By only purchasing what you need, you reduce the waste you’ll put out later in life, helping you make less of a negative impact on the environment. Before you begin your renovation project, it’s important to assess your current energy usage and identify areas for improvement. This could include upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or improving insulation in your home. Although many green architecture principles are implemented in foundational elements, green building doesn’t only apply to new builds. There are plenty of opportunities to make sustainable, eco-conscious choices in remodeling projects, too. If there is a local stone quarry, why not use their stone for your patio?
- Consider using manual push mowers or electric mowers for larger areas.
- While you’re in laundry mode, think about switching to cold water.
- Remember, build a home that has as small an impact on our planet as possible.
- Your home can also impact your mental health based on colors, natural light, and set-up.
- “Think superior exterior wall systems, efficient windows, and lots of insulation,” says Homa.
Green Living: How to Create a More Eco-Friendly Home
There are both open and closed-loop systems, but these essentially work in the same way by bringing the heat energy stored in the soil or groundwater to your home via these tubes. Plant a deciduous tree in front of south facing windows to provide shade in summer but let light https://ecosoberhouse.com/ through in winter. On the other hand, too many west-facing windows will provide more light and heat on sweltering summer afternoons and encourage you to use your air conditioning more. Similarly, roof overhang will block the sun in summer, keeping your home cooler for longer.
Green Technology
- And finally, by reducing waste, you will help preserve our planet’s limited resources.
- Adding a composting system speeds up the breakdown of organic waste and creates nutritive compost for gardening.
- Take care, stay safe, and let us all work towards building a greener, happier home, and earth.
- But if you want to slash your carbon footprint, you should aim to keep the device usage to a minimum.
- ‘Vehicle to grid technology means even power stored in your car battery can be sold to the grid if it’s not needed,’ Mark adds.
- A simple coat of varnish, paint or new upholstery can often breathe new life into tired and worn-out furniture.
A backyard that’s large enough for the pipes is required, which may rule it out as an option for some homes. When you’re struggling with your mental health, just getting through the day can be hard, but there are things you can do to your space to help yourself be more productive and reach your goals. She gained her credentials via the renowned International Well Building Institute, becoming the eighth person in New Zealand to receive the certification. Jade works with architects, construction companies and clients across New Zealand to design/build/renovate/style their spaces.
- Another way to conserve water is to turn the tap off between brushing and rinsing your mouth.
- Toilets and other plumbing fixtures are different from what they used to be.
- Without knowing it, most homeowners opt for oil-based paints for decorating their homes as they are more readily available and might be a cheaper option.
- Install roof gutters and downspouts that direct the water to a tank for reuse.
Wash Your Clothes in Cold Water
(You don’t need to replace your roof, but do make sure it has got a long life ahead of it.) While solar panels can be costly, many states offer incentives and subsidies for homeowners looking to make the switch. To be more eco-friendly at home involves adjusting energy use, repurposing items, and making informed purchases. The goal isn’t perfection but consistent effort in promoting a sustainable living space. Moreover, the easy ways to make your home environmentally friendly and green are switching to LED lights, minimizing kitchen plastics, or setting up a compost system.
- Many of these actions are not only simple and inexpensive, but they can reduce both our carbon footprint and our living expenses.
- The initial cost to install solar panels is an investment that typically pays off in 7 – 8 years in electricity savings alone.
- Peeling away the layers of past renovations can reveal original features like exposed brick or millwork that can add character to the space with a little TLC.
- Lola is a graduate, who completed her degree in Psychology at the University of Sussex.
- This method reduces carbon emissions while simultaneously improving soil health over time.
- Keep clothes longer by washing them carefully, purchasing quality goods, and not buying items on a whim.
Sustainable House Design Ideas
Plus, water-based systems reduce allergies, since “air is not being blown around, shooting dust particles,” he notes. We envision a world where clean, renewable energy sources power our lives, and recycling becomes an integral part of everyday living. Composting is a cornerstone when considering how to be more environmentally friendly at home.
You may choose a sustainable tiny home or prefab house, but there are plenty of other ways to make your house more environmentally friendly. Sustainable house design starts from where you How to make your home more environmentally friendly decide to build your home and the layout you choose, to how you power it and the insulation. All-electric homes can also be very eco-friendly, depending on where your energy comes from.
green ways to transform your house into an eco home
You don’t need harsh chemicals or expensive store-bought cleaners to remove scale build-up, soap scum and grime, this homemade cleaner is the perfect natural solution. Start by pouring 3.5 ounces of citric acid into a bowl and slowly add about 2.5 ounces of warm water. This method is quick, effective, and so eco-friendly, you’ll feel great knowing you’re cleaning without harmful chemicals.