For many of us, practicing green boating in the spring and summer months is an important part of protecting the land and water we enjoy so much. It’s almost easier to remember to take care of the Earth when we’re surrounded by it’s beauty, soaking up the sun and wind during a great day spent outdoors. But what about when cold temperatures, snow and ice force us inside for months at a time?
It’s just as important to practice green living during the winter months. Use these simple tips to do your part all year long.
5 Tips For Green Living In The Winter
Don’t heat an empty house. Use a programmable thermostat or manually turn it down when you leave the house for several hours at a time.
Reduce your household water use. Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. Teach everyone to shut off the sink when brushing their teeth. Take showers instead of baths and use timers to limit how long your showers are.
Switch to green cleaning. Indoor air pollutants can be especially troublesome in the winter months when we don’t open the windows. Avoid using harmful chemicals for everyday cleaning. Opt for homemade or certified green cleaning products.
Say no to paper and plastic. Get in the habit of using reusable grocery bags instead. Keep one in your purse or car at all times or purchase new ones at the grocery store when you forget you’re own (that’s a great way to encourage yourself to remember to bring your own).
De-ice with magnesium chloride. Sodium chloride (salt) and calcium chloride de-icers can damage your concrete, car and nearby plants. Magnesium chloride actually works better, too, melting ice at temperatures as low as minus 17 degrees (salt stops working at 15 degrees above zero).
