6 Easy Ways to Transition into an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle

It’s never too late to take the leap into the world of green…or, eco-friendly. A very large number of our population has already taken great steps into going eco-friendly in their workplace, diet, and overall lifestyle. If you haven’t already done so, you can take their lead and learn from what they have done and are doing to provide a healthier atmosphere for their family.

As a bonus to healthier lifestyle, many of these steps can also save you money, as well as the environment. And, who doesn’t want to save money…and help the environment to pass along to our children and grandchildren?

The good news is that you can do this by jumping in fully with the concept of all green, or take baby steps to ease into it. Either way, the information I am about to share with you makes it easier than ever to make the transition.

1. Laundering in Cooler Temps

By simply using cold water when you launder, it can cut down on your energy bill. Most clothing will launder just fine in a cold water washing, making the need to heat it up completely unnecessary.

But, the savings doesn’t just stop with the energy bill. When washing with cold water, it provides a more gentle wash cycle for your garments. Therefore, it will also save on your clothing so they last longer.

2. Cuddle Up with Green

Did you know that traditional bedding is created with unnecessary chemicals that do not ever completely leave just because they are laundered? These are chemicals that you and your family are snuggling up to, for hours each night.

Fortunately, you don’t have to any longer. Organic bedding has become wildly popular, for good reason. It’s healthier for us as we sleep, and it doesn’t add chemicals to the environment while they are mass-produced. You can either replace it all at once, or as needed. But, the good news is that you have many options including comforters, sheets, and mattresses…even crib mattresses.

We all want to find quality for our family, and a mattress is a great area to focus on for a quality and chemical-free item, because they are slept on daily…especially those for our little ones. If you are unsure on which one to choose from, do a search of online reviews. For example, type in “crib mattresses reviews” in your search engine and it will bring up reviews by consumers who have been using them. You can do that for adult mattresses and other bedding items as well.

3. Don’t Idle Unnecessarily

Sitting in an idle car, or letting it idle for long periods of time to warm up, puts unnecessary toxins in the air. I understand cold days and wanting the car to warm up, but some people let it run far longer than it needs to do in order to warm up the engine and interior.

As to running the car while waiting for someone, anything longer than 10 seconds is said to use more gas than starting it back up. So, the myth that is saves on gas is simply not true.

4. Unplug it

I know; it so convenient to leave everything plugged in. However, even if the electronic is turned off, it still can consume unnecessary energy. So, to save on your energy bill, unplug unused items such as the following:

• Coffee pot
• Stereo
• Computer
• Fans
• Toaster

Again, just shutting the electronic off is not enough. By unplugging electronics while they are not being used, it could lower your bill by around $100 a year. That might not sound like much, but it could provide an additional evening out, a new outfit, or money in the bank that you would not normally have if you keep everything plugged in all the time. It can also save on wear and tear of your electronics, which would be additional savings.

5. Green Energy

You might be able to use green power, if you live in the United States. Check with the Department of Energy for a list of states where there are green providers. This could help you save money, as well at the environment.

6. Save a Tree

There are steps you can take to eliminate the use of unnecessary paper. One is to pay as many of your bills online as possible. In fact, you will find that some companies offer discounts for doing so. This also will save on the cost of postage and bank checks, as you won’t have to use as many. And, it’s incredibly convenient.

Another area is eliminating all the junk mail that is sent to the home. If you order anything through a catalog or online, you might get bombarded with catalogs and flyers. Call the companies and ask them to stop sending it. Or, you can spend $1 and visit the Direct Marketing Association website to choose your preference for junk mail.

In Closing

Hopefully I have just shared enough information to show you how you can easily turn your environment into an eco-friendly one. You will not only be helping to save the environment and saving money, but also providing a much healthier home for your family.

About the Author

As a successful freelance writer and Internet marketer, Mark Harris enjoys a career where he can work from the comfort of his own home. However, he can also be found on his laptop at the local coffee-house, browsing the Internet for ideas for new projects. It was when he was researching on the website http://www.ecohomeinspired.com, that he drew inspiration for his latest series. Mark lives with his wife in White Rock, BC, and enjoys time outdoors on the area’s beaches.