While New Year’s resolutions regarding sustainability and global awareness are still fresh, I thought I’d take a close look at the home, where many of us have scope for improvement. How about making 2010 the year you make some small changes to potentially great effect? The ways you can do this are varied but here are a few ideas to start with.

GREEN IN THE BEDROOM

Bedrooms are where we escape the pressures of everyday life and we spend a surprisingly large chunk of our lives there. Start by replacing bedding made from artificial fibres, looking instead for wool or down duvets and sheets made from organic cotton. Seek out secondhand wool blankets, which are often very cheap and wash up well. Walls should be painted with water-based rather than solvent-based paints, which may emit dangerous fumes, and if allergies are a problem, consider pulling up the carpet and polishing your floors.

GREEN IN THE LIVING ROOM

Carefully considered heating choices are important and heat pumps, wood burners and flued gas are generally very clean and effective. Make sure curtains have a good quality thermal lining to help the room retain heat during winter and resist the temptation to use plug-in air fresheners, which can contain undesirable chemicals. Be aware that TVs, DVD players and other entertainment devices will still be using energy when they’re in stand-by mode so it’s best to switch them off at the wall after use.

GREEN IN THE KITCHEN

The catchword here is “recycle”. No longer can we afford to jam all our rubbish in one bin, destined for the landfill. Today’s smart householder uses food scraps for compost and sends plastic, glass and paper for recycling. Buy food locally where you can and buy in bulk, which is cheaper and reduces the energy used on frequent supermarket trips. There are many good plant-based cleaning products available (or make your own using our Wendyl Nissen Green Goddess recipes!) and always look for energy-rating labels when buying new appliances.

GREEN IN THE BATHROOM

By and large, vinegar seems to be the most efficient product around for bathroom cleaning, with baking soda a close second – and they’re both a jolly sight cheaper than chemical cleaners. Always look for recycled toilet paper; it might not be as crisp and white as the other stuff but it works just as well. On the same note, old-fashioned hankies are a wiser choice than paper tissues, showers use less energy than baths and turn off the tap while brushing your teeth.