One of the most popular ways people are learning to do right by Mother Earth is by making their own homes more eco-friendly. Maybe you’re not good about recycling or turning off lights when you don’t use them but if you can manage to transform a handful of rooms in your home to become more eco-friendly, then you’ll be way ahead of the game.

Of all places in the average home, the garage and laundry room tend to be forgotten but these two spaces can actually be made more eco-friendly. Not only is turning your home “green” better for the environment, it also ensures the health of your family. For example, if you’re looking to redo your garage, one of the first steps you can take is to get your garage tested for the presence of lead paint. We all know that lead in general is toxic to humans so if your garage tests positive, replace it with non-vinyl wallpaper. Additionally, look for paint products labeled “low-VOC,” which stands for “volatile organic compounds.” Using low-VOC paint for your garage means that fewer chemicals will be released into the air. Redoing the floor of your garage? Instead of using carpet, which contains allergens, dust, and absorbs toxic fumes, opt for renewable bamboo floors.

The next time you’re cleaning out the hazardous products from your garage, such as batteries, oil and pesticides, do an online search to see if there is a local hazardous waste facility in your area. Drop off these hazardous materials in the proper facility instead of the neighborhood dump. When such items are thrown away and pile up in landfills, their chemicals and toxins are released into the air and the land, adding to the pollution.

In the laundry room you’ll want to make sure the area is not just safe for your family, but the environment as well. The best type of flooring for an eco-friendly home includes natural tile, linoleum or concrete. Make sure the flooring you choose is non-vinyl. Choosing flooring with vinyl means exposing your home and family to fumes and toxic chemicals. In addition to new flooring, make an effort to keep the laundry room floor clean at all times. This will prevent the build up of allergens, mold, droppings from pests and dust. If you’re dealing with pests, instead of turning to chemical means, practice prevention by regularly cleaning out the areas where you see droppings or signs of pest activity, dry out standing water areas and blocking any entrances in the room where you believe the pests are getting in.

Even what you wash your clothes in can make a difference in whether your home is working on the side of the environment. Switch from traditional detergents to products that are non-toxic, biodegradable and fragrance-free. Chlorine-free bleach that contains hydrogen peroxide is also another green item that will keep your laundry fresh and the planet healthier.

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