Top Tips On Creating A Greener Home
If you live in a big and bustling city, creating a home that boasts a healthier, cleaner environment is the ideal countermove to the outside world. With a medley of changes, you can achieve these green-style living quarters. In my latest article, I will offer a selection of tips on creating this sanctuary. Continue reading to find out more.
In our modern world, where the countryside is often far from reach, obtaining your private green zone in the comfort of your house can be a dream come true. In the following key sections, I will offer ways you can achieve this easily and effectively with a few changes to the place you call home.
Solar Energy
Consider making the leap to transition to residential solar energy systems in your home, allowing you to step towards a sustainable and greener way of living. Installing solar panels will allow you to capture sunlight and transform it into electricity, reducing the need for damaging fossil fuels. Employ an expert to receive a professional evaluation so you can work out the best position of the panels for maximum sun exposure and figure out how much space is needed.
An additional worthy investment is solar batteries, which allow you to store excess energy to still have power at night or during cloudy days. Your home’s value will also increase (if you ever want to sell), and you may even qualify for various government incentives and rebates.
Adding Greenery
Bring a touch of nature indoors by adding a selection of plants that act as natural air purifiers, absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen (improving air quality). Incidentally, you could opt for an indoor garden or herb patch, which is functional (providing fresh ingredients) and decorative (adding that flourish of green).
Some herbs like lavender, basil and mint can even deter unwanted bugs from your home. However, if they get out of control you may need professional help (from pest control teams) to obtain a pest-resistant living environment.
Integrating greenery into your residence is a fantastic way to add beautiful visuals that can reduce stress and improve mood while providing a relaxing area after a long day in the office.
Green Cleaning Products
When it comes to cleaning, traditional products typically contain harmful chemicals that can irritate your skin and pollute the air around you. Instead, purchase natural alternatives that are much more friendly to yourself and the planet as a whole. You can easily find eco-friendly cleaners manufactured using plant-based ingredients, or you could even create your own concoction, such as a mix of vinegar and baking soda paste that can effectively remove dirt and grime.
Fresh Air And Natural Light
Adding fresh air and natural light sources into your living quarters is perfect for producing a happy and healthy living zone.
Natural Ventilation
Make a habit of opening your windows to circulate fresh air inside your home; this is a simple yet effective way to remove pollutants and stale air, essential for your respiratory health. If possible, position windows and vents in areas that maximise airflow, providing a natural breeze in each room. You could also install fans or a ventilation system, particularly inside kitchens and bathrooms, as they are more likely to have significant moisture.
Maximise Sunlight
Never underestimate the benefits of natural light, as it will brighten up even the darkest rooms and increase your mood. Try to place mirrors and light-coloured surfaces in places likely to bounce sunlight around the rooms, opening them up and making them feel more spacious. You could also install skylights or solar tubes to bring natural light into darker areas of the home – transforming your space into something much brighter and inviting.
Conserving Water
Water conservation is essential to building a sustainable and cost-effective home. By targeting a few key areas, you can dramatically reduce your water usage, which will benefit your wallet and the environment.
Smart Water Usage
You can make a number of alterations to your dwelling, such as installing low-flow fixtures like faucets and showerheads. These fixtures aim to lower water consumption but still provide high-level performance. The science behind them is that they use much less water per minute, which undoubtedly makes a huge difference to your water usage.
Landscaping
Add several drought-resistant plants and native species to your garden or outdoor space. These are much more hardy, require less water, and can survive even in local conditions. Remember to add mulch to their soil, retaining moisture and reducing evaporation. You could also install a rainwater harvesting system so you can collect rainwater and store it to be used for garden irrigation, lowering the amount of municipal water used.
Helpful Tips
- Engage in water-saving habits such as turning off the tap when washing dishes or brushing your teeth.
- Fill cups and beakers with cold water when waiting for the tap to go hot. This water can be used for cleaning and even watering plants.
- Keep on top of leaks and fix them promptly, as even somewhat insignificant drips can waste gallons of water if left unchecked.
Reduce Energy Consumption
Saving energy from your electronic appliances is a simple way to save money on your bills and lower your carbon footprint.
Smart Usage
Make sure to turn off any unused electronics and unplug chargers, as many devices will draw power (even if it is only a small amount) in standby mode (actually known as “phantom load“). You could even use power strips so you can disconnect all of your systems and appliances in one fell swoop.
Upgrade To Energy-Saving Technology
Swap out your old tech with modern, energy-efficient equivalents. When browsing for new models, check for the ENERGY STAR label to ensure the retailer has followed strict energy efficiency guidelines. Additionally, upgrade to LED bulbs and smart thermostats to reduce energy consumption even further.
Reuse And Upcycle
Rather than throwing away unwanted items, consider transforming everyday items through upcycling or embracing reusable products, which will reduce waste.
Upcycling
Convert old items into decorative or functional pieces instead of scrapping them. Furniture, for example, can easily be given a new lease of life by giving it a fresh paint or coat or even adding new upholstery. This tactic will also save you money and lower the strain on the environment, as you will be giving items a second life.
Reusable Items
Change up your routine by using reusable products, cutting down on the plethora of single-use items prevalent on the market. Incorporate fabric bags over plastic and metal or glass bottles instead of the more common plastic variety – reducing the amount of waste polluting the world. If you start down this path of upcycling with reusable products, you are promoting a sustainable lifestyle that benefits you and the environment.
Conclusion
By following the advice in this guide, you can create a healthier and greener living area that makes you feel more relaxed and stress-free; using a few crucial changes will allow you to reduce water consumption and energy usage and create a striking-looking home. What do you think of this newest article? Let me know in the comments below.
