An eco-friendly home is not only great for the environment but also great for your wallet too! There are many lifestyle changes that could save you energy, materials, and money that are better for our world.
Sustainable Practices Are the Key to the Future
Global warming is a worldwide crisis that everyone needs to face. Small differences in our lifestyle can change the outcome for our planet in a great way. In 2018, a Nielson survey concluded that 81% of the worldwide population think companies should protect the environment. Sustainable practices are the key to our future.
These practices include recycling, not using plastic if you don’t need to, and also renovating instead of moving. This saves on materials. People do not tend to realize that materials including wood, beams, and such all come from somewhere. Other energy-saving tips are to use only LED bulbs and using more rags instead of purchasing paper towels. Also, if you run larger appliances in the middle of the night (off-peak hours) you will be charged less. This is because less electricity is used via the power company at night, so the demand is less.
Cleaning differently can also make your home more energy-efficient. Cleaning the fridge coils helps your refrigerator run better, and adding a dryer filter will make your dryer more efficient. Another quick tip is to reduce your waste by having a compost bin for your leftover vegetable or table scraps. The compost material is great to use in your garden and means less in the landfills.
Renovate Instead of Moving
While moving to a new home may be appealing, renovating your current home is actually cheaper. Finishing your basement costs 80% less than buying a larger house. This is perfect if you are planning on adding to the family, or simply need more storage in your house. The great thing about renovating your current home is you can have everything exactly how you like it. You will not have to purchase a new home and then renovate what you do not like.
Renovating also gives you ample opportunity to complete a few do-it-yourself projects. These DIY projects are great for saving money and resources. One project you could do to renovate is to paint your home’s interior. You could also install a new kitchen backsplash, add a wood deck, or add new vinyl flooring.
However, there are a few projects that only a professional should do. These projects include replacing a bathtub, installing hardwood floors, installing ceramic tile, or installing replacement windows. These are complicated projects, and you could end up spending more if done yourself, and you had a mess-up.
Speaking of doing it yourself, you could also make your own household cleaners. Buying a glass bottle and making your own cleaners are more cost-efficient., and great for the environment. You won’t be using harsh chemicals, and you will also be saving on tons of plastic. Most household cleaners can be made with a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and rubbing alcohol. Keep in mind that with making your own cleaner, these bottles will last much longer and are more environmentally friendly.
Opt For Non-Traditional Housing
Out of 17 million shipping containers worldwide, only 6 million of them are in use. This means that 11 million of these shipping containers are not being used. They could be used as small houses. While they are unconventional, many people have opted for these do-it-yourself homes. They are easy to maintain, require fewer materials, and are financially much less than building.
Non-traditional housing, such as these shipping containers, is also great for homeless people, or struggling veterans. There are 11 million shipping containers not being used, this could be 11 million people off of the street. They are also perfect for those people in rural areas who prefer to live off of the grid.
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