Want to Be More Environmentally Friendly? Here are Some Easy Ways to Get Started!

Our earth isn’t indestructible and we all want to do our part to take care of it, but that can be overwhelming. Well don’t throw it all out completely! There are many small steps you can take to get yourself into a healthier cycle of earth, home and self care, for the good of all!

At Bayes, we are are committed to green living and are happy to share these easy tips for more environmentally friendly living!

Recycle

Recycling in the home starts with finding out where you can take old newspapers and cardboard in your community to get it processed into new products. You can also recycle old plastic and glass food containers or reuse them by washing them out and using them as storage containers around the house. Before you throw anything out in your home, make sure that you cannot find another use for it and reduce the amount of garbage that goes into your local landfill.

Compost

Good news! Food can be recycled too! Most people throw out old food and scraps from the table and never give it a second thought. But when you compost, you’re able to turn those old food scraps into fertilizer or even a material that can help repair damaged parts of your lawn. You can also include lawn clippings and leaves in your composting system to create a comprehensive source of organic material. You can create a compost pile in your backyard, or you can invest in a more advanced composting system that will create the materials you need for your lawn and garden. If nothing else, talk to your local gardens or plant nurseries for their recommendations.

Conserve water.

In some parts of the world, there are water conservation laws that dictate how residents of those areas can use water. But everyone should be conscious of water conservation and preserve the water we have. Instead of allowing rainwater to flow into the ground, you can develop a rainwater collection system and use it to water your garden or your lawn.

Clean Green.

Sometimes being green at home is not about saving money. Sometimes it is about using supplies that are safe for the environment and safe for the family. For example, home cleaning supplies that use harsh chemicals can get into the water table around your home and contaminate your property. Those harsh cleaning supplies can also leave behind a residue that can get on the hands of your children and possibly cause disease. Instead of using those harsh cleaning chemicals, you should use more environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. There are many different kinds of cleaning solutions you can make from household items that have no dangerous chemicals at all. By learning to make our own safe cleaning solutions at home, you are teaching your children a skill that they can use when they grow up to save the environment and keep their children safe as well.

At Bayes, we know living green can be a big change for many. That’s why we recommend it be done step by step. One easy step we stand behind is our line of organic cleaning products, made biodegradable and family health friendly.We are dedicated to your health and the health of the planet. Stop by today and see what we have made for you!

Easy Green Energy Saving Tips for Staying Warm During Winter!

It may not be very cold now, but winter is coming and we want to leave you with some energy saving tips to staying warm in the winter.  You not only want to save money on your heating bill, but also to make sure your mark on the environment is a small as possible. That can be hard for many when you're cold and just want to be warm.  Check out these ideas and see think of which ones will work best for you and your family. 

Set Your Thermostat: Set the thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and lower it when you’re asleep or away.  Each degree that you lower your thermostat cuts your heating bill by 3 to 5 percent.  Turn the temperature down further at night and when you’re away for more than four hours.  

Wear Your Warmth:  Clothing is one of the most efficient forms of insulation.  Wear a sweater and thick socks around the house.  Long underwear keeps you toasty and can be found in smart fabrics that are light and non-bulky. Keep house shoes and slippers close by to keep your feet warm as well. 

Let the Sun Shine In: Open the drapes and shutters on sunny days to help warm your home. Close the drapes at night to help insulate the house from the cold outside air.

Clean or Replace Your Furnace Filter: Inspect, clean, or change your system’s air filters regularly (monthly), following manufacturers’ instructions.  Dirty filters hamper airflow and overwork the furnace.

Tune up Your Furnace: A heating system can waste up to 50% of the energy it uses if it’s not operating efficiently. Gas furnaces should ideally be tuned up every two years.  A simple tune-up can improve a furnace’s efficiency by 5%, saving about 9 therms of gas per year, with a corresponding drop in emissions.

Close Fireplace Dampers: For safety, be sure the fire is out and the ashes are cold before closing a damper. Consider installing a glass door because the fireplace is a major source for heat loss in the home.  Try not to use the fireplace and heating system at the same time. Fire needs oxygen and will draw warm air from the rest of the house and replace it with cold air from outside through any leaks that may exist.

Seal the Cracks: The gaps around the windows and doors of the average American house add up to 10 inches by 10 inches.  Use weather stripping and caulk to seal leaks around windows, doors, heating ducts, and plumbing.  Check any interior utility closets to see if there is cold air coming through them into your home.

At Bayes, it's important to us that you, your family and the environment are taken care of and are healthy.  That's why we developed our extensive line of organic home cleaning products that are not only safe, but beneficial for your home.  Stop by and see what we have for you!

Stay warm!