It turns out, it’s actually pretty easy being green… not only can being green help you save money, but adopting eco-friendly practices can help you positively contribute to the natural world by reducing waste, conserving energy and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

There are many ways to adopt green living practices in your home, here are some tips:

• Research appliances before you buy them. When possible, try purchasing devices that display strong environmental labels or claims, such as the UL ECOLOGO.
• Use all-natural cleaning solutions (e.g., vinegar, tea tree oil, baking soda) around your home instead of traditional cleaning products, which are often made with harsh chemicals.
• Line-dry your clothing during the summer instead of using a drying machine; this can help conserve energy and reduce your electricity bill.
• Conserve water by limiting your showers to 10 minutes, and turn off faucets when not in use (e.g., brushing your teeth, or washing dishes). Install low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets to reduce water consumption. Fix any leaks immediately to avoid water waste.
• Only run appliances that use large amounts of water (e.g., washing machine, dishwasher) when they’re completely full.
• Use recycled, chlorine-free toilet paper, facial tissues and petrochemical-free cosmetics. These products can help you reduce waste.
• Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs: Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED bulbs. They use 75% less energy and last longer.
• Consider installing solar panels to generate renewable energy for your home. Alternatively, opt for a green energy plan from your energy provider.
• Grow indoor plants: Plants are not only beautiful and look great, but they also purify the air and improve indoor air quality.
• Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Avoid single-use plastics and opt for reusable containers, bags, and bottles. Compost food waste to reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
• When buying furniture, opt for eco-friendly materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled plastic.
• Properly insulating your home can help reduce energy consumption and save money on heating and cooling bills.
• The rain here in the Greater Vancouver area carries its disadvantages but it is great for rain barrels.  Collecting roof runoff in rain barrels reduces the amount of water that flows from your property. It’s a great way to conserve water and for use in your landscape, such as on lawns, gardens or indoor plants.

Happy, healthy living!