Tips on Greening Up Your Home
by Laurie Keit
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The green movement represents a return to basics — the pure and simple practices that existed prior to the chemical developments of the 1950s. Growing our food, cleaning our homes with earth-friendly products, and making conscious versus convenient choices in our daily lives are ways we can make a positive difference.
Does it take a bit more effort to “choose wisely”? As with any new habit, it takes a bit of effort, but the result will be a healthier home and community.
Air Quality and Chemicals
Formaldehyde, asbestos, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, mold, bacteria, chemical vapor, smoke, dust and dander contribute to chronic respiratory problems and headaches, nausea, sinus problems and fatigue. Radon gas is a major cause of lung cancer and can seep into homes from the ground through cracks in the foundation.
Several years ago I used a popular brand of orange oil wipes on our shutters and inadvertently killed our pet parakeets. To this day I feel responsible for their deaths even though there was no warning on the packaging.
Safe, old-fashioned cleaning supplies include baking soda and white distilled vinegar. Take the time to research “green” home cleaning products as the effectiveness can vary greatly.
Houseplants are a wonderful way to purify the air inside your home. Having your air ducts cleaned at least once a year and routinely changing vent filters will greatly contribute to cleaner indoor air.
Choosing low-toxicity cleaning products is another way to improve your home’s air quality. The San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste Program offers free and convenient appointments to safely dispose of old cleaning products, paint, motor oil and solvents.
You can make a positive difference by asking what products your housekeeper, gardeners and other service providers use, and how they dispose of waste. Several years ago, we hired a well-known company to clean our carpets and were horrified to learn that they drained their tanks into our sewer, which drains directly into the neighborhood creek and flows to the ocean. Our neighbor had worked diligently with Fish and Game to develop a series of pools for fish, and here the fish were at the surface, gasping, as we marveled in blissful ignorance at how nice our carpets looked.
When decorating or remodeling, take the time to look for products that are not made with harmful glues and chemicals. There are wonderful coastal resources for beautiful, earth-friendly products including non-toxic paint and recycled glass countertops. Non-traditional flooring choices include bamboo, cork and recycled tires.
Energy
Here are a few ways you reduce your household energy use:
• Turn the lights on when you enter the room and off when you leave.
• Weatherstrip around your doors and windows to prevent energy leaks.
• If possible, update your appliances to Energy Star qualified products. Check with PG&E first to see if you qualify for any rebates.
• Turn off your computer at the end of the day. Put it in standby mode if you won’t be using it for a while.
• Unplug appliances, both large and small, when not in use. If an appliance is plugged in, it’s costing you money and using power.
• Look into solar energy and other energy-saving home improvements. Effective last January, homeowners can receive tax credits when they purchase and install solar panels, insulation, or new energy-efficient windows.
Water
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Conserving water is important, too. Here are some ways to do that:
• Invest in a good-quality water filtration system.
• Consider an instant-on or tankless water heater, which can save both energy and water. If you have a conventional water heater, keep a bucket handy and water your plants with the water that normally goes down the drain while you wait for your shower to warm up.
• Install low-flow fixtures, such as showerheads and toilets.
• Wait until the dishwasher or clothes washer is full before doing a load.
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