Since April is Earth Month, you should consider doing your part to keep this planet at its best. Going green can be pretty simple, and there are a ton of ways to start even in your home. From buying “smart” electronics that turn off any energy-wasting appliances and tools to recycling your bottles and cans, small steps make all the difference. Here are some other ways you can make your home in the 901 more sustainable.
Insulate Your Home
Energy efficiency can be as simple as buying the right curtains or installing new windows. Thankfully, there are plenty of spots around Memphis where you can do either. Sun-blocking curtains keep your home cooler and require your AC to do less work, while the right windows can help with winter heat and cool summer air. Try one of these local shops:
- Pella Windows & Doors of Germantown
- The Window Source of the Midsouth
- Champion Replacement Windows of Memphis
- The Glass Guru
- Affordable Blinds & Shutters LLC
- Curtain Exchange
- Budget Blinds of Memphis
Thrift Your Home Goods
Nothing is more sustainable than thrifting. You can find some amazing furniture and other home goods that are gently used or can be restored with a bit of TLC. (Consider using eco-friendly paints and recycled materials during your restoration, also!) Here are some thrift stores around Memphis that will have amazing finds:
- Memphis Habitat for Humanity ReStore
- AMVETS Thrift Store (Memphis location)
- Blues City Thrift
- Memphis Union Mission
- Junior League of Memphis Repeat Boutique
- City Thrift
Plant a Garden
Planting an eco-friendly garden in your own backyard (or a community garden) is a great way to have fresh fruits and vegetables while also utilizing the leftover water and compost from your home. Plus, you’re adding some greenery into your space which is wonderful for the environment. Here are some places around town where you can buy seeds, gardening tools, and other things you’ll need for this new venture:
- Golden Hour
- Terra Cotta Nursery
- Flowers and More
- Midtown Bramble and Bloom
- Urban Earth
- Gurley’s Plant Nursery
- Country Gardens
- Dabney Nursery
Use Natural Cleaning Products
Putting harmful chemicals back into the water or environment can be damaging, so use natural cleaning products that are plant-based or even dye-free. Thankfully, Memphis has quite a few spots in town that will give you exactly what you need for a cleaner home without the toxic ingredients, including cleaning services that will do all the work for you:
- Buff City Soap
- Champalou Spa* select cleaning products available in-store
- Magnolia Soap and Bath Co.
- Lady Luv Clean
- Memphis Maids
- Green Collar Cleaning
