|
 While working remotely, consider these easy tips for boosting your home’s sustainability. Read on for six easy ways to do so.
1. Use non-toxic cleaners. There are plenty of natural, non-toxic cleaners on the market. However, they can be more expensive. Consider making your own environmentally-friendly cleaners out of common household items.
- White vinegar is naturally acidic and makes a great agent for killing mold and bacteria. It is also handy for cleaning mirrors and windows.
- Baking soda is good for deodorizing.
- Sodium borate (borax) is a multi-purpose cleaner and great for scrubbing floors and walls.
- Add essential oils to your cleaners for a fresh scent.
Using these cleaning alternatives is better for the environment and can be more affordable.
2. Lose unnecessary paper and plastic products.
- Say goodbye to paper towels and use washable rags and cloths.
- Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying cases of single-use plastic bottles.
- Use reusable cloth bags instead of taking home hundreds of plastic bags (you still can use these in stores, may have to bag your own groceries).
- While working from home, print on both sides of the paper if possible.
3. Educate yourself about your local recycling center and learn how to start making your own compost. See the resources below. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has a lot of good information for household composting.
4. Reduce your electrical usage (and electric bill)
- Keep lights off when you don’t need them.
- Use drapes and dark shades to keep the sun out and your house cooler.
- Weather strip your windows to reduce heating/cooling costs.
- Invest in ENERGY STAR rated appliances.
- Use power strips to better control electricity supplied to computers and other devices which tend to draw energy even when turned off.
5. Reduce your water usage (and water bill)
- Don’t do a load of laundry or run the dishwasher until they are completely full.
- Take quick showers.
- Turn the water off when you are brushing your teeth or doing dishes by hand.
- Fix any leaky pipes. This can save hundreds to thousands of gallons of water, along with lowering your water bill.
- Consider installing a low-flow shower head. Look for models rated at 1 to 2 gallons per minute (Here is one example). Some even have a “pause” button to use while you are shampooing or washing your body.
6. Make better consumer choices.
- Convert to LED light bulbs instead of regular incandescent or compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs. LEDs are very efficient and don't contain the mercury that is in the CFLs.
- Use rechargeable batteries. Not only are rechargeable batteries easier to recycle, they also contribute less waste to landfills.
|
From your ND gmail account - click on the 9 dots in the upper right hand corner next to your Apps. You'll find "Currents" in the drop down menu. Click on Currents. Initially, you won't see the Green Ambassador community. Just type in "Notre Dame Green Ambassador" in the Currents search bar and then you will see it.
