14 Easy Ways to Help Save the Planet

Green Your Spring Cleaning

1. Choose cleaning products made with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are packaged in bottles made from recycled content. Or search Google.com for a green cleaning service in your area. The EPA estimates that the average U.S. household has up to 25 gallons of toxic materials on hand, mostly in cleaners. Replacing them with natural alternatives is better for the planet and for your health.
2. Fill your home with plants. Indoor air is typically two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. That's because today's energy-efficient building practices prevent harmful indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde (found in furniture, rugs, and paints) from being properly ventilated from your house, according to a study by NASA. One plant per 100 to 120 square feet of living space can clean and negate the effects of harmful toxins.
3. Clear out clutter and avoid the landfill. Join the 4 million members (and growing by 70,000 people per week) of freecycle.org, an organization that connects you with others in your local community to give away stuff you no longer need or want.