Whether it’s out of concern for the environment or for a desire to live a more natural lifestyle, more people are making green decisions for their homes. In Gallup’s annual Environmental Poll (2008), 28 percent of Americans said they’ve made major changes to their lives to protect the environment, while 55 percent said they have made minor changes. The most common changes involve recycling, conserving fuel, using less electricity and making homes more energy efficient.

Another step people are taking is to buy eco-friendly or more natural products for their homes. A recent Yahoo green living survey found that 57 percent of respondents have made green purchases within the last six months.
There are simple and affordable steps you can take around the house that will help improve the environment of your home as well as the earth.

Step One: Understanding Natural
A growing number of companies have come out with “green” or “natural” products. But because these terms do not have regulated definitions or standards, it’s important to know what label claims mean when making buying decisions.

For example, when The Clorox Company introduced its line of Green Works natural cleaners, it listed all ingredients on the label and defined what it means by natural: ingredients that are plant-based, biodegradable and not tested on animals.

Check a company’s Web site and look for product reviews for more information about the products you want to buy to see if they live up to their claims.

Step Two: Take Simple Steps
You don’t have to give your home a top-to-bottom instant makeover. Take small steps to make your home more energy efficient and natural. Each one you take makes the next one easier.

Here are some simple steps to get you started:

• No running on empty. Load the dishwasher after every meal, but only turn it on when it’s totally full. Running several smaller loads instead of a full load wastes both water and energy.

• Foil spills. Line the oven, broiler and burners with aluminum foil for easier (and less harsh) clean up.

• Green cleaning. Use natural cleaning products made from plant-based ingredients. Josh Dorfman is a green lifestyle expert and author of “The Lazy Environmentalist.” He places several Green Works natural cleaners on his “50 Best Green Products” list. “I like the Green Works Natural Bathroom Cleaner and Natural All Purpose Cleaner,” he says, “because they’re natural cleaners that are also effective in getting the job done.”

• Think reuse! Recycling is great, but it still consumes a lot of energy. Before you toss, ask yourself: “Is there anything else I can use this for?” (Storing toys, sorting change, craft projects, etc.)

• Buy recycled. For paper product must-haves, purchase recycled, unbleached paper towels or napkins. Kitchen trash bags made from recycled materials are becoming more widely available as well.

• Car smarts. Save water by cutting the number of times you wash the car each month, and make sure to turn off the faucet between rinses. And think twice before hopping in the car for a ride to the store. Try shopping once every one or two weeks instead of making multiple trips for just a few items. Limiting the number of trips helps save gas and money.

Step Three: Get the Family Involved
It’s easier to make changes in the household routines if everyone is on board. Talk about why you want to make these changes. Get feedback from the kids on what steps you can take together to make your home healthier and greener. Everyone can pitch in: have the kids help with online research and decisions about new products. Even the littlest ones can help sort the recycling.

Making your home a little greener will not just make you feel better about your home, it will make your home a better place to live. For more tips on greener living, visit greenworkscleaners.com.

In the Know
Here are some definitions of terms associated with green and natural claims.
Renewable Resources: A natural resource qualifies as a renewable resource if it is replenished by natural processes at a rate that’s equal to the rate of consumption by humans.

Biodegradable: A biodegradable material is something that has the ability to safely and relatively quickly break down into the raw materials of nature and disappear into the environment.

Sustainable: A sustainable product is something made from renewable resources, which means they can grow back quickly and can be harvested with minimal harm to the environment.

Petrochemicals: Petrochemicals are chemical products made from raw materials of petroleum.
Definitions courtesy of the makers of Green Works Natural Cleaners.

There are many easy things you can do to make your home a cleaner, greener place to live.
Living Room: One of the easiest ways to save energy is to turn off the television when you leave the room.

Kitchen: Use kitchen cloths, napkins or hand towels made from bamboo or organic fibers. They are made from renewable resources.

Bedroom: Use rechargeable batteries for toys and electronics. If you use disposable batteries, be sure to recycle them properly.

Bathroom: Save water by placing a bucket in the shower or tub while waiting for water to get warm. Use it for watering plants or rinsing dishes.

Yard: Clothes dryers are one of the least energy efficient household appliances. On a sunny day, line-dry your laundry.

- Courtesy of Family Features – Materials Courtesy Clorox Green Works
Recycling photo: Getty Images