Shop Locally
If you're choosing products to put in your home, try to stay local and buy products manufactured within 500 miles or less. "If it has to come from China, you're using a lot more energy getting it to your house than if you chose something made just down the road, or 100 miles down the road."
Pay Attention to Indoor Air Quality
"There are a lot of things we bring into our homes that we're not aware of. Some things are obvious, but start questioning all the things that come into your home." Woodrum says look for natural alternatives to items such as cleaning products, paints, furniture materials and pesticides.
Keep Landscaping Natural
"Using plants that are native to your area — thus sustainable in your area — are easier to grow," she says. "Choose plants that work within the natural climate and soil conditions to your area." She also says to avoid having a lot of grass. "We don't want to be watering lawns all the time. It's a huge waste of water."
Don't Cut Down an Oak Tree to Make a Banister
"It takes 500 years to grow that tree. Bamboo and eucalyptus grow quickly; they’re hard woods and are sustainable. It replaces itself rapidly." But keep in mind the first point about looking for locally sourced products. "If it's bamboo flooring and it's coming from a country that's 500 miles away, that's not as good as buying from a company that's closer."
Healthy Living Room and Bedrooms
"A lot of the major carpet manufacturers are working to bring green into the home," Woodrum says. Green carpet is made of natural fibers, usually organically grown cotton and wool, or made from recycled materials. Or she recommends you buying new and shopping for antique rugs and furniture. "Anything antique is green."
You can look for green products to spread or stick to your walls, too. "All the major paint companies are now offering green products. And it's the same for wallpaper."
And try to stay earth friendly when it comes to the little things, like tchotchkes, knickknacks and accessories. "There are a lot of companies out there making fun things out of recycled materials," Woodraum says. But one instance where you don't want to go natural is with coral. "I love coral, but look for companies doing resin castings rather than a big piece of coral that's been ripped out of the ocean. Better to have the resin than to deplete the coral."
Related Links:
All About Green Living
Hardwood Floors That Don't Kill Trees
The Scoop on Fair Trade Coffee
Throw A Green Party
Dry Clean Minus the Toxins
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