With changing times, people have started opting for the things that are convenient and don’t take much of their time. With such a move, disposable bags, bottles, and cups only increase the waste even if they make life easy. However, there is a need to live the all-natural lifestyle once again.
Keeping yourself away from the chemicals will not only protect you from a wide range of diseases but also save you a lot of money. Ingredients present in the house make great cleansers, detergents, and skin-care products. Minimizing the use of resources such as water and energy will promote a greener and cost-effective lifestyle. So, here are 7 easy swaps you can make for a greener house.
1. Essential Oils
Buying skin care products can be expensive and confusing. There are just too many to choose from and some don’t even serve the purpose.
So, completely avoid buying lotions and other products. Swap these for essential oils for softer and smoother skin. You not only save a lot of money by doing this but also reduce the plastic waste. However, when you use essential oils, ensure that you combine it with a carrier oil like coconut oil as it can otherwise be harsh on your skin. One essential oil can make your skin better in all ways, without being subjected to harmful chemicals.
2. Homemade Toothpaste
Toothpaste is full of chemicals that can be avoided. It can be made using turmeric and coconut oil, which reduces bad breath, makes your teeth whiter, and also helps fight bacteria in the mouth, protecting you from oral diseases. There are many other ingredients you can use to make your own toothpaste to reap its benefits based on your preferences.
3. Bucket
Everyone knows how much water is wasted when you have a bath under a shower. With a bucket, you can minimize the usage of water and use only how much is required. Buckets help you keep a track of how much water you have used, instead of it just flowing endlessly.
You can also use buckets or pipes to water your plants and clean the other areas in your house. You will be surprised with how much water you have saved.
4. Reusable Kitchen Items
Disposable plastic cups and takeaways are no doubt convenient. But what about the double garbage generated? Using washable and reusable coffee mugs, plates, spoons, and straws can reduce the waste and the cost.
Plastic bottles are the biggest culprits. You may just drink water and throw the bottle away. Ever thought how many bottles you are throwing away in a day? Just go for a reusable bottle that can be filled any number of times in a day.
5. Energy-Saving Light Bulbs
When you can light your home with exactly the same amount of light but at a lower cost, then why not? Switching to bulbs that use energy efficiently can cut down your cost.
Bulbs like halogen incandescents, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are the ones you should replace your old incandescent bulbs with. Although their initial costs are high, in the long run, they will save you a lot of money.
6. Homemade Detergent
Detergents can make the fabric weak and cleansers contain chemicals that can harm your skin. Natural detergents and cleaners made with baking soda are effective in doing their job and also easy to make. These also reduce container and plastic wastage. Switch the commercial detergent with an all-natural one to keep yourself and your family away from chemicals.
7. Natural Air-Fresheners
Bad odor in the kitchen and bathroom cannot be avoided. However, it can be masked by using air-fresheners. Just like the detergents, air-fresheners release harmful substances into the air. So, make your own air-fresheners with baking soda and lemon, coffee, or by placing potpourri inside the house.
