Are you constantly trying to adopt more eco-friendly practices in your daily life but don’t know where to begin? Then this is the right place for you. Like many good things, sustainable living starts at home.
From switching to efficient cooling and heating to composting waste, there are a number of ways you can improve sustainability throughout the home. We have compiled a list of ways to reduce your home’s energy carbon footprint.
What is a sustainable home?
We all hear about sustainable homes and want to have one, but what exactly does having a sustainable home mean? These are homes that are built with high-performance and low-impact materials that are efficient to manufacture, transport and install while being mindful of the resources and optimising our energy and water use.
Consider Your Household Products
One effortless and simple way to be more sustainable at home is to consider the products you buy and how you use them at home. If you need new clothes or furniture, you could consider browsing charity stores or second-hand markets while avoiding big brands with high waste output or employing unethical production methods.
While buying cleaning or skincare products, look for items made from natural ingredients, especially soaps and shampoos, that will be washed down the drain.
Product packaging is another aspect you must keep in mind if you are leaning towards reducing your carbon footprint. Check whether the packaging is made from recycled or recyclable materials. Reducing single-use plastics and making sure they can be recycled will go a long way towards building a sustainable home.
Insulate Your Home With Eco-friendly Material
Home insulation is one of the most important features of sustainable homes. Good insulation keeps hot air out in the summer and warm air in the winter. This improves a home’s energy efficiency by reducing the need for air conditioning and heating.
It is a common misconception that sustainable houses are also more expensive to operate and maintain. This, however, is not the case! Eco-friendly houses benefit the environment as well as your finances. Sustainable design elements are simple to incorporate into a new home and can help you live a greener lifestyle. Building a sustainable home and surrounding is an investment for the future.
Be Conscious Of Energy Use
The most effective way to make a difference in your household is to simply be more curious and aware of your energy usage and habits. Making small changes to your daily routine can make a world of difference–this includes turning off light switches and not relying on the air conditioner all the time. Also, look up different energy providers who support sustainability–you can switch to Origin energy plans and make a green difference.
We have to be more aware that there is a large carbon footprint behind every appliance that uses electricity, and we also need to recognise that all of the small savings we make will add to big savings globally! Appliances with high energy ratings may be more expensive initially, but they will save you a lot of money in the long run. Take special care of your kitchen, other home appliances, and central heating and cooling.
Opt for Solar Energy
Installing solar panels for your home is the first step towards switching to solar power. Not only will you save thousands of dollars on your electricity bill in the long run, but you will also help reduce the impact of fossil fields and non-renewable sources of energy.
Before you go ahead and install solar panels, check if your roof supports them. Also, if your roof doesn’t get too much sunlight or is in the shade, panels might not be effective, and you might have to explore other options.
Think about the long-term benefits
Going sustainable is the way forward if you want to reduce waste and improve your energy and water consumption. It might be a heavy investment, but the long-term benefits will outrun the expenses in no time.