Your Villa Magazine Desert Cities May-July 2021

D E S I G N + B U I L D Going green: Eco-friendly BrandPointContent.com edited by YourVilla Staff Pictured: FarmFresh System™ by Bosch Key features and practices that make sustainable living easy: Reduce your energy usage. By using less energy, you can help reduce your carbon footprint and save on your household bills. If you’re purchasing a new refrigerator, laundry pair or dishwasher, look for the ENERGY STAR label to find the most efficient appliances. Shop smartly. You can reduce your carbon footprint when you buy locally sourced fruits and vegetables in season, which don’t need to be transported for long distances. Another green way to shop is bringing your own reusable grocery totes to avoid the plastic bags provided at the store. Limit food waste. To best limit food waste, focus on appliances that keep your food fresher longer and organize your refrigerator to keep items in view. A recent study found that Americans toss 103 pounds of spoiled food per year - that’s roughly $3,000 wasted annually. Use eco-friendly cleaning products. Some household cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to the environment. Make your own all-purpose cleaner with natural ingredients for an eco-friendly approach to cleaning. For example, let orange peels sit in a jar with white vinegar for 7-10 days, drain the liquid into a spray bottle and you’re left with a great smelling, homemade, all-purpose cleaner. Be water wise. There is a widespread myth that dishwashers use more water than hand-washing, when in fact, far less water is consumed when you run a dishwasher designed with water efficiency. On average, hand-washing uses about 27 gallons per load compared to the dishwasher which uses around three. AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY WEDDINGS 760-773-0079 www.wevegotitmaidcleaning.com Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly • Annually • Move Out • Windows Licensed, Bonded & Insured 20+ Years In Business Locally Owned & Operated 3 56 | YourVilla Magazine