5 Simple Projects To Build A More Eco-Friendly Home
Going green is a goal shared by millions of homeowners, and the great news is that you can achieve big things with small changes. The most important upgrade, however, is to establish a winning mindset.
Having the goal in place is one thing, but true success comes from knowing which projects will lead you to the intended outcomes. Here are five that are sure to help you go green.
Embrace Sustainable Materials
Perhaps the best change is to shift your focus towards sustainable materials for interior design. From flooring to furniture, structures to internal decor, sustainable choices reduce carbon footprints. You can take this one step further with durable materials like hardwood plywood rather than flimsy plywood. Sustainable furniture and features that are built to last will deliver superior results.
Besides, the aesthetic created by wood or natural stone materials inevitably changes your mindset. This will help as you tackle further upgrades.
Focus On Energy-Efficency
There is no escaping the fact that you will consume energy. However, you can significantly reduce yours with a focus on energy-efficient appliances. From dishwashers to low-flush toilets, the right appliances reduce daily energy usage and monthly bills. Increased insulation and better air circulation reduces the need for advanced climate control. In the summer as well as the winter.
You can take energy-efficiency to another level with roof solar panels, but this will require a significant outlay.
Do More With Outside Spaces
If adopting an environmentally-friendly lifestyle is your aim, you have to start embracing nature. Your outside spaces are the golden ticket and simple garden maintenance tasks will yield huge rewards. Using natural materials and growing plants directly supports green living goals. Simply spending more time outside reduces energy consumption compared to using multiple rooms in the home.
Using sustainable materials for a deck or pergola, cooking outdoors, and hosting friends or family has a positive impact too.
Use Technology Correctly
The switch to energy-efficient appliances, as well as LED lights, delivers clear rewards. For the best results, you should be using home tech elsewhere. Smart home thermostats and functional systems boost comfort while saving money. Robotic vacuums and similarly cool gadgets save time and effort while reducing emissions. Of course, it’s still necessary to turn items off when they are no longer in use.
You may also wish to focus on paperless technology or switch to digital services rather than relying on physical resources.
Focus On Repairs & Upcycling
Finally, one of the best ways to reduce carbon footprints is to give items a new lease of life. We live in a world where it is easy to fall into the trap of replacing home products prematurely. However, appliances can often be restored to save you from replacements. Alternatively, old furniture may be upcycled to fit your new aesthetics or altered to suit the garden. Similarly, pallets could be repurposed into garden growing boxes.
Fashion items can be upcycled too. Again, it reduces your carbon footprint while also promoting a mindset that spreads to all parts of your life.
