tips for eco-friendly living.
Switch to Natural Cleaning Products
Research shows that most conventional household cleaning products contain ingredients which may be harmful to human health and the environment. According to the American Lung Association, VOCs and other chemicals in cleaning supplies such as furniture polish, air freshener, and dishwashing liquid may contribute to respiratory illnesses and other health symptoms such as dizziness and headaches. Moreover, these may also trigger allergic reactions, which can be highly uncomfortable or even dangerous, depending on the severity of the allergy.
Using natural cleaning products such as a mixture of white vinegar and water, lemon juice, and baking soda allows you to clean without triggering allergies. These kitchen staples also don’t contain any harmful toxins, nor do they emit fumes which may affect your indoor air quality. You can also opt for nontoxic cleaning products that you can get from grocery stores. See if you can find biodegradable cleaners or castile soap– both can effectively clean surfaces without causing harm to your family or the environment.
Recycle and Reuse Your Water
Recycling wastewater is a great way to cut down on your water usage and it reduces your impact on the planet. There are several ways to do this, and one of the best ways to save water is to place a bucket under the shower. The water can be used later to clean the bathroom floor, or it can be used to wash a muddy driveway. If you have a couple of half empty water bottles in your car and home, you can use the water to wash your hands or water the plants. Meanwhile, the water that you used to wash vegetables and fruits can be used to clean any area in your home that needs a quick wash. Have a bucket ready for collecting wastewater so you’ll always be reminded to save it for later use.
Add Some House Plants
Indoor plants not only help to beautify your space, but they can also refresh your indoor air. Moreover, plants can keep your home naturally cool so you won’t need to rely too much on your air conditioner even on sweltering days. Some plants that can reduce heat in your home include Chinese evergreen, ficus or rubber plant, aloe vera, peace lily, bamboo palm, Boston fern, and Golden pothos. By releasing moisture into the air, these plants can reduce the temperature in your home by 10 degrees. It’s an effective, economical and eco-friendly way to beat the heat, so place these plants in the living area, bedrooms, or any other room in the house that needs some cooling.
Your whole family can be a valuable ally in the fight against climate change. Consider these tips to clean and maintain your home without harming the earth, and see what a difference each step makes.
