Warm weather allows the opportunity to make small, inexpensive but significant green changes to your lifestyle. Gladly welcome the spring season by incorporating these green contributions into your everyday living!

Freshen up your interior by opening the windows. This allows fresh air to fill your rooms and, more importantly, it allows the built-up germs and toxins to leave your air. Cleaning supplies, laundry detergents and even bed sheets cans release chemicals that you’re unaware of! Let your interior air out as often as possible.

Spring presents us with longer hours of daylight! Use this gift to its fullest by opening all of the blinds on your windows and doors. Allow natural light to brighten your interior for as long as possible to help save energy.

Spring weather usually remains at an ideal, constant temperature while winter diminishes and summer prepares. It allows us to remain comfortable without needing heat or air. Turn your heat and air-conditioning off. There is no better way to decrease energy usage than by using natural temperatures whenever possible.

When you begin your spring “de-clutter” cleaning, don’t just toss your unwanted goods. Hand items off to charities or plan a garage sale. Better yet, plan a neighborhood garage sale! Socialize with neighbors while putting your unwanted items to good use. This will save landfill waste, help a charity or put a few extra dollars in your pocket.

When it comes time to clean the surfaces of your interior, opt to try green or homemade cleansers that don’t contain dangerous toxins and chemicals. For more information, learn what the top 10 green cleaning supplies are here.

Fully enjoy the sensation of seeing the first tree bud or the first flower bloom. Add more foliage to your yard by planting trees and flowers or creating a vegetable garden (link)! Plants cleanse the air and should also be incorporated into your interior. To find easy-care plants for the outside or inside, click here.

On warm and sunny days, opt to walk or ride a bike instead of driving. Cars emit an obscene amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, making the air we breathe dangerous. Not only is walking and bicycling better for our air quality, but it’s healthy exercise for our bodies!

While you’re walking, head over to your local farmers markets to purchase fresh, locally grown produce! This food naturally contains fewer chemicals than store bought options, and purchasing locally will save the energy of transporting food.

Prepare nutrients for your new and old outdoor foliage by creating a compost pile with your food wastes! Compost piles naturally fertilize and condition the soil with an abundance of nutrients! Do some quick research on the simple steps of composting.

If you haven’t made the change yet, now is a better time than ever. Recycle. Organize a company to pick up your recycled goods or take the materials to a local recycle bin. If a company already picks up recycled goods in your neighborhood, all you need to do is put the right items in the right bins! It’s simpler than ever.