Going green and creating an eco-friendly home is becoming more and more popular. There are many reasons for this - to help the environment, save energy and water, avoid harmful chemicals, and create a healthier home. The good news is that there are lots of products available today that make it easy to go green in your home. In this long article, we will look at 50 different products you can use to make your home more eco-friendly in every room.

Kitchen

The kitchen is a great place to start going green. This important room in the home uses a lot of energy and water. The right eco-friendly kitchen products can help reduce your environmental impact.

Energy Efficient Appliances

When buying new kitchen appliances, look for Energy Star certified models. These meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. Some good choices include:

• Refrigerators - Look for Energy Star fridges with top freezer styles, as these are typically more efficient than side-by-side models. Stainless steel models also run colder than plastic interiors.
• Dishwashers - Choose Energy Star dishwashers with soil sensors and shorter cycle options to save energy and water. Look for quieter models rated under 50 decibels.
• Stoves - Induction cooktops are the most energy efficient stove options. They heat faster, allow instant temperature changes, and are cool to the touch when not in use.
• Microwaves - Microwaves use less energy than conventional ovens. Compact models sized under 1 cubic foot offer the best efficiency.

Eco-Friendly Countertops

Traditional countertop materials like granite and marble have high environmental impacts from mining and manufacturing. Greener options include:

• Bamboo - Made from a rapidly renewable grass, bamboo counters offer a stylish look. Choose formaldehyde-free models with low VOC stains and finishes.
• Recycled glass - Counters made from recycled glass like IceStone offer unique, eco-friendly style. Look for at least 70% recycled content.
• Concrete - Concrete counters are durable and can contain recycled materials like fly ash or ground glass. Have them polished for a smooth finish.
• Reclaimed wood - Wood counters salvaged from old buildings give a rustic, eco-friendly look. Use renewable finishes like beeswax or Natural Seal oil.

Energy Saving Kitchen Tools

It's not just large appliances that can save energy in the kitchen. Smaller tools like these can reduce your power use:

• Electric kettles - Kettles are more energy efficient than stovetop tea pots for boiling water. Look for cordless models with keep warm features.
• Panini presses - These compressed grills use less electricity than stovetop or oven models. Choose versions with ribbed plates for faster cooking.
• Microwave pressure cookers - Cook foods up to 70% faster than other methods. Models like the Instant Pot include slow cook, rice cook, sauté, and yogurt making functions.
• Immersion blenders - Blend soups and sauces right in the pot instead of transferring to a blender jar. This saves energy and lets you cook in one vessel.

Eco-Friendly Dishwashing

Washing dishes uses lots of water and energy. You can green this daily chore with products like:

• Low-flow faucet aerators - Faucet aerators reduce flow to 1.5 gpm or less. This can save hundreds of gallons of water each year without affecting water pressure.
• Dishwasher detergent packs - Tab-style packs cut back on wasted powder detergent and unnecessary plastic scoops. Look for plant-based, hypoallergenic formulas.
• Reusable scrubbing pads - Replace single-use sponges and scrubbers with reusable pads made from scraps like coconut husks. Look for ergonomic shapes with scrubbing surfaces on both sides.
• Bamboo dish racks - Let dishes air dry on racks made from renewable bamboo instead of using the dishwasher's energy-intensive dry cycle. Choose folding designs to save space.

Bathroom

Bathrooms use lots of water. Installing water-efficient fixtures and finding plastic-free personal products can reduce your bathroom's environmental impact.

Low-Flow Fixtures

Installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and toilets significantly reduces water use. Look for these flow rates:

• Faucets - 1.5 gpm or less
• Showerheads - 1.75 gpm or less
• Toilets - 1.28 gpf or less

Choose WaterSense labeled models certified for efficiency by the EPA.

Hot Water Savers

Reduce the energy used to heat water with these eco-friendly products:

• Low-flow showerheads - Listed above, these also cut the hot water needed for showers.
• Drainwater heat recovery - Systems like the Powerpipe attach to drains, recapturing heat from water as it flows down the drain.
• Tankless water heaters - On-demand tankless models only heat water as needed instead of maintaining a whole tank. Look for Energy Star certified.
• Thermostatic valves - Shower valves maintain temperature without fluctuation, avoiding energy waste.
• Insulate pipes and water heater - Insulating hot water pipes and heaters reduces heat loss and energy usage.

Plastic-Free Personal Products

Avoid plastic waste from personal products by choosing these alternatives:

• Bamboo toothbrushes - Made from renewable bamboo, look for BPA-free models with biodegradable bristles.
• Shampoo bars - Solid shampoo bars come with little to no packaging. Find options with natural ingredients and your desired scents.
• Safety razors - Durable double-edge razors have replaceable blades, reducing waste from disposable plastic razors.
• Soap bars - Bar soaps have less packaging than liquid soaps. Seek out handmade artisanal soaps with natural ingredients.
• Reusable cotton rounds - Switch from single-use cotton balls and rounds to reusable cotton rounds. Look for organic cotton and fabrics like hemp.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms may seem like an unlikely place to go green. But the right eco-friendly products can reduce energy use, harmful chemicals, and waste in bedrooms.

