How Green is Your Home?

A Green Checklist and Quick Tips - for Every Family

If your thoughts frequently turn to the environment these days, you're in good company. Going green has become a global priority; everyone, it seems, is more tuned in to environmental issues. The citation was based on statistics for more than 30 categories, including transportation, green living and recycling.

With Earth Day on April 22, this month is a good time to take stock of the small changes we can make to help the environment and create safer havens in our homes. The collective impact of what we put down our drains, what we buy and how much energy we consume is monumental. Individual actions do matter, and it's important to realize that we each take a stand with every dollar we spend.

Wondering how your home measures up environmentally? Take our quiz below and learn some simple ways to live a greener life.
1. Look at the labels on your household cleaning products. Do you see hazard symbols for Poison, Danger, Warning or Caution, or the words Corrosive, Flammable, Reactive or Toxic?

These symbols and words indicate products that are toxic to you and the environment. It can be especially unsafe to use these on floors where babies crawl and young children play. Beware of artificially scented products, which often rely on toxic chemical formulas. Many environmental cleaning experts recommend using water, baking soda, vinegar and borax for household cleaning. For other natural cleaning alternatives, visit Frugal Cleansers, part of the FrugalFun.com Web site developed by consultants and frugalists Shel Horowitz and Dina Friedman.


2. How many water-saving devices do you have in your house?

Did you know that installing a low-flow faucet aerator or eco-friendly showerhead can save hundreds of dollars a year in energy bills and water consumption? Toilets made prior to 1993 can use as much as eight gallons of water per flush, while new models use as little as 1.6 gallons. Newer appliances, such as dishwashers and washing machines, with an Energy Star rating use up to 50 percent less energy and water.

Appliances aside, all family members should turn the water off when brushing their teeth, shaving or washing dishes. For more information, visit http://h2ouse.org for a unique, interactive home tour and a water use calculator created by the California Urban Water Conservation Council.

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