An eco-friendly life doesn’t need to be difficult or expensive. Simply put, going green (being environmentally friendly) is just good economics – in our home, budget, and the environment. Here are some simple, inexpensive things you can do to make a big difference in making your home more eco-friendly.
Use the “No ‘Poo” Method: Traditional shampoos and conditioners use chemicals to strip your hair and scalp of dirt and oil. By using household products, such as baking soda and vinegar, you can expect more body, less oil, and added shine. Plus, there are no chemicals on your hair, scalp, or washing down the drain!
Wash your hair ‘no ‘poo style: It’s easier than you think; all you need is baking soda, apple cider vinegar (ACV), and water. Mix 1tablespoon baking soda with 1 cup water, scrub into your scalp and hair, rinsing well. Mix the same ratio of AVC with water and pour onto your hair, rubbing gently, then rinse. Each of these mixtures should last about one week. Easy, huh?
Replace Cleaning Supplies: The average home contains up to 25 gallons of toxic chemicals, many of which are store-bought cleaners. With just a few basic items, you can do the majority of your household cleaning, save money, and keep your home free of toxins.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix ½ cup vinegar and ¼ baking soda into a ½ gallon of water. Store and keep this solution in a spray bottle to clean countertops, sinks, appliances, and other washable surfaces chemical free!
Go Paperless in the Kitchen: Paper towels, tissues, napkins, and paper plates – all of those items are used once and go straight to the garbage. Why spend money on something that you’re going to throw away anyway? Switching to cloth might seem overwhelming, but ditching paper can save money and the environment.
Trying to cut down on paper towel use? Switching to cloth can be difficult. Make clothes readily available and create color-coded categories to easily recognize them for their intended function.
DIY Air Freshener: If you’re using a store-bought aerosol freshener to create that summertime smell, you’re likely also spraying toxic chemicals, such as benzene and formaldehyde, around your house.
Try this instead: For an easy, all-purpose air freshener, combine a few drops of vanilla extract with a cup of water and place in a spray bottle. Spritz away!
Have you gone paperless in the kitchen or ditched cleaning supplies? Tell us what you’ve done to keep you and the earth healthy and clean.
