For the Home: It's Easy to be Green

You care for your family and now you can care for the environment – starting at home. In the past, eco-friendly products bordered on boring, but no longer! Thanks to big demand, there are a myriad chic, earth-friendly accessories and practical solutions for you to discover. Going “green” is easier than you think. Check out these ideas:

Choose recycled products. Sure, reusing your mom’s heirloom furnishings is a savvy move for the environment, but new home accents – those that show off your own personal style – can also be eco-friendly when they are made of recycled materials. In fact, you might be surprised by the array of sustainable options available. Incorporate trendy metal with recycled pieces, such as the Nelson lamp by Gaiam. An eye-catching accessory, such as a recycled newspaper vase from Target can be a sophisticated and eco-conscious addition to your desk or end table.

Go organic. Soft and luxurious, organic cotton is grown using methods that are easy on the environment. Organic products, including organic sheets, organic blankets and organic towels, are chemical and pesticide free, which makes them a great option for people with allergies or chemical sensitivities.

Banish PVC. You may have heard about the dangers of products made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). From vinyl shower curtains to wastebaskets, products made of PVC emit dangerous toxins and are tough to recycle. You can replace PVC in the bath by swapping out vinyl shower curtains for ones made of polyester or nylon, like those found at Bedbathstore.com. In the kitchen, opt for glass containers instead of plastic for food storage. They’re dishwasher and microwave safe.

Earth-friendly cleaning. Ditch the harsh chemicals and clean your home with biodegradable products. Not only will you cut your impact on water supplies, you will help reduce indoor air pollution created by conventional household cleaners. When clearing clutter, toss non-recyclable trash into biodegradable bags. Some types, like those from Stout, break down in a landfill in just 90 days. Also, you can save a few trees by using microfiber cleaning cloths instead of paper towels.