5 Ways To Be More Eco Chic This Earth Day

Earth Day is this Wednesday - how will you be celebrating? For many, this holiday serves as a call to be more conscious of how their choices and lifestyle affect the environment. With this concept in mind, we came up with simple changes homeowners can make to their daily routine to lessen their impact on the planet. Here are some things you can try that are more earth-friendly than the alternative.

Try This, Not That

Try This: Blankets

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Not: Turning up your thermostat. Your furnace uses a lot of energy; why not get toasty under a chic and cozy blanket instead of upping the heat and your heating bill?

Try This: Candles

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Not: Switching on more lights. Candles are a great source of light and can add a sense of warmth to any space. Light 'em up instead of your lights.

Try This: Reusable Containers

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Not: Cellophane or aluminum foil. Reusable containers, like Tupperware, Rubbermaid, and mason jars, are great for storing leftovers, but you should also try using them to store other foods and produce that you'd normally wrap in plastic or aluminum. Create less waste while still keeping things fresh.

Try This: Gardening

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Not: Buying imported produce in grocery stores. A vegetable garden is not only a fun hobby, it yields delicious crops. Planes, trains, and trucks are all used to bring produces to your grocery store (especially if it's out of season). Think about all the fuel that takes. Help reduce emissions by eating locally when you can.

Try This: Upcycling

Not: Getting all your furniture brand new. Often times a little paint and elbow grease is all you need to give a piece of furniture a new lease on life. This is the ultimate form of recycling and it's a great way to get custom decor for your home.

We hope these minor changes help you and your family get a little greener this Earth Day. Are there other ways you'll be showing your appreciation for the planet? Tweet @HomeShows your Earth Day plans - we'd love to hear about them! Let's all work together to make this world a better place.