Spring is a great time to get a jump on projects around the home that will reduce your environmental impact.
Here are some reminders to help make this year’s spring cleaning safe, healthy, and easy:
• Choose non- or low-toxic cleaning products whenever possible.
• Alternatively, household staples such as vinegar, lemon juice and baking soda can make effective, inexpensive cleaning solutions.
• Exercise caution when using ladders or stepstools, making sure they are stable and in good repair. Be sure to wear non-slip footwear around wet floors.
• Prevent leaks. Insulating, weather-stripping or caulking around windows and doors in your house could save up to 420 lbs of carbon dioxide emissions a month.
• Use the dishwasher. A sink full of dishes by hand can require up to 15 gallons of water.
• Keeping household appliances clean and up to date can significantly curb your household’s energy consumption. Be sure to clean the filter or coils monthly on your air conditioner and refrigerator to ensure they are working efficiently.
• Adjust your thermostat. A difference of just two degrees you could reduce your household’s carbon dioxide emission by 2,000 pounds.
Sincerely,
Jason Neumann