Organic Mattresses

Conventional mattresses often contain polyurethane foam, toxic fire retardants, and formaldehyde. Natural options include:

• Latex - Made from rubber tree sap, natural latex is biodegradable and naturally antimicrobial and dust mite resistant.
• Organic cotton - Cotton batting quilted between fabric offers a breathable, non-toxic mattress material.
• Natural wool - Wool "breathes" well and helps regulate temperature. Look for wool certified to Global Organic Textile Standards.
• Organic buckwheat hulls - Buckwheat hulls make a firm, supportive mattress filling. Ensure all materials from covers to adhesives are organic.

Natural Bedding

Choose bedding made from materials like:

• Organic cotton - Grown without pesticides, herbicide-free organic cotton makes cozy, non-toxic sheets and blankets.
• Bamboo - Naturally antimicrobial and moisture wicking, bamboo rayon or lyocell sheets help regulate temperature.
• Natural latex pillows - Contouring natural latex pillows are long-lasting and moldable. Look for GOLS or GOTS certified materials.
• Hemp - Durable, organic hemp makes excellent bedding with natural temperature control.
• Alpaca wool - Hypoallergenic alpaca wool comes from sustainable family farms. It makes luxuriously soft blankets.

Bedroom Power Savers

Use these tips to reduce energy waste in the bedroom:

• Look for Energy Star certified ceiling fans, lamps, and other electronics.
• Install dimmer switches to lower light levels.
• Use power strips to completely shut off electronics and prevent phantom load when not in use.
• Open blinds and curtains during the day to utilize natural daylight.
• Unplug phone and tablet chargers when not needed.

Living Room

The living room sees a lot of activity. These products help reduce your living room's impact on the environment.

Eco-Friendly Furniture

Look for sustainably produced living room furniture:

• Solid wood furniture from renewable sources like oak, maple, and eucalyptus.
• Bamboo or rattan furniture made from fast-growing plants.
• Tables, entertainment units, and shelving with recycled metal bases and reclaimed wood shelves.
• Natural fiber area rugs made from jute, seagrass, or sisal.
• Sofas and chairs filled with natural latex foam, organic wool, recycled down, or polyfill.

Greener Textiles

Upholstery, pillows, and window treatments should also be eco-friendly:

• Hemp, organic cotton, wool, or silk fabric upholstery.
• Reusable slipcovers to protect sofas and chairs.
• Organic fabric roman shades, curtains, and pillows.
• Natural fiber area rugs without chemical treatments.

Energy Efficient Electronics

Living room electronics like TVs use lots of power. Reduce their draw with:

• Energy Star certified flat screen TVs, which use at least 20% less energy than conventional models.
• Smart power strips to completely shut off standby power to peripherals like DVD players when the TV is off.
• Table lamps with LED bulbs, which use about 90% less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last years longer.

Home Office

Creating a green home office reduces paper waste as well as plastic from electronics and ink cartridges.

Renewable Office Supplies

• Look for tree-free paper products made from agricultural waste like banana leaves or cotton scraps.
• Choose recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. With recycled paper, a little goes a long way. Print on both sides.
• Opt for recycled pens and pencils made from old plastic, cardboard, newspaper, or rubber tires. The same companies often offer refills to reduce future waste.
• Swap plastic hole punchers for durable metal designs that last for years. Or go hole-less and use binder clips to secure paper.
• Ditch the plastic desk organizer for woven baskets or trays made from recycled cardboard.

Reusable Technology

• Switch from disposable batteries to rechargeable batteries for electronics like wireless mice and keyboards.
• Look for laptop, phone, and tablet cases made from recycled plastic bottles, plant-based materials, or ECONYL regenerated nylon.
• Instead of throwing out dead electronics or ink cartridges, use manufacturer mail-back programs to properly recycle them.

Digital Filing

• Scan documents and paperwork to create digital copies instead of printing.
• Sign up for electronic statements, billing, and notifications to reduce paper waste.
• Utilize cloud storage instead of external hard drives to reduce plastic waste.

Laundry Room

Laundry products impact both health and the environment. Use these eco-friendly products for cleaner clothes and linens.

Natural Laundry Detergents

Conventional laundry detergents contain synthetic fragrances, brighteners, and chemicals that harm waterways. Greener options include:

• Plant-based detergents made from coconut oil, plant sugars, and food-safe ingredients like vinegar and baking soda.
• Powdered detergents that come in simple cardboard boxes instead of plastic jugs.
• Fragrance-free formulas safe for those with skin sensitivities.
• Non-toxic bleach alternatives like oxiclean, sodium percarbonate or sodium perborate.
• Wool dryer balls which soften fabrics and reduce drying time without chemicals. No plastic involved.

Stain Removers and Pretreaters

Tackle laundry stains naturally with:

• Baking soda or washing soda as abrasive stain lifters.
• Diluted white vinegar, which cuts through grease and acts as a natural fabric softener.
• Lemon juice, a degreasing citrus acid that brightens whites.
• Hydrogen peroxide to lift stubborn organic stains.
• Sea salt as a mild abrasive scrub.

