The arrival of warmer weather means different things to different people.
Some anticipate opportunities for outdoor fun, while others may be considering redecorating or remodeling their homes.
For the latter group, home improvement season provides a great opportunity to make homes more eco-friendly.
When planning home improvements, it's best to choose a project and then look for ways to make it more environmentally friendly. Such an approach may not only benefit the environment, but also a homeowner's bottom line.
Interior decorating Longer days and warmer temperatures often translate into wanting to freshen up the interior of a home. Heavy draperies and comforters are put away, and lighter fabrics are taken out of storage. Whenever possible, reuse or re-purpose items you already have rather than purchasing new items.
Longer drapes can be cut and hemmed to be used as window treatments in other rooms. Making a patchwork blanket out of old T-shirts is a crafty project that makes use of items that would otherwise be destined for
landfills. When laundering linens, skip the energy-using dryer and let items line dry in the sun and fresh air.
If you decide to purchase some new items, look for products made from sustainable
or organic fabrics. Hemp and bamboo textiles have grown in popularity. Hemp and bamboo plants grow quickly, and their durability makes these materials smart choices.
When replacing items around the house, donate older items to a charitable organization.
Flowers and plants Spring and summer call to mind beautiful blooming plants. Relying on native, sustainable plants is practical, environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
Native plants sustain local wildlife more effectively than non-native alternatives. Native plants also are less reliant on pesticides and herbicides to keep them healthy and viable.
Don't forget to bring plants indoors as well. Even though you may be opening the windows more, indoor plants can filter and purify indoor air.
Proper disposal Many people use spring as a time to go through closets and garages to remove items they no longer use or need. In an effort to clean up fast, some people may dispose of chemical products, paints, treated lumber, and many other items in ways that can be damaging to the environment.
Before discarding something, see if it can be donated or sold. This will result in fewer items ending up in landfills.
Exercise caution outdoors as well. Runoff from cleaning products used on home siding or driveways can leach into the surrounding soil or find its way into sewage drains that ultimately direct fluids to public waterways. Choose environmentally responsible products whenever possible.
