Climate change is ever present in the news and it can feel like we cannot do enough to stop the forward progress. Our current lifestyles are unsustainable but we can make changes big and small towards a more sustainable future.
Making your home energy efficient
One of the steps we can take is to make our home more energy efficient. Whether you start from scratch or make small adjustments, there are a number of options which will make your home pollute less and will help you save money on your bills.
Make the most of natural resources. Southern-facing windows will maximize the amount of natural light, saving you money on lighting and keeping your home warm. Planting trees strategically will give shade where you need it most.
Use natural construction materials. The materials you use to build your home will also have an impact on the environment. Wood is a natural insulator, helping improve energy efficiency and according to some studies, air quality, as it has less toxic emissions than other materials. Green concrete is also an interesting option, as it uses waste material as one of its components. Water is one of our most valuable natural resources and practicing water economy is one of the most important steps we can take to ensure a sustainable future.
Invest in renewable and low-carbon energy options. Although they can have a high up-front cost, renewable energy options like solar panels will lower your energy costs and the long-term saving will make the initial investment worthwhile. Heat pumps are an energy-efficient and low carbon option to heat your home, and can also be used to keep it cool in summer.
Insulate your home. A badly insulated home will consume more energy, make it harder to keep you home warm and will release more greenhouse gasses. Attic insulation is usually the most efficient, as this is where most heat escapes.
Small changes add up. Sometimes you don’t need to make a large investment to make a difference. There are plenty of small changes that will make your home more energy efficient and will help the environment: low consumption LED light bulbs, toilets with two usage options, low-flow showerheads and collecting rainwater all contribute to a sustainable home.
Growing a sustainable garden. We can also take steps to help the environment in our outdoor spaces. Permaculture is a way of designing an eco-friendly garden where you will be able to grow your own produce sustainably while creating a rich and biodiverse ecosystem.
