A trend we’ve started noticing this year is that a lot of Vancouver homes are going green and pursuing more environmentally conscious solutions for their homes. From homemade cleaners to energy efficient appliances, the options exist and they’re becoming more available too. Since spring has finally decided to join us, we thought it would be the perfect time for us to share some green cleaning solutions for you and your Vancouver household.
5 Tips for a Greener Home this Spring
Energy Efficiency
Wasted energy is often the culprit of our staggering energy bills. Making sure all lights are off and unused appliances are unplugged (including chargers) is the first step towards conserving energy. This step goes way beyond the scope of saving money for your household but it also benefits our environment. You can also switch all your light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs and if you really want to do your part, you can also look into energy efficient appliances, fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, etc.
Homemade Cleaners
Even though there are plenty of recipes for homemade cleaners, for simplicity’s sake we’ll just introduce the most common cleaner: white vinegar and warm water. For more information on homemade cleaners we found this great article on Good House Keeping that covers recipes from de-greasers to brass cleaners.
Repurpose Old Containers
Reducing the amount of plastic containers and organizers you buy will reduce the amount of stuff you have around the home and will reduce your impact on the environment. Reusing old jars, containers and packaging can help organize messy drawers or hobby closets without a trip to Home Depot. If you do crafts or sew, storing buttons or pins in glass jars may be beneficial because you can see the contents. You can also use old jars to store your dry foods in.
Discover your Green Thumb
Try your luck at housing plants that can help improve the air quality in your home. If you’ve got the same luck as I do with plants maybe you can try purchasing air plants, succulents and cacti. If you’re familiar with plants and have some experience potting, then opt for plants that have a subtle and fresh fragrant – like jasmine.
Consignment and Thrift Stores
Consignment and thrift stores are great for reducing the amount of old clothes you have in your closets. But they’re also a great way to replenish your closets because the clothes are pre-owned, which makes them an environmentally conscious decision. By shopping at these stores we lessen the impact we have on the environment by stopping clothes from ending up in landfills. We also limit the amount of shopping we do at big box stores which pose serious concerns against the environment during their manufacturing and transportation stages.
We hope that these tips help make your home a greener place this spring. If you have any questions regarding Vancouver’s Westside real estate please feel free to contact us with any questions.
