Did you know that candles made from paraffin, which is a petroleum by–product, fill the air with carcinogens such as benzene and toluene? These chemicals are as dangerous as breathing second-hand smoke. (I have to admit, I was a little surprised by this.)
Also, candles made outside of the U.S. use lead to make the wicks. LEAD! I know, can you believe it? For these reasons, I have switched to 100% beeswax and soy candles. I am especially fond of the beeswax candles from Big Dipper Wax Works. They smell amazing, are non-toxic, and made using 100% renewable resources. Did you know that beeswax candles release negative ions into the air that eliminate allergens and pollutants?
Big Dipper Wax Works makes the most fabulous hand-poured beeswax candles that are made with the finest beeswax and essential oils. These candles are to die for, you will love them! The smell is amazing and so relaxing. They come in elegant glass containers that are both beautiful and reusable. Also, each candle comes beautifully packaged in either 100% recyclable or compostable packaging and includes a sweet bee matchbook with each candle. My favorite scents are the Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang and the Grapefruit and Fennel.
But, don’t take my word for it, try them for yourself!
There are many things you can do to make your sweet home greener, read on for some great green tips from Green Chic.
The air inside most homes is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outside. Fact.
Almost 70% of streams sampled in 2002 contained chemicals from household cleaning products. Fact.Â
10% of toxic exposures reported to the U.S. Poison Control Centers are related to cleaning products directly touching the skin or being ingested. Fact.
Most conventional cleaning products come in non-recyclable containers. Fact.
However, you can choose to clean your home in a good, old, green way.
Use green cleaning products that:
List their ingredients.
Contain no chlorine or anything that starts with Clor or Ammonia.
Are certified biodegradable and free of synthetic chemicals.
If you’re considering selling your home any time soon, you should have sustainability on your mind. Why? Not only do 48% of buyers interested in brand new homes cite “energy-efficiency” as their most desired feature, but investing in some eco-friendly upgrades before putting your home on the market can yield higher appraisals and listing prices. This is definitely an option today’s home sellers should keep in mind: HGTV.com already recommends taking 15% to 20% off what the home is worth when selling your home, but a few mindful and sustainable upgrades can really help your home stand out above the rest in the ever-competitive real estate market. Here are just a few eco-friendly upgrades to consider before putting your home up for sale.
Windows
Installing eco-friendly windows could be the perfect way to spruce up your home’s curb appeal while investing in its long-term energy-efficiency and savings. You’d be surprised just how many homes are long overdue for window replacements. If your home frequently drafty, or your windows are old and outdated, chances are they can be dramatically improved with eco-friendly features.
If you don’t quite have the budget for full window replacements, you can also consider more affordable options that have some of the same effects, such as window tinting. You could save up to 40% on your utility bill by tinting your windows, and they can also keep the glare and harmful UV rays out. Take advantage of this option by tinting the windows in the rooms where people gather and socialize the most.
Thermostat
For bigger homes that cost a lot to heat and cool, consider investing in a smart thermostat system to optimize the temperature in each and every room as opposed to heating the house as a whole. This enables each person to customize their preferred temperatures at various times throughout the day. It also allows homeowners to minimize energy usage by heating or cooling their home only when they are occupying it. You can even set these systems in line with your work schedule, ensuring your home’s heat turns down the moment you leave and turns back up just before you return. When all is said and done, experts say homeowners can save almost $200 a year on home energy costs.
Water Heater
Finally, if you have the budget, replacing your home’s water heater may be an incredibly wise choice. Most experts agree that bathroom additions offer some of the best ROI, but this investment, and those of similar sustainability levels, offer more value than others.
“A new, energy efficient water heater is a great way to save money. They won’t run as often, and homeowners will enjoy the ability to have hot water on command as opposed to having to wait for the water to heat up while they watch several gallons of water go down the drain,” writes Bill Gassett on Massachusetts Real Estate News.
Once you’ve made your upgrades, consider getting an energy audit to legitimize your eco-friendly investments and make sure the measurements are quantifiable and accurate on the listing. Of course, after making all of these eco-friendly improvements, you may not even want to sell your home at all — but who could blame you?
Ultimately, about $1.4 trillion of new mortgages were issued in 2008, and new homes are constantly being mortgaged to eco-conscious consumers. Being aware of the ways you can make your home more appealing to those with similar values is the key to making your real estate transaction as quick and easy as possible.
Location is the most important decision you will make while planning your wedding. Creating a green wedding means finding your perfect location while minimizing your impact on the Earth.
Have you been looking for a fabulous vegan chocolate-coated donut recipe? Of course, you have! Have you checked out Minimalist Baker? Minimalist Baker is full of amazing vegan and vegetarian recipes that you will die for. Whip up a batch of these delicious vegan donuts and call it a day!
