Easy, low-cost ways to make your home greener

By: Margie Sponholz

Unplug devices. When you’re not using something that plugs into an outlet, whether it’s a toaster or a laptop charger, unplug it. Even when an item isn’t in use, it’s still drawing power from the outlet.
Turn off lights. Be sure to switch lights off if no one is in a room, and leave as few lights on as possible when you’re not home.
Recycle. You can find charts like the one above online that make it easy to know what can be recycled and what can’t.
Conserve water. If you have a leaky faucet, get it repaired. Don’t leave the water running while you’re brushing your teeth. Try to keep your showers short.
Replace incandescent lightbulbs with more efficient ones. LED and CFL lightbulbs are more energy efficient and will save you money over time.
Use reusable bags. I have a constantly growing stash of plastic bags in my cupboard that I’d love to get rid of. Lately when I’ve been going grocery shopping I’ve brought my own bags so that I don’t add to my oversized pile. If you don’t have reusable bags, you could bring plastic bags that you already have from home. Or, if you’re shopping somewhere and only buy a couple small items, turn down the plastic bag and just stick the items in your pockets or purse. Some stores, like Kohl’s, even have designated stations where you can recycle plastic bags that you want to get rid of.
Drink out of glasses or reusable water bottles. Try not to buy too many disposable water bottles. They create a lot of waste and it’s far cheaper to buy a few reusable water bottles than it is to keep buying disposable ones. If you’re worried about the quality of your tap water, install a filter on the faucet or get a pitcher with a built-in filter.
Switch paper napkins out for cloth ones and paper towels out for dishtowels.
Keep your thermostat temperature as low as possible. When you’re leaving the house, turn it down a little lower than you would when you’re there. Not only will this save energy, but it will lower the cost of your utility bills.Do you have any other green home tips? Let us know in the comments or email us at msponholz@kw.com.