It's as hard for us, as for all central New Jersey home owners, that it's already February! You know, a lot of people made the decision a month ago to live a little “greener” this year. It's a great goal, but often really hard to keep! Try these easy ideas to improve both your own well-being, and the planet's!
Eat local and organic. Nothing is quite as powerful in supporting good health as buying local, organic produce year-round, supporting your commitment to eating five servings of fruit and vegetables each day. Even during the winter months, there are farmers’ markets open. When you shop, look for local brands and locally grown fruits and veggies at the grocery.
Consider experimenting with delicious recipes that include seasonal foods. Of course, cooking from scratch also saves packaging waste, cuts out processed ingredients and preservatives, and encourages a healthier lifestyle!
Get outside. Instead of sitting at home, using electricity by watching TV or playing video games, you can grab some family members or friends and head out for a hike or walk. There are parks everywhere that offer fun and easy trails to explore. You’ll do your lungs a favor by breathing in fresh air, and you’ll enjoy beautiful scenery without even having to leave your city.
If a nature walk isn’t your thing, there are many other outdoor activities to participate in, including skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, skating, biking or mountain climbing. Experiencing nature first hand is a great reminder of the importance of protecting our environment. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking water, regardless of the time of year.
Ride the bus – or your bike. Instead of relying on your car to get around, make an effort to cut greenhouse gas emissions by finding transportation alternatives. Biking is great exercise and helps to keep you fit all year round, even in the winter. Although it takes a certain amount of dedication to permanently give up a car in favor of a bike, it is doable for shorter trips that don’t require carrying a lot of stuff. Make “bus or bike” your motto this year to stay fit and help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.
Green the air in your home. During winter months, indoor air can be toxic and cause respiratory irritation and illness. As most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors, it can be challenging to keep our air clean. One way to help yourself is to air out your home regularly with a 5 to 10 minute purge. Open the front and back doors (including storm doors) and let in fresh air from outdoors. It’s amazing how much fresher and cleaner your home will be.Houseplants are an incredible way to help keep the air in your home greener. There is a host of plants that not only add to the ambiance and beauty of a room, but actually pull toxins from the air.
Pet owners, make sure to clean your pet’s bed, as fur and dander can add allergens and particulates, including dust, to your indoor air. And, if you have an animal that goes outside and comes in with wet fur or paws, its bed might be a bit moldy too—another good reason to wash pet beds regularly.
Cleaning green. Every product we use to wipe our counters, swish down our drains or toilets, or scrub onto our bodies and hair may be a source of toxic chemicals that end up in the environment, affecting not only the water and land, but also the air your family breathes.
Buy non-toxic cleaning products or make your own with inexpensive, effective choices like vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice.
The Marchany TeamKNOWS central New Jersey. We're right where you are, whether you're in South Brunswick or Monroe (Middlesex County). If you're looking for a terrific new home in Mercer County, we're prepared to search for your place in the sun in Princeton Junction, East Windsor, West Windsor, and Robbinsville. And if you're ready to put your Franklin Park or Hillsborough (Somerset County) home on the market, we're prepared to find the buyers who are looking for your home. Call The Marchany Team today at (732) 997-0019, and don't forget to “Like” us on Facebook! We are dedicated to helping you in every way possible.
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