Tips for Clean and Green Home

Written by Corinne Garcia Wednesday, February 24 2010

Article Index
Tips for Clean and Green Home
2 of 2
All Pages

What does it mean to “be green” these days? Is it enough that you recycle, or do you have to drive a hybrid and use those strange looking light bulbs as well?

If greening up your lifestyle and your home is something you’ve been working on, or even just thinking about, Adrienne Spahr, founder and principal consultant of the Washington, D.C.-based Green Living Consulting, would probably recommend that you move along at your own pace. But along the green route you’ll find some gray areas – misconceptions about the whole process of “green living.” And Spahr is dedicated to clearing that up.

“I don’t think many people make the connection between the external environment and with what’s happening in their home,” Spahr says. “Most don’t realize that a lot of their illnesses are coming from other sources: cleaning products, clothing, furniture. There are so many things causing us harm.”

She explains that some of the misconceptions are due to false marketing or “green washing” techniques that businesses adopt. “It’s confusing when they say something’s eco-friendly. There’s always a trade-off – it’s hard to find things that are 100-percent green.”

That’s Spahr’s job. She steps in, helping homeowners find their way to greener pastures. “I just try to help them find the best options,” she says.

Greening the Home
For homeowners, Spahr recommends starting with improvements that easily fit into their lifestyles.

“I usually recommend they pick two to three things they are really comfortable and excited about,” Spahr says. “Then when they get comfortable with that, they can choose another that resonates.” This approach helps people follow through by making their goals attainable.

The top item on Spahr’s list for greening up your home? Green cleaning products. Here are some other tips from Spahr:

• Replace traditional light bulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs).
• Unplug appliances and chargers when not in use or use power strips.
• Adjust your thermostat two degrees down in the winter and two degrees up in the summer.
• Purchase reuseable bags and water bottles.
• Switch to green cleaning products or make your own.

For those who are already somewhat conscious about green living, here are some things you can do to bring your home to the next level:

• Try composting.
• Invest in Energy Star-rated appliances and electronics.
• Invest in solar technology.
• Replace inefficient windows.
• When doing home renovations, look for water-efficient, low-flow fixtures that cut back on water consumption.

And here are some products that can go a long way toward home greening: