Seven ideas for making your home more earth-friendly, including suggestions for flooring, lighting, and water conservation

7 Ways to Make Your Home More Green

You don't have to drastically change how you live to do your part in caring for the environment. By implementing several of the following suggestions, you can make a difference in your home.

1. When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. The initial cost may be a little higher, but in the long run you'll save with lower energy bills.
2. Choose flooring that contains recycled materials such as reclaimed or sustainably harvested wood. Cork flooring is a popular choice for green-minded homeowners.
3. Look for carpets and rugs made with earth friendly natural fibers such as wool or plant fibers instead of synthetics, which can contain harmful chemicals.
4. Recycle everything you can, including paper, glass bottles, aluminum cans, carpet, and cabinet doors. Your trash could become someone's new countertop.
5. Be water-conscious. Home water conservation is simple—replace old showerheads with low-flow models or replace your toilet with a dual-flush version.
6. Support companies that are striving to be environmentally conscious.
7. Do what you can to conserve energy. It can be as simple as switching your light bulbs to more efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Related Links