Greening the Home
As Earth Week approaches, it is very timely to bring environmental advocacies to the homes. In fact, changing attitudes towards the environment while turning on a light, driving a vehicle, cooking, and washing the dishes, among others, contribute greatly to a household’s carbon footprint.
How big is your carbon footprint?
When we say “carbon footprint,” it usually refers to how much greenhouse gases (CO2) you produce with your activities, and how much it impacts the environment. Calculating carbon footprints is a good way of measuring everyone’s personal contribution to global warming.
It might even surprise you as to how much carbon dioxide emissions, garbage, toxic materials, and chemicals you discharge everyday. How much more for your students and their families?
In fact, they are in a key position to change the way companies do business. With their consumer habits, they can demand for eco-friendly and human-rights sensitive products, greener technology and innovation.
Here are some tips to “greening” the home:
- Choose organic vegetables over conventional ones since the latter require more water, pesticides and petroleum-based fertilizers. Note that organic produce and “green” goods (those using recycled and renewable materials) are healthier and better tasting.
- When buying clothes at your favorite store, mall or ukay-ukay joint, check the clothing tags for those made from organic cotton, linen, wool or hemp. Avoid polyester and petroleum-based synthetic fabrics like nylon unless it is recycled.
- In the bedroom, you can still help the planet by using organic cotton sheets and mosquito nets instead of pesticides, as well as having natural lighting and ventilation to minimize use of electric fans and air conditioners.
- Opt for locally produced fruits and vegetables because they travel shorter distances from the farm to your plate. Choosing out-of-season or imported goods means they already burned gallons of fuel to travel to your grocery store or supermarket.
- Buy recyclable containers to store food. Don’t use plastic wrappings too much, and try your hardest to bring recyclable bayongs or shopping bags to the grocery store.
- Cleaning supplies and pesticides are major sources of indoor air pollution. Instead, use vinegar and lemon juice for cleaning. Seal cracks to avoid entry of mosquitoes, and clean all residues of food in the kitchen counter to avoid flies.
- Only buy appliances with an Energy Star certification. Buy toilets which utilize less water when flushing, and air conditioners that do not emit CFCs. And most importantly, unplug all appliances when not in use.
- Install energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs since they utilize less electricity and reduce greenhouse gases from power plants.
- Always turn off the water when it is not in use, whether while washing dishes or clothes, brushing teeth or taking a bath. Used water can also be used for watering the plants.
- Buy makeup, shampoo, soap and personal care products that do not contain harmful or petroleum-based ingredients.
For more information, check out the following links:
Carbon offsets - alternative projects to mitigate carbon emissions
Cutting Costs in a Fuel-Scare World
Household Cleaning Supplies
Light Bulb Product Report.
Pest Control Product Reports
Shampoo Product Report
Soap and Shampoo: Personal Best
The Dirty Dozen Ingredients in Personal Care Products
The Green Guide - household tips
Sources:
Masterson, Danielle. “ Green Living 101: Smart Eco-nomics.” Retrieved April 9, 2008 from
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/112/geng
McRandle, P.W. “ Household Tips to Keep Your Health and Your Savings Intact.” Retrieved April 9, 2008 from
http://www.thegreenguide.com/doc/110/householdtips
(Published 21 April 2008, Smart Schools Program)
