10 Ways to a Green Home

Here are 10 simple and inexpensive ways to make your home a greener eco-friendly one :

1) Do your laundry with cold water. These days detergents have improved to function very effectively in cold water. Laundry tests have even shown your normal dirty laundry comes out just as clean using cold water and less detergent. Cold water and less detergent all adds up to greener environment. Even the detergents are available in biodegradable form.

2) Adjust your thermostat. By just changing the temperature on your thermostat just 2 degrees lower in winter and 2 degrees higher in summer can reduce up to 2000 pounds of carbon dioxide dumped into the atmosphere each year.

3) Use your dryer less. Try hanging your clothes instead of using the dryer. Save that gas or electricity.

4) Change your filters. A dirty furnace and air conditioning filter will reduce their efficiency. Change or clean your filters regularly, according to the manufacturer's specifications. Consider using washable electrostatic filters as a greener alternative.

5) Lower your hot water temperature. Lower the temperature of your hot water to 120 degrees or less. With an added insulating blanket you can cut energy waste by as much as 40 percent.

6) Change to fluorescent lighting. While compact fluorescent bulbs may cost a bit more than incandescent, they also have a longer life.

7) Use a dishwasher. Efficient dishwashers clean well and save water over hand washing. Indeed, some are so efficient you don't need to rinse your dishes either. To get the most savings, be sure to run your dishwasher when its full and air dry whenever possible.

8) Reduce your water consumption. Change your fixtures such as toilets and shower heads to the low flow type.

9) Reduce your mail. Cancel catalogs you really don't look at anymore and start receiving and paying bills online.

10) Make your own cleaning products. Try making your own household cleaners using vinegar, baking soda, and lemons. Not only is it better for the green-friendly environment, you'll save money too! You'll find plenty of easy recipes online.