10 Eco-Friendly Ways to Get Through the Winter
Winter can be challenging for many of us, and can prompt some not-so-eco-friendly habits. Here are 10 tips for staying comfy and enjoying the winter in a more green and eco-friendly way.
Whether we’re stuck indoors during weeks of crummy weather, or just trying to stay warm, we sometimes forget about keeping up our green habits during the winter.
With slick, icy roads to brave, and poor visibility, many of us hole up at home and try to avoid driving as much as possible. We might not feel like dropping off the recycling if that means standing in the cold putting our bags into bins.
And obviously we run our furnaces a lot to keep our homes warm, which can increase fossil fuel use during the colder months.
However, with just a few simple habits, we can make the winter months a bit greener. Here are 10 tips to help you stay eco-friendly this winter:
Layer Up
Before you run to the heat dial, crank it up and deal with the high utility bill later, put on some layers. So many people get used to the convenience of traipsing around in light, comfortable clothing they forget that a few layers will save money, save energy and keep you healthy as blood circulation stays warm and flowing.
……………………………………….Be Nice When You De-Ice
Don’t pollute the environment with toxic chemical de-icing salts. Use calcium magnesium acetate or calcium chloride instead.
Have Non-Electric Fun
Sitting home and using more energy than you need can have you lethargic and gaining weight in no time. Get out and sled, ski, snowshoe, anything physical.
Re-Light
Winter is the best time to change all your incandescent light bulbs and replace them with bright, vapor-free LED bulbs. Bright white or cool blue can help the dark doldrums that come with winter.
………………………………………..Keep it Cold
Some estimate that upwards of 90% of washing machine energy is used to heat the water for a hot wash. Plus, in the winter months it takes more energy due to frigid water temperature.
Essential Aroma
Being indoors during the winter means smelling more stuffy room odors. Replace chemical-filled, electricity depleting room deodorizers with essential oils….
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For more eco-friendly winter tips, check out the full article at GreenHome.com.
