April 22 is better known around the world as Earth Day. This is the time of the year when we talk about walking, cycling or taking a bus to work (that’s how the CubeSensors team gets to the office most days) and recycling. But it’s also important to remember that caring for our planet begins in our homes and offices.

That’s why we decided to celebrate this year’s Earth Day with five indoor living tips that will not only help you become more environmentally friendly, but also keep you, your family and coworkers healthy, productive and happy.

1) Check for unused chemicals lying around

Now would be a good time to check if you’ve got any opened old or unused chemicals such as paints lying around and emitting harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) into your living or working spaces. Don’t go by smell alone, check the labels. Dispose of them safely according to instructions. Next time, try to buy only the amount you know you’ll need to get the job done or find natural substitutes whenever possible.

2) Go green when cleaning

Cleaning products are another common source of harmful VOCs. A more environmentally and health friendly way to tackle cleaning is to use natural cleaners. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and some other unexpected ingredients can work wonders on any types of surfaces with the right green cleaning recipes.

3) Want fresh air? Open the windows!

Don’t trust fresh air that sells in a bottle! The best way to get fresh air into your home or office is to open your windows. If it’s too cold or hot outside, or if you’re suffering from hay fever, you can try natural air fresheners, such as vodka, coffee grounds and lemon. In summer, remember to take advantage of cool early mornings or fresh evening and night air. Also, don’t forget to take out the garbage, especially organic, frequently. Removing the source of bed smells works better than masking it!

4) Don’t overdo the air conditioning or heating

It’s tempting to keep the office super cool during summer or our homes cozy warm during winter, isn’t it? It can also be quite costly. You probably already know that air conditioning and heating consume a lot of energy, which can work against both our planet and our wallets. But there might also be a productivity cost. Studies suggest the sweet spot for optimal performance is somewhere between 70° F (21° C) and 77° F (25° C). Keep that in mind when reaching for the thermostat!

5) Remember to turn the lights off when not needed

While having good lightning is important for productivity and comfort, there really is not need to keep all your rooms well-lit when you’re not using them. You will save a lot on your electricity bill. And while we’re at it, try to move your working space to a spot with natural lightning, and you’ll also feel happier and more productive on sunny days.

Nothing too complicated, right? The usual excuse is that we just don’t have the time to think about all these little things. And that’s exactly why we’re so passionate about building CubeSensors. With a non intrusive Cube that measures temperature, humidity, noise, light, air quality and barometric pressure in every room, we’ll help you keep an eye on important changes in your environment. And the Cubes will make sure to remind you of those little, yet important actions you can take that might end up saving you money, keep you healthier, and even protect the environment.