The future of energy efficiency in the home hinges on the past: here are five household classics that will help you minimize your carbon footprint while adding retro style to your domestic domain.
Above: Choose durable linen cleaning/dish clothes over disposable paper towels. The Red Linen Dish Towel is made from an eco-friendly fabric (flax linen production requires little to no fertilizers or pesticides); $20 from Small Batch Production on Etsy.
Above: Schoolhouse Electric offers dimmer light switches with a retro look: We like the solid brass Push Button One Gang Coverplate ($18) paired with the Three-Way Dimmer Switch ($44) at Schoolhouse Electric & Supply.
Above: The Pewter Oil Lamp was originally made by Connecticut pewtersmith Thomas Danforth II in 1755. Today, his descendants continue the tradition in their Vermont workshop using time-honored technique. The lamp is available in three sizes, ranging from $100 for the small to $180 for the large (shown) from Canoe in Portland.
Above: According to the Energy Information Administration, 5.8 percent of US residential electricity use is from an electric clothes dryer. The Sheila Made Clothes Airer, which facilitates indoor drying in small spaces, cuts down on energy use; $135 from Ancient Industries.
Above: The hot water bottle saves on energy and on cost by heating bed linens (better than leaving the heat on all night). Made of rubber in Sky, Orange, and Mint, the Hot Water Bottles are $25 each at Ancient Industries.
Sponsored by P&G Future Friendly: Procter & Gamble’s sustainability initiative.
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