From Guest Blogger Marlena Stoddard: Snazzy and Sustainable–Five Trendy Ways to Go Green at Home

Going green is about finding sustainable ways to meet our needs while also considering the effects on the environment and future generations. What most people don’t understand is how easy it is to go green in their homes by making small changes that benefit Mother Earth, save them money, and improve their health. With that in mind, here are five ways to go green at home:

Start a Compost Pile

A surefire way to reduce waste is to start a compost pile in your back yard. Items such as fruit peelings, ashes from the fire place, egg cartons, and a multitude of other biodegradable items can go in a compost pile to feed the soil. This keeps these materials out of landfills and gives them a way to serve the environment by enriching the soil.

Use Stylish Cloth Napkins

What could be snazzier than decorative dinner napkins with a trendy print to help liven up the table? Cloth napkins are reasonably priced and come in many designs, ensuring you find just the right ones to fit your style. Investing in cloth napkins means not continuously discarding paper towels, and you will save money over time by eliminating the need to buy paper towels during every grocery trip.

Have Your Air Conditioner Inspected

Oh course, simply not using your home’s air conditioner is an excellent way of saving energy. However, in some climates that simply isn’t realistic. For those who have to use it, an air conditioner that isn’t running efficiently will cost you more money to operate and eventually replace. An improperly running unit also wastes energy. This has a negative effect on your wallet and the environment. According to the HVAC experts at Team Electric, Plumbing and Air Inc., getting an AC tune up can reduce energy costs by as much as 25%.  Schedule regular appointments to have your air conditioner inspected and repaired to make sure it is running properly.

Reduce

The most common word associated with the environment is recycle, but the most important one is actually reduce. By reducing how much we purchase, we reduce how much we throw out. Commit to only buy items that serve a purpose in your home and resist impulse buying.

Replace Toxic Cleaners

What we use to clean our homes affects the environment as well as our health. Unfortunately, with the toxic chemicals now being used in many household products, those effects are often negative. Replace dangerous, chemically laden products with green versions.

Going green doesn’t have to be intimidating. Small, simple changes in your daily life can have a positive influence on the earth.