Here are a few ways to implement green-living products and practices into your home:

Use green cleaning products
The air inside your home can contain up to five times as many common chemical pollutants than areas outside the home, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. One quick way to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals is by using green cleaning products. Many natural ingredients found inside your kitchen—such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon—can do the job just as well. What’s more, replacing expensive cleaning products with cheaper, homemade cleaning products can also offer a huge savings boost. A variety of chemical-free cleaning products are also available in most grocery and retail stores. 

Invest in eco-friendly furniture
New furniture can often come with a distinct scent brought on by the slow release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like glue, chemical coatings and varnishes, particle board and upholstery used throughout the construction process. Eco-friendly furniture, however, is made using natural materials harvested from sustainable resources or recycled goods, thus eliminating the worry of chemical exposure. While it’s always best to repurpose or recycle existing pieces of furniture, several furniture manufacturers now offer eco-friendly lines for purchase.

Add plants to home decor
Research has proven that many common houseplants help fight pollution indoors. Indoor plants help to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen while also removing commercial chemicals from the air. For air cleaning capabilities that go beyond what plants can provide, consider a whole-home system like the PureAir™ air purification system. With nature and technology working to clear your air, you can breathe easier.

Eat less processed foods
Processed foods, according to the World Health Organization, are responsible for the sharp increase in chronic disease across the globe. It urges people to cut their intake of these foods, which are often high in saturated fats, sugar and salt. As a rule, choose local foods to eliminate the estimated 1,500 miles the average fresh food item typically travels to get to your dinner table. In addition, increase intake of fruits and vegetables to around 400 grams per day and opt for organic food whenever possible to avoid ingestion of harmful pesticides.

Go solar
Using solar panels to power your HVAC, lighting and more can help reduce your dependence on the power grid and lower your home’s energy costs. Today’s solar energy systems are simpler to use than ever before—and often include federal tax breaks and rebates from local utility providers. Plus, this clean energy source is infinitely renewable, significantly reducing impact to the environment. 

A smart home uses highly advanced technology to provide comfort, security, energy efficiency and convenience at all times, regardless of whether anyone is home. By automating many aspects of daily living through remote technology, a smart home can give you the ability to control electronic and appliances from a smartphone, tablet or laptop.

Items typically automated in a smart home include:

• Appliances
• Lighting
• Heating and air conditioning
• Entertainment and multimedia systems
• Computers
• Windows and doors
• Security systems

But that’s just the basics: Domestic activities, such as pet feeding, lawn and houseplant watering and using robots to complete a chore or task can also be automated.

Since the concept of a smart home is still relatively new, many existing homes do not include “built-in” smart appliances and systems. The good news is, even if your home is not already equipped with this technology, integrating one smart product at a time can be a cost-effective approach to creating a smarter home. The bonus? These products can also help you make your home greener and more energy efficient.

A few ways you can use smart home technology to conserve energy include:

• Adjusting the temperature of the thermostat to an energy-saving setting when the house is unoccupied and restoring the normal setting shortly before returning
• Creating alerts for appliance maintenance (regular maintenance ensures increased operational efficiency and energy savings)
• Controlling various indoor and outdoor lighting systems, including motion sensors and detectors
• Operating smart grid-ready appliances—such as a dishwasher, oven or washer and dryer—during off-peak hours to lower utility rates
• Using solar panels to operate heating and cooling or other appliances in the home and monitor energy use

Ready to get started? Learn more information about smart homes and home tech solutions at cedia.org, the International Association for Custom Electronic Design & Installation professionals.

Whether you’re an eco-conscious consumer, or simply looking for ways to go greener and save a little money, here are a few ideas for putting your cash to good use:

Green mutual fund
With as little as a $250 upfront investment, a green mutual fund can provide a sound place for your money to grow. Not only can you feel good about your socially responsible decision, but you’ll have the peace of mind of knowing the corporations investing your money are working to minimize their own environmental impact. Consult a financial adviser to select investments: Pax World Mutual Funds deliver competitive long-term investments through a process called sustainable investing; Domini Social Investments specialize exclusively in socially responsible investing, integrating social and environmental standards into their investment decisions.

