In recent times, the world has seen drastic temperature changes and out of the normal climate activity. Every year reports record-high temperatures during summer, and there’s an ongoing concern for the melting of the solar caps. The environment is clearly asking for help, and the citizens of the world are finally beginning to hear its calls.
When it comes to building houses, many people usually think that they can do their part by simply reducing waste and going on with their lives with minor changes. But the truth is that from the very make and build of your home; it has a lasting effect on the environment. That’s why creating sustainable and eco-friendly structures and houses have become popular in recent times, and here’s what you can do to contribute.
Integrate Biophilic Design
There has been significant prominence of owning indoor plants, especially at the height of the pandemic last year when everyone was working from home. Owning plants has long been a staple in many home designs, though, and there are many benefits to it. Integrating a biophilic design in your home will not only bring life inside your space, but it’s also known to help induce relaxation.
Apart from the usual beautifying plants outside your home, you can also start growing your own vegetable garden for a more self-sufficient lifestyle. You can even take it a few steps further by making your own compost and irrigation system. Vegetable peels can go into your compost, and greywater can be collected to water your plants too. It doesn’t even have to be a vast system; there are plenty of planter box shapes and sizes you can choose from to fit your needs.
Use Sustainable Materials
Plastic bottles, bags, and other containers are some of the first materials you should get rid of as you transition to a more eco-friendly home living. It’s best to opt for reusable and washable. For instance, instead of using plastic bags and containers for your groceries, switch to glass containers, paper wrapping, and canvas tote bags.
When it comes to interior design, using natural materials that do not create a lot of carbon footprint during manufacturing is a great choice. Bamboo furniture, cork-based fixtures, and reclaimed wood side tables are some examples of sustainable materials. Essentially, you want materials that you can reuse and repurpose. And speaking of repurposing, it’s quite a trend nowadays to upcycle old furniture. Don’t worry about it looking shoddy or dull; just find the right inspiration that matches your style. Even luxury brands like Hermes and Fendi have created upcycled pieces!
Make Older Homes Eco-friendly Instead
You don’t have to build an entirely new house from scratch with the intent of making it eco-friendly. Instead, you can make pre-existing ones for the property. This prevents you from having to source materials that have to be made to fulfill demand and allows you to give old properties a new life.
Your first step is to identify what parts and features of your house hog too many resources. It can be a bit overwhelming, so a suggestion is to segment your house per function (kitchen, laundry, mudroom, bedroom, etc.) and start from just one section. This is much easier because then you can start small, like your laundry area. Give up your energy-hogging washer to a more energy-efficient one, use a clothesline so you’ll use less energy after each wash, or you can use dryer balls to help reduce drying time.
Renewable Energy Is Here
Solar panel prices have dropped considerably, making them great options for homeowners. This is all thanks to researchers and scientists, as they have figured out how to use plastic injection molding for frames, raw sand for silicone, and other readily available materials in place of the rarer ones. Take a look at your local renewable energy provider- they’ll often have products that are geared for homeowners, such as smaller solar panels and affordable battery cells.
Apart from using renewable energy sources, you can also introduce smart technology into your home to have more control and a better overview of your consumption through your smartphone. Control your light switches, set your thermostat, and even use a smart sprinkler so you can set a timer and save more water, all directly from your phone.
Efforts to make your home more eco-friendly and sustainable are laudable, if not outright contributing to the world’s longevity. With climate concern at an all-time high, more sustainable homes are needed, and adding yours to the list definitely helps.
