If youâre looking to have a more sustainable home, you need to look at both your house, and your lifestyle in order to make some necessary changes. Being sustainable means that you are lowering your personal impact on the environment. By cultivating new habits, youâll be able to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, while saving money at the same time. There are also options to make the place where you live more sustainable. Here are some simple tips.
Your lifestyle
The main two âRâsâ you need to enforce in your house are âreuseâ and ârecycleâ. Minimize waste by reusing any containers such as bottles and jars. These can be refilled when you go to the market. Try to shop at an ecologically sound establishment where you can use your own containers, if not take your old plastic bags when you go shopping. Try to minimize what you buy that comes in packaging, especially plastic. Encouraging anyone else you live with to do the same. Make sure to recycle all the things you do have to throw away. Keep separate containers clearly marked for glass, paper, cans and plastic.
Make a list of what you can change that you use everyday to a more environmentally-friendly version. Non-toxic cleaning products for example are available online. Donât be wasteful with water, gas or electricity. Keep everything switched off when you arenât using it.
Your house
Once youâve changed the mentality of yourself and the people that live there, look to the building. Install a smart meter to control the use of gas and electricity. This will make it easier for you to reduce your consumption. Swap all the lightbulbs for more sustainable LEDs, as these are much more efficient, durable and economical.
If your house is being maintained properly this will automatically make it more sustainable, so keep up with regular building checks. Have someone look at the plumbing, construction and electrics to make sure everything is in working order.
For further renovations consider solar panels, better insulation and double glazed windows. If you are considering a full revamp think about going with a Custom Home Builder. Certain companies specialize in building sustainable houses, or making renovations. It may even be an idea to invest in solar generators for home backup. As the electricity network has more and more pressure out on it, there is always the chance that there will be blackouts or brownout. So, it makes sense to be prepared.
If you are lucky enough to have outside space think how you can utilize this to the maximum. In your backyard think about planting more trees and certain types of weather resilient plants, rather than having a huge lawn. The grass will require more irrigation and care, which therefore makes it less sustainable overall. Collect compost in separate containers which can be then used as a fertilizer for your garden. All organic waste such as food and food peelings goes in here.Â
It doesnât take much effort to change your bad habits and the sustainable option is often the cheapest. This is because you are saving energy, reducing what you buy, your gas consumption and ensuring that your household runs smoothly. Itâs a better choice for everyone to go green.
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