Fuel-efficient vehicle
The cheapest ways to save money on transportation are traveling via public transit or carpooling; however, if you’re leaning toward a new car purchase, consider one of the newer, fuel-efficient models. Visit fueleconomy.gov to compare models and features. Alternatively, a quick tune-up of your current vehicle can go a long way in stretching your fuel dollars…and extending the life of your car.

Solar panels
Adding solar panels to your home can help you start harnessing the sun’s rays to create your own energy, offering a significant reduction in monthly utility costs. Plus, given the wide availability of rebates and tax breaks, investing in solar energy is now easier and more affordable than ever.

Home energy efficiency
Investing your tax return toward increasing home efficiency can help you save big on utility costs while helping to lower your environmental footprint. If you have a sizable return, consider replacing an old, out-of-date HVAC system with a new high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR®-qualified unit. This can help cut utility costs by up to 20% if your heat pump or air conditioner is 10 years or older, and up to 15% if your furnace is more than 15 years old. Additionally, installing a programmable thermostat, insulating and sealing your home and installing ENERGY STAR-qualified windows and appliances can go a long way in helping you save money down the road—all while helping to reduce energy use. For more tips to increase home energy efficiency, visit energystar.gov.

Composting system
Developing a composting system for waste can be cheap and easy. Plus, it makes the load lighter on garbage day when you’re hauling the trash to the curb! Start with a worm bin (a cheap storage bin or retail composting bin). Then, purchase a well-established colony of red wigglers—the most common type of composting worms. Add in all raw fruit and vegetable peels, seeds and waste—you can even add eggshells, plain, undyed paper towels or coffee grounds and filters. The worms will eat their own weight in food waste every day while producing a great fertilizer for your garden.

While it’s difficult enough to match your wardrobe to the forecast, fluctuating weather patterns and changing temperatures can leave you feeling ill to boot.

Here are a few tips to ramp up your health when the weather begins to wreak havoc on your health:

1. Drink up
Fresh fruit juices rich in vitamin C are a great way to start off the morning; the extra C-boost will kick your immunity-fighting ability into gear. Add honey to juice to soothe a sore throat that has fallen victim to changing conditions. Similarly, drinking several glasses of water a day is necessary to protect your body from illness and disease by flushing toxins and helping you to absorb nutrients. Aim for two to three liters of water per day, or approximately half your body weight in ounces.

2. Clear the air
Seasonal weather changes can exacerbate allergy symptoms as pollens and molds start to float through the air. But did you know the air inside your home can be five times more polluted than the air outside? Decluttering and equipping your HVAC system with a high-efficiency HEPA filter can also go a long way in reducing the presence of dust and dust mites. For best results, change your filter every three months. Similarly, installing a whole-home air filtration system, like the Lennox PureAir™ Air Purification System, can dramatically improve indoor air quality and set you off on the path to better health.

3. Exercise outdoors
Keeping an active lifestyle and getting a little fresh air is essential to good health. Not only does a daily workout help to eliminate winter doldrums, it can also keep you in great shape. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. When it’s just too cold to go out, try an exercise video, do a little yoga or lift weights indoors.

4. Rest
If you are waking up feeling less than refreshed and reenergized, chances are you’re not getting the high-quality sleep you need. Aim for seven to eight hours a night; sleep offers the body a chance to rest and repair, strengthening your immune system and eliminating toxins.

5. Mind the weather—and your wardrobe
People are most at risk of becoming ill during periods of seasonal transition. That’s because as outside influences such as weather conditions change suddenly, the body’s regulation mechanisms can be caught unaware, triggering changes in temperature that affect the immune system as it tries to keep up. To alleviate the toll on your body, dress in layers during seasonal transitions; add and subtract as needed.

