Let's Get Eco-Friendly!
Guess who’s winning the world trash-olympics? If your first thought was the U.S., you were right! The U.S. is the number one trash-producing country in the world, at 1,609 pounds per person a year. But, let’s look at the bright side; with this challenge comes the opportunity to make significant changes – and the truth is, at the end of the day we’ve got the power to turn things around! It’s all about making the task of saving the planet both fun and rewarding. Whether it’s making changes to your laundry routine this summer or finding cool ways to keep your home feeling and smelling fresh, there are eco-friendly solutions out there for you.
A refreshed laundry routine
An energy-smart clothes washer can save more water in one year than one person drinks in an entire lifetime. That said, hanging your clothes out on the line can be a fantastic way to further embrace an eco-friendly laundry routine for the summer months. Not only does foregoing the dryer save you money and allow you to connect with nature while hanging the laundry, but it will eliminate the need for supplies such as dryer sheets, too. In fact, The Eco Hub points out that dryer sheets are filled with toxic chemicals that are carcinogens, not to mention the fact that they’re a single-use product that contributes to unnecessary waste.
Home grown herbs and daily rituals
For avid tea drinkers, an at-home herb garden will allow you to enjoy a variety of beverages in an environmentally conscious way. Chamomile, lavender and peppermint are three common herbal tea ingredients that are easy to grow indoors. “Coriander, lemon bergamot, lemon balm and jasmine are also popular tea herbs that can add interesting flavors and scents,” highlights the HGTV article. Establishing an environmentally conscious daily routine during the summer can also be achieved through the Litha Celebration Guide. With journal pages, a planner, and affirmation pages (to name just a few features), you can mindfully connect with the energy of the season while enjoying a cup of tea.
Preventing mold
About 70% of homes have mold, making it a common issue that many homeowners face at one point or another. However, higher temperatures can lead to an increased risk of mold in the home during the summertime. In addition to issues such as a plumbing leak, mold can be the result of other factors, too — such as a leaky roof during a summer rainstorm. While preventing mold can be done in eco-friendly ways such as simply opening a window or two for ventilation, addressing the presence of mold can also be done in a way that’s kind to the environment. Using natural products (such as vinegar, which is known to tackle mold) that come in plastic-free packaging and refillable spray bottles are just two ways to keep waste to a minimum. However, it’s worth noting that significant instances of mold will likely require the need for professionals to step in, particularly when it comes to water damage restoration.
Due to the health concerns that are related to mold and the issues that water damage can present (warped wood, crumbled drywall, etc.), getting the matter addressed as soon as possible is essential. With that in mind, a variety of steps are likely to be taken during the water damage restoration process, including the safe removal of damaged materials, light/deep cleaning, and drying. It’s worth noting that professional equipment, such as a HEPA vacuum and commercial air movers may be needed in order to get the job done properly, thus underlining the value in getting professionals involved.
Simmer pots for natural fragrance
Conventional home fragrance products “can contain hundreds of chemicals, including phthalates, benzaldehyde, camphor, ethyl acetate, benzyl acetate, musk ketone, benzene, formaldehyde, BHT and acetaldehyde,” according to one Washington Post article. It’s further pointed out that studies have shown that some of these chemicals can cause headaches and other health issues, thus underlining the benefit in natural alternatives.
Eco-friendly candles and options such as vinegar (for absorbing odor) make for great alternatives, though they’re far from the only option when looking to make your home smell amazing during the summer months.
Simmer pots, also called ‘stovetop potpourri,’ are just one non-toxic, all-natural, and eco-friendly solution that can work to reduce waste that’s often involved with traditional fragrance products (e.g. packaging). With plenty of recipes, there’s a simmer pot for every season. Check out this article, 10 Natural Simmer Pot Recipes for a Fresh Smelling Home to find the perfect simmer pot fragrance for your preference. Looking for something a bit more complex? This article highlights a recipe from The Wholesome Witch, called ‘Iced Mocha.’ The recipe includes coffee beans, cinnamon sticks, cocoa powder, almond extract, and vanilla extract. “It’s a bit more complicated, but it’s worth it,” states the article.
In addition to recycling, there are several ways that you can embrace an eco-friendly household this summer. From changing up your laundry routine to opting for an all-natural simmer pot to add fragrance to your home, the summer months are a fantastic time to embrace eco-friendly changes.
Thank you for the tips!
Another suggestion I’d like to make is to consider using HEPA filters for your home’s HVAC system to prevent mold growth. However, it’s important to be selective when choosing one for your system. The effectiveness of HEPA filters is measured by their MERV rating. While high-rated filters are more efficient at capturing small particles, they can also restrict airflow and cause your system to work harder, resulting in higher energy consumption.
For most homes, HEPA filters with a MERV rating between 6 and 13 should work fine.
You’re welcome! Great suggestion about HEPA filters.
Great article! Another tip to prevent mold growth that hasn’t been mentioned yet is to regularly clean and maintain your air conditioning and dehumidifier units. These devices can trap moisture, creating an environment conducive to mold growth. Regular cleaning and servicing can help ensure they function optimally and reduce the risk of mold in your home.
Thank you, this is a great tip!