Jan 4 2009
Background
Recycle
Green Cleaning
Watch What You Eat
Ventilate
Remove Shoes and Use Doormats
Replace Light Bulbs
Environmentally Friendly Heating
Background
Winter brings challenges to the concept of living sustainability - additional heating is required, transportation options are limited as walking or cycling may not be advisable, home grown food, fruit and vegetables may not be available and long, hot baths and showers might be just the treat for a freezing winters day. There are, however a number of things you can do to keep clean and green living through winter.
Recycle
Even though it is cold outside, don't forget to continue to recycle and chose products that have minimal or recyclable packaging.
Green Cleaning
Winter can be messy so it is important to follow green cleaning practices. Use less cleaning product, green cleaning products or simple plain water when cleaning. Paper cloths are available made from 100% recycled material and these can be composted. An additional advantage is that you won't be breathing cleaning product fumes while sealed up inside your home. When washing wait for a full load, use biodegradable washing powder and even though it is cold outside, your clothes don't care - ignore hot or warm cycles and use cold water for the wash.
Watch What You Eat
Winter often means an influx of imported foods. Not only do these mean greater air miles and therefore a larger carbon footprint, the food may also be grown with heavy uses of pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. Be aware of the origins of your food. Buying in bulk will reduce packaging quantities and also reduce the number of trips to the store.
Ventilate
Sealing up your house might keep it warmer, but depending on how you do it might mean the air quality in the home is poor. Ensure adequate ventilation to remove harmful fumes and to stop the growth of molds. This can be as simple as opening windows on a sunny winters afternoon. Also ensure that heater air filters are cleaned or changed.
Remove Shoes and Use Doormats
Use doormats and have family and guests remove their shoes or boots before entering the house. This simply keeps the house cleaner and lessens the need for unnecessary cleaning.
Replace Light Bulbs
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs. They last longer and use less energy.
Environmentally Friendly Heating
Heating your home through winter can use an incredibly large amount of energy and contribute to carbon pollution. Wood burning heaters and fireplaces make a significant contribution to climate change though particulate emissions and much of the heat is lost through the chimney or flue. Electric heaters - particularly when combined with renewable energy sources - are far greener and more efficient.
Source: AZoCleantech