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A few simple changes is all it takes to make your home eco-friendly. There’s a lot of emphasis on living green these days, and everyone can do their part to help save the planet. All your need to do is recycle, and remember to change common household goods like lightbulbs and detergents to more eco-friendly products. Going green doesn’t have to be expensive or a hassle; in fact it’ll help you save money. Here are some easy ideas for going green at home.

Lightbulb moment

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Changing to a more energy-saving ligthbulb is the first step to going green. Low mercury flourescent lightbulbs are cheaper and last 13 times longer than regular lightbulbs. Although lightbulbs don’t use as much electricity as heating does, people tend to leave the lights on for hours at a time. Flourescent lights are perfect for the kitchen, while a lower watt lightbulb is great for the bedroom, where light isn’t always needed. The exterior of your house can be lit up by burglar lights – these will turn on when movement is detected.

Recycle everything

Separating all the paper, plastic, glass and metal in your house will bring you a step closer to a greener home. Have special bins to throw your rubbish in, and recycle as much as possible. Remember to take the lid off plastic bottles – they’re made from a different material. Glasses and jars should be clean when recycled, so give them a rinse before throwing them away.

Clean green

Photo: Energy Star

Detergents and cleaning products are filled with toxic chemicals that are harmful to the environment. If a product is biodegradable and doesn’t have any petroleum in it, then it’s an eco-friendly product. These cleaners are made from organic materials, and will work just as well as normal all-purpose cleaners. A great idea for living green is to make your own detergent by mixing some vinegar in warm water. With a biodegradable sponge, you’ll have a healthy cleaning product that’s both good for you and the environment.

The labels to look for

When buying products, remember to look for the label that says they’re eco-friendly. Some of the main labels are Energy Star, The Green Dot and Rainforest Alliance Certified. For a full list of eco-friendly labels on goods in the UK, visit the Defra website.

Living green doesn’t have to be difficult. All it takes is some easy changes around the house. Green products are generally cheaper, and they last longer than other products, so do your part to help the environment.

Tags: energy star