Over the past couple of years, we have seen a rise in demand for sustainable housing. Houses are built with sustainability in mind, but people are also changing their homes to make them greener. House owners across the globe are adding energy-efficient features to their properties and even changing their habits to live a greener life. The energy-saving projects vary depending on the available time and budget. However, even a small change can make a huge difference in terms of cost-efficiency and sustainability. So, if you want to have a more sustainable home, here are a few ways to achieve it.
Insulate
Your house probably already has some type of insulation, but is it efficient? Is it eco-friendly? Efficient home insulation is imperative if you want to cut your energy costs down and protect the planet. Proper insulation allows you to preserve the cool air inside during the summer and keep the heat in during the winter. This is particularly important when we know that nearly half of the energy usage of a property goes towards heating and cooling. Some of the most eco-friendly insulation materials to choose from are sheep's wool, aerogel, denim, cork, and cellulose.
Use Renewable Energy Sources
Renewable energy for households is becoming more popular by the day. More and more house owners are deciding to generate carbon-neutral electricity to decrease air pollution and their energy costs. There are different ways to use electricity to achieve near-zero emissions. For example, you can choose a provider that utilizes renewable energy sources. Also, you can install solar panels on your home to turn the sun's energy into electricity. Some households use small wind turbine generators, geothermal heat pumps, biomass systems, solar water heaters, and residential hydropower.
Introduce Green Fabrics and Materials
Some of the most environmentally-friendly materials for renovation projects are cob, recycled steel, recycled or reclaimed wood, straw bales, cork, and bamboo. You'll also need to consider the furniture and the fabrics being used in the house. This is especially important for those areas that are used more often than others. In this sense, your priority should be the bedroom and finding the best mattresses without fiberglass, a substance that can cause skin irritation and breathing difficulties. As for the upholstery, drapery, carpets, rugs, bedding, and similar items, look for cotton, vegan leather, hemp, bamboo, polyester, wool, etc.
Reduce Your Energy Use
Even with insulation and renewable energy, a household can use huge amounts of energy if it is doing it recklessly. So, check around your house. Are there some appliances that require a lot of energy? Maybe, some dated models are not energy-efficient. Are there some appliances you don't need? For example, instead of using a dishwasher, perhaps you could wash the dishes by hand or perhaps you could dry your clothes outside instead of using the dryer. If you are buying new appliances, make sure you choose the most energy-efficient options. Invest in energy-efficient lighting.
Become a Recycler
Depending on where you live, your city, district, or state might have some recycling obligations or, at least, options. But first, you need to know what is recyclable. The answer to that question is usually pretty simple: paper, cardboard, most plastic items, glass, aluminum, batteries, electronics, used oil, etc. Also, check for the right bins or contact your local authority to get them. Motivate all the family members to participate in recycling.
Save Water
Less than one percent of the water on Earth is available for human use, and we are witnessing numerous water shortages due to climate changes and irresponsible use. You can save water without investing in new fixtures — just check your toilet, faucets, and pipes for leaks. Also, take shorter showers or baths. Turn off the water while brushing your teeth. If you want to invest, install a water-saving showerhead and a low-flush toilet. Use rainwater for gardening.
Make Compost
Food is a waste that cannot be recycled, but it can produce methane emissions when it ends up in a landfill. Of course, you should reduce food waste as much as possible, but when you produce it, you can turn it into compost. Composting is also great for green gardening.
Avoid Chemicals
People often use hazardous chemicals in households for painting, cleaning, and maintenance. These products can be harmful to household members and, once they're washed down the drain, they become even more harmful for the environment because they end up in the water supply. So, when painting the house, use water-based paints. When cleaning, buy eco-friendly products based on natural ingredients. You can also make your own cleaning products. For example, vinegar and lemon juice can be used instead of detergents, and borax in place of bleach.
In Closing
These are just a few ideas to get you started with the sustainable home project. Try them out, or start with the one that is simplest to you. You will see your efforts will prove to be worthwhile.