Here are some items you can add to your checklist:

1. Clear out clutter—and dust
Clutter can quickly build up, especially when space is limited. Left unchecked, clutter can lead to allergy-aggravating dust problems. For help clearing your home and your air, you might turn to a trusted friend who can walk through your house and give you an honest, yet tactful, assessment. Then, purge. Save a few treasures, but box the rest up and donate it all to charity, or to the nearest dumpster.

2. Spruce up the front yard
On a nice spring day, step outside and survey your front lawn. A complete overhaul probably isn’t necessary, but a few simple changes might make a world of difference to your curb appeal. Paint your front door a vibrant color. Trim your hedges and add some pops of bright flowering plants in containers. Add a new mailbox, power-wash your driveway, and don’t forget to install large, reflective house numbers for convenience and safety. You’ll be amazed how a few simple upgrades transform the look of your home from drab to fab.

3. Inspect your plumbing
Leaky faucet? Fix it. Slow drip? Tighten and dry it up. Plumbing issues can be an “out of sight, out of mind” problem that surfaces at the worst times. Head off any lurking issues with an inspection of your plumbing. Update those faucets and washers, clean those pipes, and monitor for holes, drips or rust. Have a trusted plumber visit and do a full assessment. A small investment now can save a flood—literally—of problems later.

4. Schedule an HVAC tune-up
In the spring, as you prepare to move from heat to air conditioning, have your HVAC system inspected by a trained professional. Your local Lennox dealer can inspect the supply and return ducts, replace filters, and make sure your system is operating at peak efficiency.

5. Clean and refresh floors
Sweeping and vacuuming may be enough to shape up floors. If you have hardwood under the carpet, you may want to pull up a section of the carpet to check the wood and subfloor conditions. Re-staining the floors takes patience, but the result can be stunning. Another option is to cover the old flooring with new, easy-to-install wood laminate. No special talents are needed—just a click, snap and tap of the hammer. Or, install new tile to freshen up a room. In an afternoon, you can transform a blah room into a WOW room.

6. Repaint walls
An easy way to brighten a home is to pull out the paint cans. A fresh coat of paint—in cool, neutral shades of white, yellow or sand—adds a fresh look and instant value. Plan a room or two per weekend, and in a month or so, you’ll have a welcoming new interior.

If you have a hankering for that HD flat screen…or that hot new car…take a breath and don’t blow that stash of cash just yet. Call it a science or marketing secret, but there are proven ways to get the best bang for your buck on big-ticket items throughout the year. You just need to know when to hit the stores.

January
Furniture – Manufacturers ship new designs and furniture sets to stores in January, so deals can be found on existing stock in retail stores.

Exercise equipment – Remember that New Year’s resolution? Retailers do, and that’s why they radically drop prices on exercise equipment in January.

Linens and bedding – The first “White Sale” hit store ads in 1878, and the tradition stuck. Shop in winter for comforters, sheets, mattresses and all those fluffy linens that make life more comfortable. For the best deals on furniture, exercise equipment, linens, electronics and more, try searching dealnews.com.

February
Cell phones – Cell phone prices and plans vary throughout the year, but shop Valentine’s Day for two-for-one deals for you and your sweetie.

Televisions – Black Friday may be king, but a second time to shop for TVs comes around and just after Super Bowl Sunday. No matter who wins the Super Bowl, you come out the big winner with great TV deals.

March
Golf clubs – New models are released for the summer, so your local golf shop starts chipping the old clubs out the door in March.

Luggage – It’s between vacation seasons, so grab deals on bags in March, and get ready to hit the beach in the summer.

April
Houses – Spring is the best time of year to buy a house, but beware that competition will be fierce. You may have to do a little extra hunting for the home of your dreams.

Digital cameras – Manufacturers usually introduce their latest models of digital cameras in January at the Consumer Electronics Show. By the time spring rolls around, retailers start discounting older models to make room for the newer ones. So you might consider buying last year’s model for less.

