How to be More Eco Friendly at Home

Seven simple tips to help you form earth-healthy habits

Greener Habits at Home

Many of us want to live in ways that are eco-friendlier. That’s why Meritage^® chooses to build homes that conserve energy and promote health. Technologies like spray foam insulation, UV-blocking windows and materials that assist in preventing heat loss help make Meritage homes, on average, as much as twice as energy-efficient as a typical U.S. home of the same size. Meritage also uses materials that minimize the release of harmful chemicals.

To help you build on this solid eco-friendly foundation, we spoke with Jen Boulden, a green-living expert with a background in environmental management and executive director of Anavo Farms, a nonprofit that supports sustainable farming. “Greening a home is one of my favorite topics because home is where we do most of our living,” she says. “It’s a perfect intersection that helps both our planet and ourselves become healthier.”

Here are a few tips Jen compiled for creating eco-friendly habits in your home:

Tip #1

Add some air-filtering plants...

like philodendrons, peace lilies and English ivy into your decor. They’re not only super trendy and good for your health, but will help set a friendly atmosphere while reducing indoor air pollutants.

Tip #2

Leave your shoes at the door...

This is no longer just for Asian cultures. It’s becoming more of the norm in the U.S., too, because it keeps unsanitary bacteria, toxins and dirt from being spread throughout the house.

Tip #3

If possible, borrow things...

that you might only use occasionally, like an extension ladder or power washer. We all seem to be plagued by too much stuff. One of the best things we can do for the environment is to avoid buying unnecessary things.

Tip #4

Recycle, and follow your local rules...

so you don’t inadvertently ruin the whole batch. It’s a myth that what you put into the recycling bin goes into the landfill, and the energy and raw materials that are saved by recycling are significant.

Tip #5

Drink filtered water...

instead of bottled water. Thankfully, people are realizing the unnecessary cost and waste involved in bottled water when home-filtered water is just as clean. (If you need water on the go, get a stylish reusable water bottle.)

Tip #6

Go green when you clean...

with do-it-yourself cleaning solutions. Free of harmful chemicals, these earth-friendly alternatives can get the job done while cutting down on your grocery bill. Plus, creating them can be a fun weekend craft for the whole family.

Watch the video

Tip #7

Say “bye-bye” to plastic baggies...

Many already know the earth-friendly benefits of reusable grocery bags. Now, there's an easy way to cut down on plastic bags at home, too. Beeswax food storage wraps are a reusable and sustainable option for storing produce or packing lunches.

Meet the expert.

A pioneer in the sustainable business world, Jen Boulden is a green-living expert who’s appeared on Good Morning America, Martha Stewart and more, and been a spokesperson for brands that are “doing well by doing good.” Today, she lives with her family in Santa Barbara County, helps create brands with meaning for clients, and serves as the executive director for her family farm that supports sustainable meat & dairy farming (AnavoFarm.org).

Life. Built. Better.^® HOUSE to HOME is published periodically by Meritage Homes Corporation (together with its affiliated entities, “Meritage”). All articles and editorial material (including, but not limited to, features, editorial comments, opinions, and statements) appearing in this publication represent the views of the respective authors or persons quoted, whether or not specific attribution is made herein, and do not necessarily represent those of Meritage, which accepts no responsibility for such views. Any information contained in this publication has been gathered from sources believed to be reliable, but the accuracy of such information is not guaranteed and Meritage disclaims any responsibility for such information. The mention of specific products and/or services in this publication does not constitute an endorsement or approval of such products and/or services by Meritage, and such products and/or services may not be available with respect to every, or any, Meritage home. Visit http://www.meritagehomes.com/featuredescriptions for information and disclaimers about energy-efficient features and associated claims pertaining to Meritage Homes. All material in this publication is copyright and no part of this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the copyright holder. Meritage Homes^®, Life. Built. Better.^®, and Setting the standard for energy-efficient homes^® are trademarks of Meritage Homes Corporation. ©2019 Meritage Homes Corporation. All rights are reserved.

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