1. Use Natural Cleaners: One of the biggest potential risks in your home may be the very cleaners that you use. Rather than using conventional store bought cleaners, use natural and healthier ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice. You will ensure that you’re not ingesting any potentially harmful substances, but yet still get the house clean at the same time.

2. Get rid of the dust in a healthy way: The dust in our home may be part of what makes us sick, and there’s no reason for that. Get rid of the dust using a vacuum cleaner that is healthy and that has the right filter to really suck up the dust and dirt. Though it may seem drastic, replacing your carpet and ensuring that you go with a healthier option that doesn’t drum up dust can be another healthy and green method.

3. Don’t introduce outside toxins. This may sound obvious, but you might be amazed at the things that people do in their homes which can pose dangers. The most obvious thing is to quit smoking, particularly in the house. This is not only good for green living, but for a healthier you in the process. This smoke can linger in the house and cause you to get sick more easily. You should also cut down on the fires that you burn in the fireplace as they can pose some potential risks and toxins as well.

4. Be sure of the materials that you use and change them if necessary. Some of the highest potential risks for toxins in your home can come from the paint that you use and the carpet that you walk on every day. If you aren’t sure if your home has these potential risks, then invest in some new materials. Get carpeting that is made with green materials, and repaint with a healthier type of pain that doesn’t have a risk for potential toxins.

5. Buy organic food. This may not sound like a change that can make your home greener, but it can go a long way. If you opt for organic food, not only are you ensuring that you’re not eating pesticides and toxins, but you are ensuring that it doesn’t linger on surfaces either. This is an easy modification to make and it can go a long way for healthier green living.

6. Use filtered water. Not only is this important for the water that you actually drink, but also for the water that you bathe in and use for cleaning. Tap water can pose some real risks, so just avoid them altogether by putting a filter on all of your sinks. This ensures that all the water that comes into your home is greener, healthier, and ultimately good for you.

7. Be careful about the pans that you cook in. You may not realize it, but the very pans that you cook in may pose a real risk. In the interest of healthy and green living, get rid of Teflon pans and other related options. If they are scratched they may pose a real risk, and it’s not worth it. Go for the good old traditional type and enjoy the healthier option that they bring to the table.

It doesn’t take much to make your home healthier and green. If you put your mind to it and know the right things to do, you can enjoy green living and feel healthier in no time. Making these simple modifications to your life don’t take much effort, but they work wonders for your health.

M.M. Frederick writes about how to apply to ultrasound tech schools.