If you are Eco-conscious, then sustainability should begin in your home. From Eco-friendly appliances to conservative use of energy, there are many things you can do to make your home more sustainable. Find out how even the little steps you make at home can make a big difference.
The big change people need to reverse the effects of climate change, heal the damaged environment and save future human lives starts at home. The things you do every day, the appliances you use daily and the materials you choose to build or renovate your house can make an impact on the environment. The effects may not be obvious back at home, but every little thing that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions or save energy is a huge contribution.
There are many ways to be sustainable at home and several of these are free and easy to execute.
Let’s start with the things that don’t have any cost. For one, you can move closer to your work and choose to walk or bike your way to work or use public transport. This does not just result in more daily exercises but also lessens car travel that is a huge contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Another free idea is to do composting of biodegradable wastes or giving your organic wastes to neighbors, relatives or friends. Lastly, keep reusable materials and discard other garbage by selling them to shops or to recycling companies.
Your home design can also contribute to long-term solutions to achieve sustainable goals. One way is to incorporate natural ventilation and lighting in the design. This allows the cool breeze to freshen up and the sunshine to brighten up your house while keeping energy consumption minimal. Also, insulation is very important to achieve energy efficiency by letting hot air out of the house and keeping the warm air during winter. Outside, you can plant trees that provide shade and air to avoid always using the aircon during summer.
When you build or renovate, always have the environment and the future in mind, and this should apply to the construction materials and the appliances to use at home. Opt for recycled, non-toxic building materials, use energy-efficient lighting and appliances, buy low-flow showers and faucet aerators to conserve water, invest in double pane windows to double energy savings, and avoid plastic products as much as possible. Additionally, you can maximize your efficiency with new technology by implementing timers, sensors, energy monitors and smart power strips to help you with efficient electric usage. Also, keep track of any annual maintenance you need to take like oil change for your car or AC repair. This may come a few times during the year but it also has environmental consequences if missed.
Lastly, resort to alternative and safer energy and water sources to power your house. Maximize the sun, install rooftop solar panels or shingles and use the power generated from the sun to cater to most of your household electricity consumption needs. Another alternative is to use solar water heaters to generate hot water for your home. Other options include small wind electric system and micro hydropower each of which depends on the location, the size of the house and the wind or water that is available to produce electricity.
Sustainable solutions are not just saving the environment. These practices are likewise saving you from energy costs, unnecessary wastes and the horrible effects of climate change. Walk you way to a greener world by starting sustainability at home now.
