From Guest Blogger Devin Morrissey: Four Things in Your Home that Are Secretly Killing the Planet

While the Trump administration’s skepticism towards climate change may cause frustration for environmentally conscious citizens, there are still many steps we can take in our own lives to reduce our impact on the environment.

Regardless of what happens in American politics, we should continue to promote sustainability. In order to slow climate change, we should analyze our living habits, and consciously make decisions to reduce pollution. When it comes to making changes in your daily routine to reduce pollution, every little step matters. Here are four things you may have in your household that are damaging the environment:

Some brands of toothpaste, facewash, and soap

The negative effects that plastic can have on the oceans of the world are well known, but Americans around the nation unknowingly introduce plastic to the waters everyday. How? Those little plastic balls in some brands of body soap, shampoo, face wash, and toothpaste. These little additions are called microbeads.

While filtration plants screen out many microbeads, each container can contain thousands of them. One study estimates that approximately 8 trillion beads are washed down drains everyday, and approximately one percent reaches our waterways. Although microbeads might make hygiene products more effective (a debatable claim), they pose a serious risk to aquatic life around the globe.

Fortunately, products with microbeads will soon be banned from American shelves. As the result of a bill that Obama signed in late 2016, these products will prohibited from being sold beginning in mid-2017. In the meantime, consumers should avoid these products.

The insulation in your walls

Depending on the age of your home, the insulation in your walls could contain harmful substances — not only to the environment, but to inhabitants of the home as well. Fiberglass is an incredibly common material for insulation, yet it has been linked to health issues like cancer. Furthermore, if it is improperly disposed of, it can release toxins into the environment.

Older homes may even have insulation that contains asbestos. This dangerous material can cause life-threatening conditions like asbestosis or mesothelioma. This silicon-based mineral can also travel from the air into the water supply. If your home is found to have asbestos, it should be replaced immediately by a professional.

Today, one of the best ways to insulate your home with green building concerns in mind is with sprayed polyurethane insulation. It is one of the most common type of insulation used in modern buildings. Polyurethane insulation takes the form of a foam that rapidly expands when used, effectively filling any area. It is much more efficient than most insulating materials, and it is highly versatile.

Computers and other gadgets

Advanced technology may use a lot of energy, but most consumers require access to cellphones and computers to function in life today. Most of us can’t simply toss away these devices. However, there are certain steps we can take in order to minimize energy waste.

One of the most common mistakes that computer owners make is leaving their desktop computer or monitor on constantly. A good general rule of thumb: if you will be away from the computer for more than a half-hour, turn off your monitor. If you will be away for a couple hours, turn off the computer as well.

Home theater systems are even bigger culprits of energy waste. Larger televisions can use hundreds of dollars of energy over the course of a year. Video game systems, speaker systems, and internet modems add to that cost. It is advisable to completely unplug your entertainment system while not in use.

Certain types of furniture, carpets, and upholstery

Have you ever sat on a new couch or installed a new carpet and wondered what that strange “new furniture” smell is? It’s actually the release of formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and others dangerous chemicals. These fumes can spread in the home and harm inhabitants over a long period of exposure. The processes used to make these items are harmful to the environment, and they can also cause further pollution in the future after they are disposed of.

A guest blogger on 2GreenEnergy shared some great tips on how to find eco-friendly furniture. The FSC supports sustainability, and their seal of approval on a piece of furniture guarantees that the item is ethically produced. Visiting second hand shops instead of buying new furniture is another simple solution to this problem.

Clearly, the new administration does not consider climate change to be a priority. It is fortunate that, then, that consumers are generally concerned about climate change. This is evidenced by increasing sales of hybrid/electric vehicles, and of a higher adoption of solar panels in residential areas. By making small steps, we can collectively make a meaningful impact on the world.