You can also implement energy-efficient lighting by getting rid of fluorescent lights and using LED bulbs instead. Motion-sensor activated lights are another great option, saving power while enhancing convenience. Even a smart home system that controls temperature and electricity usage or monitors for water leaks can up a home’s efficiency, says Galvao. How can it be constructed with minimal harm to the natural habitat? This includes designing the house for the best orientation to the sun, specifically for windows and solar panels, for maximum heat and light. “In the north, we orient most of the living space (great room, kitchen, dining) to the southern exposure, with most windows on this side of the home,” says Homa.
Earth-Sheltered, Straw Bale, Log, and Manufactured Homes
Another way to enhance energy efficiency is to swap out your windows. Old windows may be more prone to drafts, allowing cold air in and hot air out. These How to make your home more environmentally friendly have two panes of glass with an insulating gas between the panes. Further, reduce drafts and safe energy with window coverings like curtains and blinds.
Why you should be composting
- They don’t make ’em like they used to, so look for kitchen fittings, floors, paneling, and cabinets that have had a previous life, are unique and have already stood the test of time.
- To increase the life of your clothing, focus on proper care, prioritize quality over quantity, and avoid impulsive purchases.
- However, insulation has traditionally been made from hazardous, toxic materials which have a range of negative impacts on the environment.
- Using eco-friendly and green cleaning products is also a great way of reducing your impact on the environment.
Check out my full guide on saving money on your water bill in the bathroom. This becomes expressly clear when it comes to fridges, which can account for 20% of a home’s electric bill! An energy-efficient fridge is a great place to start when wondering how to make your home more sustainable.
Home Insulation and Energy Efficiency
Sustainable house design starts from where you decide to build your home and the layout you choose, to how you power it and the insulation. You can also harness the natural water resources through rainwater harvesting. There are various methods you can use to collect and store rainwater for your bathroom, laundry, or even for drinking. Plant a deciduous tree in front of south facing windows to provide shade in summer but let light through in winter. You may even decide to build your home in a certain location based on the local building materials that are available.
- For instance, water collection is an essential part of an Earthship home.
- Insulation helps to prevent heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the home, keeping the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
- Buy high-quality knives that you can sharpen by hand, and use long-lasting cloth towels instead of paper.
They’ll inherently be better suited to the environment, requiring less maintenance and less water. Electronic waste, or e-waste, encompasses any unwanted electronic equipment including old computers, televisions, smart phones, and used cables. These contain toxins such as mercury, lead, beryllium, and arsenic, which can be harmful to the environment and our health. Some parts that make up electronics (steel, copper, iron, glass) can be recovered and made into new items, so they must be disposed of properly—don’t throw them in the trash! To help reduce e-waste, keep electrical products for at least seven years, or donate them when you’re done. Adding insulation to the walls of your home prevents warm air from leaking out in the winter.
Getting in touch with nature has plenty of health benefits, but optimizing your layout to take advantage of natural light is also an easy way to cut down on energy consumption (and save money). “Think about which rooms have the most sunlight and how you are utilizing them,” counsels New York designer Gala Magriñá. “Is there a better way to position your office or a breakfast nook so that they are in brighter light? Are your windows dirty, or are the window coverings broken so you don’t raise the shades?
And if your favorite hoodie has a hole, consider mending it yourself instead of tossing it. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to go through your closet Marie Kondo-style and get rid of items that no longer bring you joy. But instead of sending items to a landfill, drop them off at a thrift store, such as Goodwill or Housing Works. Consider the realistic progress you can make today, what you can add tomorrow, and what to aim for in the future.
- Even a smart home system that controls temperature and electricity usage or monitors for water leaks can up a home’s efficiency, says Galvao.
- “Lack of smell, or an earthy smell, is important because it shows decomposition is taking place and not rotting,” says Labrecque.
- When the heating is on, you want thick/quality doors in your rooms.
- A further eco heating option is an air source heat pump, or a mini split system, which can be ideal if you’re converting your home from an oil heating system.
- EnergyGuide labels will show an appliance’s average annual energy consumption and operating cost so that you can compare them to your current model.
Compost fruit and veggie waste
