Many of us may know that natural methods are not just better for the environment but our health too. Too many chemicals in our diets can lead to health problems but the same can be said of our environment too.

The air we breath in our homes and businesses, all to often contains too many chemicals, unnatural fibres and other elements which we regularly breath in, so reducing these can also help us live a healthier lifestyle – as well as being more eco-friendly.

One are in particular where we are particularly vulnerable is in our bedrooms. We spend nearly a third of our lives in our beds and all the contaminates in our bedding are breathed in by us every night.

Whilst regular changing of bed linen will reduce the mites and dead skin cells that mattress manufacturers constantly warn us about, but these are far less an anachronism to our modern health attitudes than the chemicals and man-made fibres that so much bedding is produced with.

Not only do man-made fibres affect our health and the environment; they are never as effective for a good night’s sleep as more natural methods.

Pure Wool

One of the first steps for better health and a good night’s sell is getting rid of that polyester or other man-made pillow and duvet. A pure wool pillow and pure wool duvet will go a long way to reduce the risk of getting allergies and other health problems often associated with chemicals and made-made fibres.

But as wool is far better to adapt to changing temperatures it is far better for a good night’s sleep too. It allows the air through it which not only keeps you warm in the winter, but also prevents you from getting clammy or too sweaty. » Read more: The Eco Bedroom – For a Natural Night’s Sleep

I was born in the late seventies and while I was growing up there was little talk of solar panel systems for the home. When I was you there was buzz of solar panels and there where places that you could see them start to be installed and implemented.

In the 80′s and 90′s solar panels continued to improve as technology and material improved and became cheaper. While there where advancements people where still generally focused on the traditional forms for power creation such as coal fired power plants, hydo-electricity and even nuclear energy.

Most of us did not put two thoughts into where our power came from. We just flipped the switch and expected the lights to come on. Power was cheap and the thoughts of global warming where still new and for the most part people where not concerned about the issue.

Now things have changed and people are more conscious about the environment, but there is even a large factor at play right now and that is the economy. We have had to tighten our belts more than in the last fifty years and families are doing everything they can to cut their everyday living expenses.

The cost of power has skyrocketed and it is one of the largest expenses of the average household. This year there has been a heat wave that spread from coast to coast and people are running their air conditioners longer just trying to stay cool. In the summer months more than any other the power bills shoot up.

Now there are solar panel systems that just about anyone can build in their garage and install on their house without ever calling in a professional. There are very affordable systems that can be basically purchased off the shelf, but going in line with saving money and tightening our belts, building a system on your own can be extremely affordable and is literally easier than ever.

There are some added benefits to the do it yourself route. Along with tightening the family belt, how about bringing the family together and build your solar system together. This project can be accomplished by anyone that is willing to do a little research, put some time in and follow directions. Get your kids involved and divide up small tasks that they can accomplish. Spend a couple hours as a family in the garage talking and working together.

Once you and the family have completed the project your kids can have a sense of accomplishment every time they flip the light switch and the lights come on. They will know that this was something they helped to build and will also show them the importance of family activities and helping each other to keep the family on budget. » Read more: Solar Panel Systems, a New Family Project Phenomenon