8 Ways to Protect Your Health (And the Planet)

Doing the environmentally correct thing can be a challenge. After all, there aren’t many of us who actually have the time or enterprise to compost or the spare cash to replace the washer, dryer, or other appliances with the latest energy-efficient models. But here’s a convenient truth: Small changes really do make a big difference—not only for the planet but for your own health—and may even save you some money. Here, a few to try today.

Install a waterproof timer in your shower, and set it to five minutes. Even better: Replace your showerhead with one of the new “low-flow” or “water-saving” models. They’re easy to install and available at home-improvement stores. Look for a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute (gpm) or less; older showerheads have flow rates of around 5.5 gpm. (And, don’t worry, you’ll still be able to get the shampoo suds out of your hair.)

Why it’s good for the Earth: Using a low-flow showerhead, a family of four can conserve almost 15,000 gallons of water per year.

Why it’s good for you: Hot water strips skin of its natural oils, so spending less time in the shower can result in better-hydrated skin.

Buy fewer clothes labeled “dry-clean only.” Also, look for a cleaner that wet-cleans, using nonhazardous solutions and special equipment. You can hand-wash many dry-clean-only garments in cold water, too.

Why it’s good for the Earth: Perc (short for perchloroethylene), the standard solvent used in conventional dry cleaning, eventually breaks down into other chemicals—some of which are toxic and may deplete the ozone layer, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Why it’s good for you: In high doses, perc has been linked with dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, and skin irritation.

Make it a tuna or salmon burger instead.

Why it’s good for the Earth: Red meat production is responsible for about two-and-a-half times more greenhouse-gas emissions than chicken or fish.

Why it’s good for you: Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like tuna and salmon, not only is good for your heart (helping lower triglycerides and blood pressure) but can help prevent dry skin, too. Eat fish twice a week.

Indoor air may be up to three times more polluted than the air outdoors, so go fresh the natural way by opening your windows. For a light, citrusy fragrance, place orange peel mixed with sage in small bowls through- out your home.

Why it’s good for the Earth: The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) tested 14 air fresheners and found that 12 contained phthalates, chemicals linked to hormone abnormalities, birth defects, and reproductive problems. Even products billed “all-natural” or “unscented” weren’t chemical-free.

Why it’s good for you: In addition to phthalates, the NRDC says, air fresheners may contain allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and cancer-causing chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde.

Besides “Certified Organic,” look for “Shade Grown” (a process that preserves more nutrients) and “Fair Trade” (these coffee farmers are paid a fair price, so they don’t look for growing shortcuts).

Why it’s good for the Earth: Pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional coffee production can harm soil and seep into water supplies.

Why it’s good for you: Fewer synthetic agents involved in chemical treatment means a healthier cup of Joe.

Stick with the bar kind.

Why it’s good for the Earth: Many liquid soaps, though convenient, contain triclosan, an antibiotic agent toxic to wildlife.

Why it’s good for you: You can easily overdo it with liquid soap, which can dry out your skin and make it susceptible to germs. Plus, antibacterial soaps don’t always deliver the germ-killing benefits they promise.

Baths are a great way to de-flea your pet sans chemicals. Wash your animal friend’s bedding in hot water once a week, too.

Why it’s good for the Earth: Pesticides used in flea collars may contain toxic chemicals, including possible carcinogens, that can contaminate water.

Why it’s good for you: Many pesticides are designed to obstruct the nervous systems of bugs. But they can also interfere with human hormones over time, says Sarah Janssen, MD, NRDC environmental-health expert.

Set your computer to “sleep” after five minutes of inactivity.

Why it’s good for the Earth: Animated screen savers consume electricity unnecessarily, says Taylor Grant, executive environmental advisor of the Environmental Media Association.

Why it’s good for you: Eco-psychologists say even a small Earth-friendly gesture can have a positive affect on mental health.