May
Refrigerators – While most appliances go on sale in the fall, May is the time for refrigerators. New models hit stores in June, so shop now for cool deals.

Mattresses – Tradition rules with mattress sales, which have been staples of holiday shopping for decades. Best bets are Memorial Day, 4^th of July and Presidents’ Day, according to the International Sleep Products Association. Don’t forget, mattresses are one of the last “haggle” items in stores, so see if you can shave an extra $100 or so off your big purchase.

June
Tools – Dads love tools, and retailers know when Father’s Day is on the calendar. This makes June an ideal time to fill Dad’s toolbox.

Computers – New editions are often on the horizon in June, so discounts are prevalent on the remaining computers on retail shelves. It’s also a great time to take advantage of back-to-school offerings on computers and related equipment.

July
Home décor – It’s wedding season, which means savings on wedding gifts for friends and family. If you’re ready for a change in your own home, you can gift yourself with a few new items.

August
Laptops – Shop for laptops during back-to-school sales, when you can save 20%-35%. Big discounts can also hit whenever Microsoft releases a new Windows operating system. For great deals on technology and even several non-technology items like cars, clothing, travel and home furnishings, check out TechBargains.com.

September
Appliances – New models come out in October, which means big bargains on the previous year’s models.

Cars – Brand-new models of cars are introduced in late summer and early fall, so dealers are anxious to empty their lots. Savings can be anywhere from $500-$3,000 for “older” cars. To find great deals, car comparisons, buying advice, ratings, car values and leasing information, try Edmunds.com.

Holiday airfare – Shop early – a month or more out, if you can – for that holiday visit to grandma’s house. A tip: It’s typically cheaper to fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday, and airfares change at 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and once each Saturday and Sunday.

October
Gas grills – At this time of year, your thoughts may be turning to winter, but it gives you a perfect window of opportunity to buy gas grills, as managers clear out store displays. Pricegrabber.com offers deals on home improvement, clothing, furniture, appliances, home goods and more.

Air conditioners – You may be shivering through the first nights of winter, but the best time to buy an air conditioner is late fall and early winter. Think COOL!

November
Televisions and other electronics – ‘Tis the season. Eat your turkey and head out to the Black Friday sales for outstanding bargains, even if you have to shop at 2:00 a.m. Hitting up the stores on Black Friday? Try mobile apps like TheFind and RedLaser, which allow you to use mobile phone cameras to scan bar codes to compare products and prices.

December
Pools – Purchase that pool of your dreams during the holidays, and look forward to a splash-filled summer.

Cars – At the end of the year, lots need to empty. Drive home a 2013 model to get the most mileage from your dollars. And don’t forget: Many great deals can be snagged over long holiday weekends. Watch your newspaper and store and company websites for the deal of the day. A little advance homework can save you hundreds of dollars that you can use to buy more fun items!

1. Protect your skin with oil supplements.
   Adding fish and flaxseed oil to your diet—two natural oils high in essential fatty acids—will not only help to keep your skin hydrated, but protect it from the damaging effects of the environment.
2. Exfoliate.
   It may sound counter intuitive, but exfoliation is actually great for dry skin. The reason? Thick, callused or dead skin covers the healthy skin beneath and soaks up all the moisture. Choose a gentle exfoliating product and avoid products containing alcohol, which is drying.
3. Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize.
   Once the exfoliation process is complete, apply an oil-based moisturizer. Thick, heavy creams offer plenty of staying power and keep water from evaporating from your skin. However, choose a lotion free of perfume and harsh chemicals, or it could add to the drying effect. Petroleum jelly, perfect for people with sensitive skin, is safe, inexpensive and free of harsh chemicals and irritants.
4. Block the rays.
   Sunblock is one of your best defenses against dry skin, wrinkles and roughness. Covering up year-round using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater can keep sun damage at bay, locking in moisture and warding off wrinkles to boot. Prevent dry, chapped lips in the winter with an SPF 15 lip balm, then add a scarf or hat.
5. Wash off in warm water.
   Steamy showers are a shoo-in when temperatures dip; but while hot water can make you feel warm in a jiffy, it strips your body of its natural oil barrier and lets out moisture in the process. Try using warm water instead, and limit showers to no more than 10 minutes.
6. Increase indoor humidity.
   Dry indoor air—common during the winter months when lower outdoor temperatures bring lower humidity levels—can take its toll on skin. A humidifier can help to create a healthier home and lesson skin irritation, in addition to relieving problems associated with dry air, like sore throats and respiratory problems. Lennox’ Healthy Climate® Steam Humidifier heats water to produce steam, dispersing moistened air evenly throughout your home to make the air more comfortable. Plus, since humidified air feels warmer than dry air at the same temperature, you may be able to lower your thermostat and utility bills simultaneously.
7. Visit your dermatologist.
   If you have taken several of these steps to ward off dry winter skin—with little or no results—it’s time to see a dermatologist. There could be an underlying cause that requires more medical attention. The good news? Several prescription creams are available that can restore your skin’s balance in no time.

