Eco-Friendly Home Trends

One thing that each one of us has in common with the rest of the world is that we share life on this planet. There is one issue with that. Humans do not like to share. This sharing issue, over the past century, has caused global warming and environmental decline which poses various questions. One of which is, since the world is so large, how can we as humans help create an impact?

The answer is simple. We must all make small and purposeful changes to help remedy this issue. We can do this by small changes to our homes that limit our carbon footprint and create an eco-friendly domicile. In this blog we will discuss a few ways to maximize your home’s environmental efficiency and tips to help create a greener world.

Sustainable Materials and Construction

• Bamboo Flooring and Sustainable Wood: bamboo and sustainable wood are renewable resources that grow quickly and reduce strain on natural forests. Bamboo flooring is durable with being able to withstand wear and tear, while sustainable wood provides strength and longevity.
• Recycled Materials: materials like recycled concrete, bricks, glass, or any other recycled material that can be used in the construction of a home to promote the environment. Manufacturing products from recycled materials tends to take up less time, energy, and resources than creating new products. This is a great option for investors and/or flippers looking to renovate their newest property.

Energy Efficiency 

• Solar Panels: solar panels harness clean and renewable energy from the sun, that reduces the need for fossil fuels. The panels reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions while helping you save money on utility bills.
• Energy Efficient Appliances: whether you are renovating or doing your latest home improvement project, appliances like stove-ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, or laundry machines are very energy efficient. These appliances may have a somewhat higher initial cost but provide long-term savings. The low energy consumption saves on utility bills and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Smart Home Technology: smart devices help monitor and control energy consumption. This technology adds systems that allow for more remote control and automating allowing for less work and more saving. Smart home technology helps save money and helps reduce your environmental footprint.

Indoor Air Quality 

• Natural Ventilation: proper ventilation increases the indoor air quality by reducing pollutants in the air. Natural ventilation reduces the need to rely on HVAC systems which helps your utility bill too. Better air leads to better respiratory systems which leads to better overall health.
• Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes: non-toxic paints release less harmful chemicals which reduces indoor air pollution. Less air pollution helps with overall quality and the health of those around it.

Sustainable Landscaping: 

• Native Plants: native plants are acclimated to local climate which requires less water and resources to thrive than non-native plants. This means less maintenance and fewer chemical inputs than non-native. Native plants also attract local wildlife which supports a strong ecosystem.
• Permeable Pavement: this type of pavement decreases the amount of runoff water which prevents flooding and erosion. The collection of rainwater allows for water to filter back through the ground which helps local ecosystems while controlling surface temperatures.

Takeaways 

With the status of our current society and climate, taking steps to turn your home eco-friendly are becoming viable and affordable options. These can be small steps as well. If you would like to incorporate everything on this blog for the sake of the environment, go ahead. Small steps over an extended period of time do just as much good. The benefits outweigh the costs in the long run. You will save more money over time while helping do your part in sustaining this planet we call home.