With all the responsibilities that come with being a parent trying to be more eco-friendly sometimes falls by the wayside, especially if it’s not something that is already a part of the daily routine.
That’s because at first, going green sometimes takes a little extra effort but after a while it becomes second nature and can be easily incorporated into the whirlwind which is often characterized by family life.
After a while you may even look back and think how you ever did things differently. However, until then in order to help make the process move along try some of the following green-minded tips and then move on from there to others:
1. Recycling: Setting up recycling bins should be one of the first actions towards going green at home. Recycling is an easy chore to get the kids involved in and helps them understand more about the materials that go in and out of our lives and how they affect the environment. It’s best to put the bins off to the side where they aren’t in the way. The garage or near the back door are ideal spots.
2. Use CFLs: Go through your home and switch all incandescent light bulbs for compact florescent lights (CFLs). CFLs produce less pollution when they are manufactured and because they use less power they lower the amounts of pollution power plants emit when trying to meet a region’s electricity demand. Also, you’ll be surprised how infrequently they’ll have to change a CFL.
3. Drafts: As specialists in windy cities like Chicago, IL, heating contractors will tell you, drafts are one of the biggest sources for lost energy as they force central air systems to work harder. That translates into more energy usage and power plants such as those that run on coal will emit more pollution.
4. Toys: Babies require all kinds of gear but when it comes to toys try to find brands that are made from eco-friendly materials. Our little ones like to put things in their mouths a lot so the less chemical ingredients they chew on the better.
5. Second hand: When it comes to our children some things like car seats and strollers are better purchased brand new. Nevertheless, when the opportunity presents itself to buy second hand clothing or games reusing is always a great green way to go.
6. Layers: As winter moves in the best way to stay warm without turning up the thermostat is to wear layers. Getting the kids hooked on them early will help on those cool mornings when an extra sweater is all they need.
7. Appliances: Unplug small appliances which are not in use because many still use electricity even when sitting idle. Alternatively, try and keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible, as keeping it open uses more energy.
8. Laundry: Do larger washes instead a few things here and there. This saves on the amount of water and cuts down on electricity usage. Also, instead of using an electric dryer line dry whenever possible.
9. Reuse: Save scraps of paper and other material for kids to use in art projects or when they are playing. Reusing potential trash for positive activities is the perfect way to be eco-friendly.
10. Garden: Yes, plant a garden and if it’s cold outside make one inside. Whatever you choose it’s a good way to teach kids about organically grown produce and why pesticides are harmful to our minds and bodies.
Jakob Barry is a home improvement journalist for Networx.com. He blogs about Green topics for pros across the U.S. like Garland, TX, painters.
