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The EPA website www.epa.gov/kids can introduce children of all ages to environmental issues, and provides educational resources for parents and teachers as well.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has an environmental health website, www.nih.gov/health-information, that covers many topics, including household poisons, indoor air pollution, electromagnetic fields, and environmental health.

When furnishing your home, choose natural materials like wicker, rattan, or bamboo. Not only are they comfortable and attractive, but they are also ecologically sound because they are renewable materials and often handmade.

Rooms with an abundance of natural light are both psychologically and ecologically beneficial. Lightcolor rugs, window treatments, and wall coverings reflect light from outdoors.

Vote with your wallet for products that are environmentally friendly. When making new purchases, consider if items can be recycled or are biodegradable. Decrease your consumption and waste. Don’t throw out items when it’s not necessary. Think: can I reupholster, repaint, repair, refinish, or renew it?

When replacing appliances, pick energy-efficient pieces. Use cold water for laundry. Close doors and air registers in rooms not being used. This saves money in summer and winter.

Incorporate items into your daily life that minimize pollution:

■ Use cloth napkins instead of paper.

■ Use old cloth diapers or rags for dusting.

■ Carry a reusable water bottle or hot drink thermos.

■ Recycle paper products.

■ Use a cloth pouch or glass container to hold your sandwich instead of wrapping it in plastic wrap or foil.

■ Use a lunch box instead of a paper bag.

■ If you have children or pets, use slipcovers on your furniture that can be removed and washed. This will increase the life of your furniture and lessen increasing landfills.

Ask yourself these questions before you buy something:

■ What’s on the label?

■ Does it have an Energy Star label?

■ Is it biodegradable?

■ Does it contain recycled material?

■ Can I recycle it?