Finding the best eco products for your home is easy. There are many simple things to change that can help the environment and you. When you are shopping, make sure to look for green labeled products that do not contain harmful materials. Some eco products will have “natural” or “organic” labeling that may be deceptive. Look at ingredients and warnings about harmful material. This should be listed on the label.

Eco Cleaners

Many cleaners use chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Instead of using bleach or borax which is typically washed down the drain, grab an all-natural cleaner. Natural cleaners use citrus or natural oils that can dissolve grease without harming you or the earth. You can also make a multi-purpose cleaner very easily. Combine 1 part water with 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle. Green Works cleaners by Clorox are also all-natural. You can find all-purpose cleaners, dish detergents and laundry detergents with the Green Works label.

Solar Panels

Why use energy from the electric company when you can make your own? Solar panels are much cheaper than before and can accommodate a variety of uses. There are many applications for home use and even ones for smaller tasks, like charging a phone. A solar powered cell phone charger is also great for hikes, or days on the beach.

Fans

When shopping for eco products for the home, do not forget to buy a fan. Fans use much less energy than air conditioning units and if used properly, can make your living space much more comfortable. A fan should push hot air down into the room in the winter and push air up in the summer to circulate it throughout the room. Fans can cool a room by 10 degrees in some applications.

Compost Trash Can

If you are looking for natural feed for your garden, a compost trash can could be your best friend. This eco product will accompany your regular trash can and save all of that natural waste, which can be reused. Collect and move it to an outdoor compost bin to make some of the best fertilizer for that garden. Some of the best ingredients for compost are banana peels, egg shells, tea, coffee, vegetable and fruit scraps. Make sure you test the compost for the proper levels before using.

Digital Thermostat

Digital thermostats are cheap and much more efficient than older thermostats. Older thermostats used mercury and metal strips to turn HVAC units on an off. Digital thermostats do not contain any mercury and can be programmed to custom settings. This can save energy by shutting off your heater or air conditioning when it is not needed. There are even models which can be controlled by a phone, allowing you to automate from outside the house.

0 VOC Paint

Low toxin paint is one of the best eco products for construction. Paint contains many chemicals to add durability and color. These chemicals can have by-products that are harmful to humans and the environment. VOC, or Volatile Organic Compounds are found in most paints, especially oil based ones. Olympic Premium is a great covering paint that has 0 VOC’s and is backed by a lifetime warranty. The next time you have to pick paint, spend a little less time picking a color, and read the labels on the pain cans. The label will list the VOC content.

Low Flow Fixtures

Water conservation is often overlooked by new construction. Inexpensive faucets and shower heads can use 20% more water than low flow fixtures. Old toilets can use 3.5 gallons more water per flush than newer models. There are also newer toilets which have dual flush systems, to ensure you are not using more water than needed. When shopping for eco products for the bathroom, look for fixtures and toilets that use less water. If this information is not on the box, ask a service associate which is the best.

Windmills

Wind can be a great source of energy. While solar panels need to be installed in areas that have large amounts of direct sunlight, windmills can be installed anywhere. These structures use the wind to power a turbine, which can produce energy for a building or house. There are many different applications, ranging from small to large. Keep in mind that they turbine can be loud. Check your state laws for restrictions on residential windmills.

Tankless Water Heater

A tankless water heater can save time, water and energy. Instead of waiting for your water heater to heat the pipes the water has to travel through, install a tankless water heater in the bathroom. These units can install right under the sink and provide instant hot water. Eco Smart makes a variety of models, heated by gas or electric. You will not have to wait and your water heater will run less.