Lucky for you, we’ve got a few methods to fight off the winter doldrums in the event you find yourself hopelessly home bound:

Get outside.
It’s that simple: Take a walk, build a snowman, go for a run or sit on the porch. Exposure to sunlight (as little as 15 minutes a day) will boost your levels of Vitamin D and protect against seasonal mood changes.

Boost your mood with food.
Cabin fever can lead to winter doldrums. Keep your spirits high by eating foods that contain high levels of the amino acid Tryptophan, which our bodies convert to serotonin—a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. Examples include:

• spinach
• bananas
• tofu
• cottage cheese
• turkey
• sunflower seeds

Cheer up your environment.
Add bright colors throughout your home in the form of curtains, pillows, throws and soft furnishings—or even a brightly colored, soft sheet for your bed. Use a scent diffuser to make your home smell of lavender, peppermint or jasmine—essential oils considered to be uplifting. Try growing an indoor plant; it can also help to relieve tension, anxiety and depression while getting rid of stale indoor air in the process.

Battle the boredom.
Stave off the boredom often associated with cabin fever by engaging in a time-consuming activity. Pick up an old hobby or choose a new craft to learn, play a board game with the kids, read a book, organize the basement or cook a three-course meal. The hours will pass quickly, and you may find yourself relaxing in the process.

Entertain.
The feeling of isolation can be a major contributor to cabin fever. Host a tea party, lunch or dinner with family or friends. Catching up, talking and laughing with company may be the best remedy for what ails you.

Sometimes, the steps you take to fight off cabin fever may not be enough to shake those winter doldrums. In this event, contact a health professional to discuss additional courses of treatment.

Courtney Strimel, a writer and blogger who specializes in sleep, relaxation and personal well being, offers tips to help you wake up each day feeling refreshed and renewed. She is a regular contributor to the Night Therapy Sleep Center blog.

Clear the clutter
Do away with extra nonessential bedroom items, said Strimel. “One of the worst things you can do is make the entire bedroom your closet. Add shelving in the closet, buy some under-bed storage boxes, or get creative with storage ideas throughout the house—but give everything a place and keep it there!” The reason? A cluttered bedroom can interfere with the quality of your sleep, making it harder for your brain to shut down. After all, it’s hard to fall asleep with a stack of books on the dresser or a pile of laundry wilting away in the corner.

Remove all light sources
When it’s time for “lights out,” relaxing in a completely dark room can help you ease into a good night’s rest. That’s because exposure to light can suppress the production of melatonin, a hormone that aids sleep. Strimel recommends darkening windows, using blackout curtains or “layers” of blinds, sheers and drapes that can prevent extra light from infiltrating the room. Banish televisions, computers, cell phones and other electronics from the bedroom; light from these devices also interferes with your body’s ability to fall asleep, resulting in more frequent waking.

