If you’re looking to simplify your life in the greenest way possible, your efforts should begin at home. Your home and your garden are your sanctuary (and possibly your sustenance). Transforming the way you treat these spaces, reorganizing them, and giving them the attention they need can help you effectively run a well oiled eco-friendly machine. Are you giving your space the time and attention it deserves?

Do a Deep Clean to Help You Downsize

Many people wind up purchasing plastic goods they don’t need because they forget about the secret stashes of plastic goods they already have. Go through everything stored in all the corners and closets of your home. Take the things that no longer serve you and set them aside to sort out later. Take a thorough inventory of what you have to assure that you aren’t buying things you don’t need. Decluttered homes are easier to manage.

Once your home is clean, swap out your old chemical based house cleaners for eco friendly cleaners. Eco friendly cleaners may not be as strong as chemical solvents, but your decluttered home will be easier to come up with. You’re less likely to have cumulative messes or buildups that are hard to remove without solvents if you have less things to clean around. Cleaning will be easier.

A deep clean of your yard and garden is next on the list. Remove any trash, dead plants, weeds, and old plastic lawn ornaments that have been sitting around baking in the sun. If you want to fully utilize your garden, you’ll need to be sure that its soil is clean and unobstructed.

Start Recycling

It’s relatively easy to make recycling a regular household process. Simply set up some recycling bins beside the garbage can and put waste where it really belongs. The largest task is recycling or appropriately disposing of things you’ve decided to purge during your deep clean. Set things aside that still have value or can be reused, and work through the remainder.

It’s surprising how much can be recycled – even electronics can be recycled through the proper channels. Check your local recycling specifications to ascertain that everything is properly disposed of, and donate the things that don’t need to be recycled. Things like mirrors or furniture made of multiple components cannot be recycled. You might need to call a rubbish company to haul those things away.

Compost and Grow

Waste from fruits and vegetables, egg shells, and coffee grounds can be composted to feed your garden. You won’t need to pollute the soil with synthetic chemicals or harsh fertilizers. Set up a bin outside your house for organic matter to decompose in. As it decomposes, mix it in with your garden soil to enrich it.

Plant seedlings at the appropriate time. Most seed packets have date ranges by region printed on the back, so following the instructions is simple. Collect rainwater to water your plants when the weather is dry, and periodically fertilize from your compost. Water that collects in your compost bin is excellent for adding a steady stream of nutrients to your plants. Natural alternatives to pesticides, such as neem oil, will help protect your plants from pests. When it’s time to harvest, wash and enjoy the freshest produce you’ve ever tasted.

Repurpose As Much as Possible

It’s hard to buy food or household supplies that are free from packaging unless you purchase them at a bulk store that allows you to bring your old containers. When you need to buy something packaged, opt for things that come in glass jars or other reusable types of packaging. Mason jars can be used for storage, organization, and keeping leftovers fresh. If you’re using your garden for food, you can reuse the mason jar to preserve your fruits and vegetables.

New habits sometimes take a while to fully adopt. Don’t feel ashamed if you make a few missteps or if it takes a while to get your whole household committed to better habits. Small changes are better than no changes, and with a steady approach, you have the potential to make a difference.

If you’re looking to simplify your life in the greenest way possible, your efforts should begin at home. Your home and your garden are your sanctuary (and possibly your sustenance). Transforming the way you treat these spaces, reorganizing them, and giving them the attention they need can help you effectively run a well oiled eco-friendly machine. Are you giving your space the time and attention it deserves?

Do a Deep Clean to Help You Downsize

Many people wind up purchasing plastic goods they don’t need because they forget about the secret stashes of plastic goods they already have. Go through everything stored in all the corners and closets of your home. Take the things that no longer serve you and set them aside to sort out later. Take a thorough inventory of what you have to assure that you aren’t buying things you don’t need. Decluttered homes are easier to manage.

Once your home is clean, swap out your old chemical based house cleaners for eco friendly cleaners. Eco friendly cleaners may not be as strong as chemical solvents, but your decluttered home will be easier to come up with. You’re less likely to have cumulative messes or buildups that are hard to remove without solvents if you have less things to clean around. Cleaning will be easier.

A deep clean of your yard and garden is next on the list. Remove any trash, dead plants, weeds, and old plastic lawn ornaments that have been sitting around baking in the sun. If you want to fully utilize your garden, you’ll need to be sure that its soil is clean and unobstructed.

Start Recycling

It’s relatively easy to make recycling a regular household process. Simply set up some recycling bins beside the garbage can and put waste where it really belongs. The largest task is recycling or appropriately disposing of things you’ve decided to purge during your deep clean. Set things aside that still have value or can be reused, and work through the remainder.

It’s surprising how much can be recycled – even electronics can be recycled through the proper channels. Check your local recycling specifications to ascertain that everything is properly disposed of, and donate the things that don’t need to be recycled. Things like mirrors or furniture made of multiple components cannot be recycled. You might need to call a rubbish company to haul those things away.

Compost and Grow

Waste from fruits and vegetables, egg shells, and coffee grounds can be composted to feed your garden. You won’t need to pollute the soil with synthetic chemicals or harsh fertilizers. Set up a bin outside your house for organic matter to decompose in. As it decomposes, mix it in with your garden soil to enrich it.

Plant seedlings at the appropriate time. Most seed packets have date ranges by region printed on the back, so following the instructions is simple. Collect rainwater to water your plants when the weather is dry, and periodically fertilize from your compost. Water that collects in your compost bin is excellent for adding a steady stream of nutrients to your plants. Natural alternatives to pesticides, such as neem oil, will help protect your plants from pests. When it’s time to harvest, wash and enjoy the freshest produce you’ve ever tasted.

Repurpose As Much as Possible

It’s hard to buy food or household supplies that are free from packaging unless you purchase them at a bulk store that allows you to bring your old containers. When you need to buy something packaged, opt for things that come in glass jars or other reusable types of packaging. Mason jars can be used for storage, organization, and keeping leftovers fresh. If you’re using your garden for food, you can reuse the mason jar to preserve your fruits and vegetables.

New habits sometimes take a while to fully adopt. Don’t feel ashamed if you make a few missteps or if it takes a while to get your whole household committed to better habits. Small changes are better than no changes, and with a steady approach, you have the potential to make a difference.