Thinking of going green at home? Wondering how to begin? Greening a home doesn’t have to be a complicated project. Start saving the earth at home in simple ways. Add a new eco-friendly project each week. Neighbors will envy your environmentally sound home. Use these ten tips to get started on going green at home.

Tip #1 – Eliminate Trash

Going green at home starts with eliminating waste. Look at your trash in a different way. Be sure everything in the trash is used to it’s full potential before it’s thrown away. That empty coffee can could hold nuts and bolts in the garage. Maybe that old toaster could be repaired. Try to think of ways to use items, rather than throw them away.

Tip #2 – Recycle

Recycle anything you can. Going green at home doesn’t just mean collecting aluminum cans. Paper, plastic and glass are all recyclable too. Old appliances can be recycled. There are even places to recycle computers. Don’t forget about that old motor oil and paint. Some items may not get you cash, but isn’t it worthwhile to keep your home green?

Tip #3 – Turn Off the Lights

Remember when Mom taught you to turn the lights off when leaving a room? That’s not the only way to save electricity. Turn off anything you’re not using. Unplug it too. A certain amount of energy is
used even when appliances are off. Computers and large appliances are the worst offenders here. Use a surge protector for multiple appliances. You just have one plug to pull.

Tip #4 – Conserve Water

Saving water is one of the basics of going green at home. Take shorter showers. Don’t let the water run when brushing teeth. Fill up a pitcher with water in the fridge instead of running it until it gets cold. Put a brick in the toilet tank so it takes less water to fill it. Save rain water in a barrel to water the garden. Better yet, install a gray water system to go green at home.

Tip #5 – Think Energy Efficient

When an appliance needs to be replaced, buy an energy efficient version. Consider a tankless water heater or steam washer. Just about every major appliance comes in an energy efficient model now. Some cost no more than the traditional version. Be energy efficient right down to your light bulbs. The cost of going green with energy efficient appliances is offset by the money saved on the electric bill.

Tip #6 – Eliminate Paper

Paper cups, napkins, straws and plates can be completely eliminated when going green at home. Use your computer as a filing system, rather than keeping paper files. Don’t make copies until they are actually needed. Use the reverse side of paper as scraps. Shredder paper can be used as packing material or in gift bags. Think before using paper.

Tip #7 – Say No to Batteries

Going green at home means using rechargeable batteries or no batteries at all. Batteries contain a toxic substance that ends up in the water supply via landfills. Avoid buying battery operated toys or technical items. Go solar with outdoor lighting to green the home. Use crank flashlights and radios for ultimate environmentally friendly options.

Tip #8 – Turn Down the Heat

Why do we turn the heat to 80 degrees in winter? Just a few months ago we were complaining it was too hot. Going green at home means setting the thermostat at 70. Wear a sweater. Save energy and money by keeping the heat lower at night when you’re bundled up in blankets. Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat that can be preset and left alone. Adjust the water heater temperature too.

Tip #9 – Leave the Car at Home

Do you drive the car to 7-11? It’s two blocks away? Consider a nice walk instead. Going green in the home means conserving gas by staying home more. Rent movies, play a game or just talk to each other. Take the bus to work or school. Shop close to home. Get a bike and lose weight while transporting yourself in go green fashion.

Tip #10 – Fill Up the Holes

Fixing leaks is a great way of going green in the home. Seal drafts in the winter to hold in heat. Repair leaky pipes and water faucets even if it’s a small drip. Purchase energy efficient windows. Patch up that leaky roof. Insulate walls. Check attics for heat loss issues. Go green in the home by filling up holes that let anything in or out.

These ten tips are just the basics for going green in the home. There are many more ways to save energy, heat and water. Give used clothing to the homeless. Save vegetable scraps for compost. Think up ways of going green in the home on a daily basis. Going green isn’t difficult if you take it one step at a time.