How to Save The Planet - Doing Your Part

The state of the planet is a topic you will find yourself running into everywhere. We see it on commercials ranging from green energy to Coco-cola. It is discussed in political debates, in our news, on our television, and maybe even at your kitchen table. Nearly every person has an opinion about it. But regardless of what your beliefs are about the health of our planet, we can all probably agree that it is important to take care of the earth. Here is a handful of practical things that you and your family can do around your house to positively affect the health of the planet and possibly improve your health as well.

Pick your paints with care. When you are making a decision on whether to go with a bright robin's egg blue or a calming sage green, make sure you read the label on the container carefully. A great number of paints contain harmful chemicals, even if the label says, "Zero VOC." (Volatile Organic Compounds) Make sure the paint you are choosing is labeled "non-toxic." This way you can be sure that your paint is planet and human friendly.

When you are doing laundry, skip the dryer step. Certainly, dryers are extremely convenient, but they also use up a great deal of energy. If you hang your clothes to dry, you will be able to preserve energy (and also prevent shrinking.) When weather permits, you can even hang your clothes outside, which leaves your clothes smelling fresh.

Instead of purchasing mass marketed household cleaners - make your own! Household cleaners purchased at the store are convenient as well, but the long-term effects of these cleaners ought to make you count the cost. Lessening the use of chemicals found in household cleaners helps get rid of health problems such as allergies, asthma, sinusitis, and bronchitis. Here are a few of the best environmentally friendly options: Earth Friendly, Earth Choice, ECOS, Sun & Earth, OxiClean, CitraSoly, Shaklee, Melaleuca, Biokleen, and Bon Ami. Trader Joe's also has some great options. If you would like to make your own cleaners, baking soda cleans and deodorizes, lemon is effective against bacteria, and white vinegar removes grease, odors and stains.

There is really no way to definitively say what shape the planet is in currently, or what it will look like in 50 or 100 years - but it is far better to take initiative too early than too late. Choosing different paint, line drying your clothes, and making your own cleaners will not solve all of the world's problems, but it is important of us to do our small parts in order to make a big difference.