by Terri Bennett Healthy Bedroom Checklist W
hen we think about being healthier and more eco-friendly at home, the bedroom is
usually one of the last places we consid- er. However there are easy ways to Do Your Part to clean up the air inside your family’s bedrooms and reduce your util- ity bills at the same time. Here are a few places to start:
Lighten the Mood There is a bigger selection than ever when it comes to energy saving light bulbs. Halogens, compact fluorescents (CFLs), and LEDs are a few options. All will last at least 25% longer than tra- ditional incandescent ones. The key is to pick the right bulb for your specific fixtures. Some bulbs are not suitable for dimmable lights, for instance. Make sure to check the label before you buy. New, more efficient incandescent bulbs are also beginning to appear on store shelves, so look for those too.
Buy Better Bedding So-called “wrinkle free” bedspreads,
38 Connect And Grow With Women In Our Community
sheets, and pillowcases are usually loaded with chemical products that actually release formaldehyde, which can’t be washed away. Instead, opt for bedding made from natural fabrics such as cotton or flannel.
Fans are Your Friend A simple way to lower your utility bills is to use a ceiling fan to keep the treated air moving. In the colder months, your fan blades should turn in the clockwise direction to force warmer air collect- ing at the ceiling down toward the floor. You can tell that the blades are turning in the wrong direction for the colder months if you feel a breeze push- ing down on you when standing di- rectly under the fan. Reverse the blade direction in warmer months.
Clean out the Closets Are your closets jam-packed with clothes that you and your family no longer wear? Don’t let them take up valuable space when they could go to someone who wants or needs them. Many well cared for clothes hold a lot of
going green
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