Eco-Friendly Drying

Reduce the energy used in drying laundry with these tips:

• Use a drying rack or clothesline instead of the electric or gas dryer on sunny days.
• When dryer drying, run full loads and use moisture sensor settings to end cycles as soon as clothes are dry.
• To shorten drying time, spin wash loads on the highest spin setting to remove more water.
• Regularly clean the dryer's lint filter and vent hose to improve air circulation for faster drying.

Garage and Shed

The garage and shed offer plenty of opportunities to green your home through electric landscaping tools, non-toxic cleaners, and LED lighting.

Electric Outdoor Power Equipment

Gas-powered lawn tools create emissions and noise pollution. Electric alternatives include:

• Electric lawnmowers, which are lighter and quieter than gas models. Cordless battery mowers allow the greatest freedom and ease of use.
• Electric leaf blowers, trimmers, and edge trimmers which create less noise and emissions during yardwork.
• Electric snow blowers are powerful enough for most suburban snowfall amounts with zero direct emissions.
• Electric pressure washers offer the cleaning power needed for driveways, patios, and cars without the noise, smell, and maintenance of gas engines.

Green Cleaning and Auto Care

Cleaning the garage and caring for your car can involve lots of harsh chemicals. Greener options include:

• Water-based latex paints for walls - Avoid VOCs from oil-based paints.
• Vinegar to clean concrete floors.
• Castile liquid soap for wall washing.
• Baking soda as a scouring powder.
• Plant-based auto polishes without petroleum.
• Biodegradable engine degreaser sprays and wheel cleaners.

Energy Efficient Garage Lighting

Old fluorescent tube lights consume lots of energy. Eco-friendly updates include:

• LED garage door opener lights that turn on and off automatically when the door is activated.
• LED utility shop lights for 60% greater efficiency over older fluorescent models.
• Outdoor rated LED light bulbs in garage ceiling fixtures and outdoor wall sconces by doors.
• Motion detecting outdoor LED flood lights over garage and shed doors.

Yard and Garden

An eco-friendly yard and garden supports biodiversity, eliminates chemicals, and conserves water.

Native Plants

Choose native plants that are naturally adapted to the climate and support native pollinators like bees and butterflies. Talk to local nurseries about the best options for your yard.

Wildlife Habitats

Create habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife:

• Install birdhouses suited for native species.
• Create brush piles as shelter for small mammals.
• Put up bat houses to naturally control insects.
• Build bee houses for solitary bees.
• Plant pollinator-friendly native flowers and shrubs.

Water Conservation

Reduce outdoor water usage with these tips:

• Install a smart sprinkler controller that adjusts watering schedules based on weather and soil moisture.
• Choose low water use plants like succulents and sedum.
• Add thick mulch around plants to reduce evaporation.
• Direct downspouts into rain barrels to collect roof water for irrigation.

Natural Lawn Care

Grow a lush organic lawn without chemicals:

• Test soil to determine amendments needed like lime, compost, or fertilizer based on nutrients present.
• Overseed with eco-friendly tall fescue or microclover.
• Control weeds naturally with corn gluten meal or diluted vinegar.
• Accept some weeds and clover, which act as green fertilizer.
• Let grass clippings decompose on the lawn to fertilize and reduce waste.

Patio and Deck

Creating an eco-friendly outdoor living space saves energy and water while allowing you to enjoy nature.

Energy Efficient Deck and Patio

Reduce energy use while entertaining outdoors:

• Install solar pathway and stair lights which charge in daylight and turn on automatically at night.
• Use LED or solar-powered string lights and lanterns for evening gatherings.
• Select an energy efficient outdoor grill, with electric and propane models often being greener than charcoal.
• Keep the grill covered when not in use to protect burners from weather damage.

Water Conservation

Use these tips to reduce water usage outdoors:

• Avoid power washing decks and patios. Use a broom or leaf blower to clear debris instead.
• When cleaning is needed, use eco-friendly soap and scrub with push broom. Avoid toxic bleach and acid washes.
• Select patio and deck materials like IPE wood or composite boards that require less maintenance and cleaning.
• Use electric fans on patios and screens on decks to reduce need to hose down constantly.

Eco-friendly Decking

Look for sustainable patio and decking materials:

• FSC certified wood from responsible sources like eucalyptus, Shorea wood, or black locust.
• Durable tropical hardwoods like cumaru, tigerwood, or ipe which last for decades.
• Composite decking made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibers.
• Concrete pavers containing fly ash or slag, diverting waste from landfills.

Going green at home is easier than ever thanks to the range of eco-friendly products now available. Following the tips and suggestions outlined in this guide will allow you to reduce energy and water consumption, avoid toxins, decrease waste, and create a healthier, more sustainable home for you and your family. Start with small steps like Energy Star appliances, LED light bulbs, and green cleaning products for an easy transition. Then work your way through every room seamlessly creating an eco-friendly home.