A lot of environmental problems are created by inefficient use of energy, and of course, the easiest way to avoid trouble associated with energy consumption is to use less of it. Efficient energy consumption demands less electricity, which reduces polluting power plant emissions. 

*Simple things like replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent or energy saving bulbs can reduce the environmental impact of home lighting.

*Some devices such as cell phones, power tools and digital camera adapters still draw power even if they are fully recharged or turned off as long as they are plugged in. This is also true for all kinds of standby electronics including TVs, cable boxes and computer monitors. To prevent such energy waste you can plug this stuff into a power strip and turn off the strip whenever the devices are not used (the strip doesn’t draw power).

Not a secret that all water that we use is dumped down the drain and then somehow released back to the environment. Most people do not ever reflect on the damage the household products dumped together with water cause to ecosystem. Meanwhile, when different cleaning substances (toilet-bowl cleaners, disinfectants, bathtub scrubbers and washing liquids) mix with each other or even with certain naturally occurring compounds, they transform into extremely toxic gases. Since World War II, roughly 75,000 chemicals have been introduced into consumer products, but less than 5 percent of them have been tested for health or environmental side effects.

Most modern detergents and disinfectants are made on the basis of such substances as chlorine containing carbohydrates and phosphates, adversely affecting the system of biological wastewater treatment.

Fortunately, today we have a choice. It's biodegradable cleaning products that are based on herbal and mineral components.  After washing with such products the water can be used to water your garden or home plants as they break down into carbon dioxide, water and natural minerals that are not harmful to the ecosystem. They are completely safe and leave no film on tissues and vessels, anallergic and safe for children. And even if you do not particularly care about the environment, just think about your health. Although it is kind of "in vogue” to label the articles as 'bio-degradable,' 'natural' and 'eco-friendly', most of these terms on supermarket shelves are meaningless and are no more than empty promises. The true "green” goods are sold in specialized stores or through distributors. And  the choice is quite wide. Here is the list of the most popular brands:

I don't want to advertise any particular producer, will just say that one of the above was tested in my family; my bro watered the flowers after washing the clothes with biodegradable detergent, all flowers in the house are still safe and sound )))

You can also be surprised how many things about the house can be done with simple baking soda, vinegar and lemon juice. A lot of useful tips on this are here.

At the end of the day it is only up to us to ensure that OUR home has the lowest possible environmental footprint.