Ten ways to go green in your home
Going green is the new mantra and when we asked our Commonfloor readers to send in their tips to ‘Go Green’ in their living space, we were bowled by the response that poured in.
Our top ten pick for the week are:
Fix a drip:
That leak in the bathroom sink is not just annoying. It’s costing you loads of cash in water and energy bills and wasted gallons. If you can’t get the plumber scheduled right away, use this old trick: Tie a string on the faucet and allow the drops to dribble silently down into a cup or small bowl. Use the collected water to water your houseplants.
— Sangeetha Moorthy, Home maker
Look to the past:
Antiques are the ultimate form of recycling. It’s amazing to witness what a fresh coat of paint can do to an antique furniture. And if a paint job is not on your agenda, fret not – distressed wood as a decor add on is in vogue.
— Mythili Swamy, Consultant
Think small:
The kitchen is the energy gobbler of the home. If you’re planning a remodel, building new, or just replacing an old appliance, remember that bigger isn’t always better. In addition to looking for energy-efficiency ratings on your new purchase, consider going for a smaller model that uses less energy to begin with.
— Sheela Mani, Lawyer 
Reclaim it:
Look for ways to reuse everyday items. Framed album covers make great wall art; vintage fabrics can become beautiful quilts.
— Priya Das, Homemaker
Grow your greens:
Try your hand at going green by growing herbs or salad greens in the kitchen. Bringing in a natural element adds some coziness to your home’s busiest room, and naturally cleans the air you breathe.
— Shaheen Khan, Journalist
Lighten Up:
Opening up a kitchen with skylights and windows that allow natural sunlight to stream in not only helps your mood stay perky, it is a natural, free way to light your space. No budget to add windows? At least let the light in by removing heavy, light blocking window treatments.
— Chandini Dutta, Homemaker
Recycle Food Scraps: 
Throwing food into the trash wastes a valuable resource. Turn your coffee grounds, banana peels, and eggshells into a rich soil conditioner for houseplants, lawn, and garden by composting them.
— Samantha D’souza, Media Professional
Smart Shopping:
Whilst shopping, avoid overly packaged and single-serving products and select large packages instead. Transfer the contents, in reusable containers. At home, skip plastic wrap and aluminum foil in favor of washable containers with lids.
— Shilo Muri, Media Professional
Get with Glass:
Rather than storing leftovers in plastic, try old-fashioned glass, ceramic, or stainless-steel containers. While many types of plastic can be recycled, they’re all made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource. So cook up a double recipe of a favorite dish and pack it in your Pyrex or glass covered dishes.
— Soni Dutta, Teacher
Cook Smarter:
Choose the right size pot or pan for the job and you’ll save energy. Large pans require more energy to heat than smaller ones. So make sure you need that large pot before you fill it up and turn it on. If you’re boiling water, place a lid on the pot to prevent heat and energy from escaping.
— Piyali Sharma, Designer
