Eco Tips for Around the House

Eco Tips for Around the House – These are some simple steps that we have taken around our home to try to do our small part in helping the environment. There are so many simple things you can do that can make such a big difference. Try one and then slowly add another when you feel ready!

Cloth instead of paper towels - I used to go through so many paper towels in one day. About five years ago, I decided to stop buying paper towels. I took all our old towels and cut them up into 12 x 12 inch squares. Another option is going to your local dollar store. Our local store has two washcloths for one dollar…a great deal. I just use them for whatever I would use a paper towel and then through them in the washing machine.

Cloth Napkins instead of paper – Another easy step to take is to use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. I think cloth looks nicer and cleans up messy hands and mouths easier. You can buy them or make them yourself. Once they are dirty, just through them in the washing machine.

Rechargeable batteries – We finally made the decision to use rechargeable batteries and it has been very easy. When you have kids around the house, it seems like you are always using batteries. Every toy seems to needs at minimum four batteries. We use eneloop brand, that we buy at Costco. This particular link is from Amazon, http://www.amazon.com/eneloop-Starter-Blue-Power-Pack/dp/B000WPJIME. It comes with the charger and the batteries are already charged! Once you go to rechargeable batteries, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

Reuseable glass food storage containers – I try to never use plastic bags, unless absolutely necessary. Whenever I need a container for storage or lunches, I use a reuseable glass food storage container. This to me was a simple, yet very effective step.

Buying products from environmentally friendly companies - When I am purchasing anything from toilet paper, kitchen cleaner, or even shoes…I try to look for companies that are earth friendly. One of my favorite brands is Method from Target. This link lists all the products at Target that are eco friendly….. http://sites.target.com/site/en/corporate/page.jsp?contentId=PRD03-004397.

Shopping at thrift stores, Ebay, garage sales, etc. – I love going to thrift stores and being able to buy lots of clothing for not a lot of money. Reusing clothing is a great way to help the environment and have fun while doing it.

Buying in bulk whenever possible – Buying in bulk and transferring the items to a reusable smaller container is another easy way to help the environment. Buying items that are designed for singular use are always more expensive and simply a waste.

These are just a few ideas for you to try around your home. There are so many great websites out there that can help you on your way to helping the environment. Using cloth diapers is a great first step…now onto the next!!

by Elizabeth of Catchick6 Creations
http://www.etsy.com/shop/Catchick6Creations
http://www.catchick6creations.com/