The Everyday Green Home

The Everyday Green Home

Creating a more eco-friendly home doesn’t have to mean swapping everything you own or buying a dozen speciality products. In fact, some of the easiest and most impactful changes come from the things you already use every day. This month, we’re focusing on simple, realistic habits that reduce waste, save money, and help your home feel just a little lighter on the planet. No pressure — just practical ideas to try at your own pace.

Look at what can be refilled instead of rebought

If you love the idea of cutting down on single-use plastics, using refillable containers is a great first step in your kitchen, bathroom or laundry room. Basics like dish soap, hand soap, or pantry staples can go in refillable containers, and many grocery stores now offer refill options. Do a search for refillable grocery stores in your area, and you may be surprised at how many businesses exist to help cut back on plastic waste.

Choose sustainable textiles for everyday comfort

Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and wool aren’t just better for the environment — they’re often more durable, breathable, and comfortable. Linen bedding gets softer with every wash, cotton towels last longer than synthetic blends, and wool blankets regulate temperature beautifully in spring’s unpredictable weather. Swapping items as they wear out (not all at once) is an easy way to build a home filled with long-lasting, planet-friendly fabrics.

Review your city’s guidelines for recycling

Even when we try our best, recycling can get confusing, and mistakes can be made. Some plastics may not be acceptable in a blue bin, such as non-packaging materials (i.e. toys or hangers), padded envelopes or metallic wrapping paper. Guidelines may vary from municipality to municipality, so if you want to make sure your efforts are making a difference, it’s worth the time to go to your city’s website and find their guide to recyclables. It keeps you from guessing what goes where and keeps your items out of a landfill.

Try indoor composting — it’s easier than you think

Composting doesn’t require a backyard, a huge garden, or a high tolerance for smells. Countertop composters, Bokashi bins, and small freezer containers are perfect for apartments or smaller homes. Many cities also offer green-bin pickup, meaning your food scraps never need to sit around. If odour worries you, try storing kitchen scraps in the freezer — it eliminates smells entirely and makes adding to your compost simple.

Adopt micro-habits that add up over time

Living a little greener often comes down to the smallest choices, not big lifestyle changes. Running more cold-water laundry loads, unplugging chargers when not in use, choosing cloth over paper towels, or keeping a reusable bag by the front door are all tiny changes with long-term impact. Pick one or two to start — the goal is to make greener living feel natural, not overwhelming.