4 Ways to Create a Happy and Environmentally-Friendly Home

Environmentally-friendly lifestyles are all the rage nowadays, and with good reason. Climate change is becoming a global concern. So much so that Yahoo News has noticed a growing sense of eco-anxiety as a common condition now plaguing students, especially in light of the recent bush fires.

Effects of Environmentally-Friendly Home

In the face of such grim news, many consumers are adjusting their daily habits in order to do their part. The effects of an environmentally-friendly home shouldn’t be underestimated. The amount of energy it takes to run a home – not to mention the materials you consume every day, from food to cleaning supplies – means that creating an eco-friendly home can lead to great change over time.

So with that in mind, here are four tips on how to incorporate these practices into your home.

Install Solar Panels

You don’t need a huge solar farm to take advantage of this great source of renewable energy. Installing solar panels on your roof allows you to reap all the benefits that come with this alternative energy source. You can also opt to install solar shingles instead, as they are easier to install and can be removed in the event that you end up moving homes. These options mean that solar energy can work for practically any household, so the trick is to just find options that work best for you. The great thing about solar panels is that they last for about 20 to 30 years, which means you’ll really be able to reduce your home’s energy output while also saving on your electricity bill.

Check Your Insulation

The Westmorland Gazette reported that some residents in Cumbria in the UK died last winter due to poorly insulated homes. It’s no secret that people who live in colder climates need to look out for their home’s insulation. Since the British are no strangers to cold weather, Homeserve UK recommends frequently checking your heating system, and that includes your boilers as well as the many radiators you have in your home. Regularly maintaining them will ensure that your appliances aren’t overheating and wasting more energy than they should. On that note, you should also check your doors, windows, and walls for any leaks, as the gaps let heat escape, causing your boilers to work overtime and increase your home’s energy footprint.

Buy Zero-Waste

When it comes to creating an eco-friendly home, sometimes it’s the smallest steps that can lead to the biggest change. Zero-waste stores all across Singapore are encouraging customers to bring in their own containers when shopping for groceries, be it shampoo and soap or oats for breakfast. While you may not have a zero-waste store near you, this is a practice you should definitely be incorporating even when you’re going to the nearby grocery store. Bringing your own reusable containers helps you buy what you need. You become aware of just how much single-use plastic pervades our day-to-day lives.

Seek Professional Help

Most homeowners don’t think about sustainability consulting as an option, but this may change with time. Sustainability consultants are typically hired by huge companies. There are some who are now offering their services to private homes. These consultants are trained to understand the technical aspects of adopting eco-friendly practices. They check waste management,  and assess the environmental impact of certain appliances or structures. Talking with a sustainability consultant can help you draft a concrete plan. This will be a great starting point towards making your home truly environmentally-friendly.

The Gist of it

An aesthetically pleasing house is till important for home owners. Yet it’s equally vital to ensure that your house also incorporates eco-friendly design. From buying in bulk with your own container, to regularly maintaining your insulation, these 4 tips can make your home truly environmentally-friendly from the inside out.

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