Just because you are living in the suburbs does not mean you can not do your bit for the environment. Sustainability is just as important whether you live in the suburbs or not. What do people mean when they talk about sustainability? basically in a nutshell this means that you are getting what you need for this moment, without directly putting the future in jeopardy.
The future of our planet might not be something that many people think about as being everybody’s responsibility, but quite honestly if the human race pulled together there is so much that can be achieved, no matter where you live. By carrying on ignoring the world’s problems, nothing is getting addressed.
This may mean in a few generations’ time, the earth will be in such a terrible state, that there will be nothing left for your grandchildren or great grandchildren to save. One of the ways in which you can help to start living a sustainable life is by installing a rainwater tank system.
This is quite simply, a fabulous money saving idea whilst being able to help the environment. Installing a rainwater tank simply saves the rainwater, a pretty basic yet fantastic way to reuse natures resources https://rainwatertanksdirect.com.au/slimline-tanks.
What can you do to help sustainability in the suburbs?
There are many small, fun ways that you can introduce some sustainability into your home. Start with everyday basic changes and then maybe a new world may open up to you. Maybe starting with a small indoor garden, this does not have to be a big task, nor does it have to take up lots of room. If you have a balcony why not turn this into a balcony garden, using window boxes or hanging baskets are a great way to start, maybe growing strawberries or tomatoes.
Look into what can be grown easily. Starting a small sustainable garden can be a very simple task, with the correct advice you can be growing your own vegetables in no time at all. Whilst doing this you can be starting your seeds growing, using recyclable items such as egg boxes. Visit local garden centers or farms not only will you get the correct help you are also helping a small business in succeeding to stay open.
Small herb gardens, the beautiful thing about growing herbs? you will not need lots of space. So incredibly the old age excuse that “my Garden is not big enough” is a thing of the past. The reason a herb garden is good to start with maybe because of a few of these reasons listed
- Not using all the produce purchased
- Plastic packaging for a small amount of produce
- Purchasing seeds or cuttings from local farm shops or organic shops
- Sharing extra produce with neighbors, friends, or family
- Cooking fresh produce
- You will not need lots of space.
There are lots of ways to make a difference and to maintain sustainability in your home.
Look into some of the creative ways in which you can do so. There is something great about helping yourself while you help the environment, and this can also lead to you helping other people in doing the same.
Sustainability that is available and why it should be used
Water is one of the most valuable resources as a planet most people have ready access to. This is not the case in some countries and in many of these places they come up with ways to help themselves, or the villages where they reside in. These things are in the end an investment if you decide to sell your home.
Electricity is also used quite literally, at the flick of a switch. Some homes are now investing in rooftop solar panels to generate electricity, this helps to run their home’s power sources. These do not have to be an eyesore. You can get someone to come out and advise you on what will give you the most power for your home. In some countries, the government has got involved encouraging people to install these roofs. The electricity companies are even sharing this power around to other homes and some people are even earning money!
Livestock is also another way people are helping themselves. Obviously, you are not going to have an adult cow in your garden mooing away at your next door neighbor, but what about some chickens? Chickens however do need space so research how many you would want and how much space they would need. Chickens need stimulation so it is not advisable to get any sorts of chickens if they are going to be locked up all day.
With any of these, you will need to look at what permissions you will need. What rules and guidelines will need to be followed. If looking into something like chickens make sure you get an appropriate license that may be needed in transporting them or keeping them. If your neighbors’ permission is needed for any animals you may decide to get, then obtain their permission first or this can lead to trouble.
Involving your neighbors
Getting started may take a little time, however, it is reported to be completely worth it. The benefits of being sustainable in the home are said to give people a lot of satisfaction in the long run and can become a lifestyle overhaul for most.
Knowing that you’re using a full circle in helping your family, neighbors or friends is a good feeling. When you are getting started why not talk to your neighbors, if you are good friends then there will be things that you could do together. Looking at a small piece of your gardens that join together could make the perfect fruit or veg patch.
Taking turns in watering these or planting could be of great use. In some places when people own chickens they may swap produce with their neighbor, for example, if you have too many eggs one week and your neighbor makes jam then do a swap.
Many people who are trying to maintain a sustainable life do so in all aspects. Talking to your neighbors, as you go along will do a couple of things, it will keep them in the loop. If and when any building work is going to be done it won’t be as much of a shock to them.
The more you talk to them the more likely they are to join in, if your little veg basket is looking great or the hanging strawberries that look delicious, they will at some point probably think wow!
Small businesses and their involvement
Small businesses rely on local customers to help them survive, by using a local shop or company it creates a flow. What a local business does is it employs local people as staff and sells to local restaurants, shops, cafes. The more people that use local businesses in the area you are living the more jobs become available and the cheaper the product can become.
Shopping locally is sometimes more expensive, though produce from farms can be more expensive or meat from local butchers might be a little more because you can normally track the products you are purchasing.
In lots of cases these small businesses work together, so a local butcher will purchase his meat from the local farmer. The greengrocers will know, which apples came from which orchid and can discuss what feeds or nutrients these have been fed. If you are unsure about this visit a few local businesses and ask them.
Look at local cafes, discover who runs a swap shop or a book trade. Some places will let you swap a book in exchange for a book of a similar value. Sometimes you will even be able to return that for another. Sustainability comes in many ways, it isn’t just what you can do for yourself is about all getting the right help in helping each other.
Conclusion
In modern society, sustainability is becoming more apparent to everyone that something needs to be done. The more that is done now, the more likely the local businesses, and people’s homes will be able to cope in the future.
It’s time everyone helped each other and sharing and swapping are a great way to get balance. Look online in your local area. There may be amples of projects that are of interest to you! Some small farms or fruit orchards offer a swap so maybe if you have a free afternoon you can go help out in exchange for a small basket of veg for the week.
Look at things that can be done to your home to improve it, not only how it looks but what will either make or save money for you? Ask all the appropriate questions before hiring someone to do this. Ring your local government or town council building inspector, find out the best way to achieve what you want, and if there is any money back schemes or funds that are there to help with such work. If you don’t ask you won’t know or get any help you could be awarded for helping your home.
Write a list of what you want to do to improve how sustainable your life is, list the house goals you have in mind and if this is something that can be done. Ask around in local organic shops, charity swap shops, the list of advice is endless, and readily at hand to help.