Invest in the right mattress and pillows
One of the biggest causes of interrupted sleep is discomfort from your bed and/or pillow. An uncomfortable mattress can prevent your body from experiencing deep, restorative sleep—and over time, it can contribute to chronic back, shoulder or neck pain. Similarly, a pillow that does not provide proper support for your head and neck can also affect proper alignment. Plus, “besides the fact that bedding—mattresses, toppers, pillows—wear out and become less supportive, they also become too allergen-riddled to save,” said Strimel. Flipping a mattress can offer a temporary solution; however, if your mattress is more than seven years old, it’s time to replace it. The approximate shelf life of pillows is one year.

Create a relaxing color scheme
Several studies show that wall colors or even the color of bedding can influence the quality of your sleep. Soft, relaxing shades can help to calm your nervous system and promote rest. “Choose a linen color—a sage green, or a sea blue,” said Strimel. “While red and charcoal colors look striking in home decor ads, these dense colors are not conducive to a good night’s sleep.”

Studies show wall colors or even the color of bedding can influence the quality of your sleep.

 

Do away with dust bunnies
Dust and dust mites (tiny microscopic creatures that live inside bedding) can aggravate allergies and even cause asthma attacks. The easiest solution? Routine cleaning. “Make sure your sheets are washed at least every week. Dust your furniture and sweep or vacuum,” said Strimel. “For even better allergen control, vacuum the mattress periodically, as well.” After vacuuming, sprinkle a box of baking soda over the mattress and work it in with a clean broom. Place a clean mattress cover over the baking soda until it’s time to wash again.

For additional sleep tips, Strimel recommends visiting Spa Sensation’s Simple Luxuries blog.

If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system with a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified model, you’re probably spending significantly more on home utility bills—up to 20% more if your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, and up to 15% more if your furnace is more than 15 years old.

Here are a few more steps you can take to increase energy efficiency and savings in your home:

Close the envelope
Insulating and sealing the exterior of your home, often referred to as the “envelope,” can help keep air from leaking into the home from the outside, or vice versa, helping you to save up to $200 per year on home heating and cooling costs.

Seal the ducts
Duct sealing can save up to $120 per year in coastal areas, and as much as $190 if you’re inland.

Install a programmable thermostat
An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 per year in coastal areas and over $150 inland. Lennox’ icomfort Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat lets you set your home’s temperature to save energy from anywhere in the world, using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. It also offers a live weather forecast and automatic updates for added convenience.

Add a power strip to areas with high-traffic devices
Using a power strip in home offices or entertainment areas can help you save up to $100 annually on your utility bill.

Replace old windows
Installing new, ENERGY STAR windows in place of old windows can save you between $150-500 in annual energy costs.

Install a new shower head
A new 2.5 gallon-per-minute shower head can help you tuck away an extra $145 a year in electricity costs, in addition to saving you 5 gallons of water per shower.

Add a ventilation fan
Installing a ventilation fan to control moisture, mold and mildew growth in the bathroom can save you up to 60% more energy than standard models when using an ENERGY STAR qualified model.

Replace incandescent lightbulbs
Substituting CFL bulbs for just five of your highest-use fixtures can save up to $70 per year on home utility bills.

Replace old appliances with new, high-efficiency models
For the greatest savings, choose ENERGY STAR approved models: They’re up to 40% more efficient than standard models. Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll save by replacing your home appliances with an ENERGY STAR approved model:

• Dishwasher—Save up to $40 per year on utility bills when replacing a 1994 or older model.
• Refrigerator—Save 20% per year on home energy costs. Unplugging an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage can equate to an additional $300-700 per year.
• Washing machine—See approximately 30% in energy savings per year compared to standard washers. Full-sized washers save 10-20 gallons of water per load.
• Clothes dryer—Save more than $135 a year if your dryer is over 10 years old.
• Water heater—Save up to $80 per year on gas bills; larger families will see even more savings.

For more energy-saving tips, take a virtual home tour with ENERGY STAR’s Save Energy @ Home tool.

Source: EnergyStar.gov.