Sustainable housing is one that makes use of resources and energy efficiently with minimal impact on the environment. There a lot of little things that we can do to make our house eco-friendly. This way of life is becoming important as we need to protect our planet from man-made damages. Being environmentally friendly is being a good steward with what’s given to you and being able to pass those values to your children and your loved ones.
Being more eco-wise will not only help you contribute to a sustainable environment but it can even save you money in the long run. The little things we do in our homes will help us preserve the air, natural landscape, and reduce landfill waste. There are plenty of ways one can live eco-friendly lifestyles without sacrificing the convenience that we know of. Here are five ways that you can improve your homes and make them eco-friendly by reducing your carbon footprint.
1. Seal Air Leaks
A lot of energy is wasted with poorly sealed doors and windows as air leaks through them. This means that your cooling and heating systems have to work harder to keep the house at a constant temperature, which wastes energy and costs you money. Make sure to check for leaks in places such as plumbing, ductwork, and electrical work. By making these necessary changes you will minimize wasted energy, reduce costs and also improve air quality at home.
2. Cleaning and Skin-care products
Many cleaning products are filled with gasses and other chemicals which are harmful to the environment. To have a sustainable household, you need to switch to eco-friendly brands that are toxin-free and improves your quality of life. Air fresheners such as an aerosol can be switched by natural spray or charcoal air purifiers. Being environmentally conscious even with skin-care products can reduce the toll on the environment. By using eco-friendly skin products that are less wasteful and biodegradable packages, you can play your part in a sustainable lifestyle. Ecoy has replaced several plastic products with sustainable and long-lasting which causes less harm to the environment such as Bamboo straws and toothbrushes. They even have a range of ecoy socks which are proudly organic and versatile.
3. Save Water
Whether an eco-friendly home or not, it is crucial that you conserve water and use it wisely. No matter where you are, it is a precious resource that is essential for us to survive. The first thing you need to do is check for leaks and if there are, get them fixed immediately. Other methods would include low–flow showerheads and installing aerators on your faucet. You can also consider washing clothes in cold water and air drying them to conserve water.
4. Switch to LED Bulbs
Investing in the right lightbulb is essential in your eco-friendly home. Energy-efficient lightbulbs have been around a long time and but have taken time to have an impact on people to the idea. LED and CFLs are trending compared to the traditional incandescent bulbs. Not only do energy-efficient bulbs use less electricity, but they also last longer, which means you don’t have to spend money replacing them. They are available in a range of brightness and designs so you can really tailor the lighting to your needs or to suit the room.
5. Use Recycled Materials
When you want to live in an eco-friendly home, the first thing that comes to your mind is to recycle. So yes, it is important to consider recycled materials or repurposed used materials used in your home. It is a great way to have a sustainable lifestyle and reduce your carbon footprint on this earth. Some eco-friendly examples that can help protect the environment are carpets made from recycled plastic bottles, rubber roofing made from recycled products, paper-based countertops, and many more
6. LEED Certified
Get LEED certified. It can also be difficult to achieve because the qualifications are so stringent. However, a LEED-certified home encompasses everything that a green home should be. They use less energy and reduce water usage drastically, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and saves a lot of money. Plus, LEED certification usually increases your home’s resale value.
Living sustainably and eco-friendly may seem like a daunting task. But living a life that reduces a great toll on the environment is totally worth it. By following the above-mentioned steps, you too can play a key role in protecting the environment from harmful man-made wastes.
