How the Stars Go Green at Home

Switching from little plastic baggies to reusable silicone bags for lunches and snacks has been a game-changer. They’re easy to clean — most can just go in the dishwasher.

We live on a farm and compost everything we can. Family and neighbors bring over their food scraps to compost, too.

I don’t keep any single-use plastic water bottles in my house — refillable bottles only. They’re also more convenient and cost-effective when I’m traveling, because I can fill one up after I get through airport security instead of buying water.

We installed motion-sensor light switches so all the lights in our house automatically go out if no one is around. The switches are pretty easy to swap in!

Simple programmable thermostats are a must in my house. We have different rooms on different zones so we’re not heating empty spaces.

We try to decorate with more secondhand furniture than new stuff.

My sons and I have started growing vegetables with hydroponic planters on our patio. So far we’ve harvested tomatoes, kale and green beans. I love how it’s taught them the importance of sustainable food resources and water conservation.

All of my soaps, detergents and other household cleaners are biodegradable and never tested on animals. Target’s Everspring line gets the job done.

We do laundry with cold water to save energy. It cleans just as well and is better for the clothes!

I’ve recently started buying reusable Swedish dishcloths in place of paper towels. They’re so handy!”