Having an environmental home could be easier than you think. It’s not all about new build either, you can retro fit any home to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Sustainability is something at which homeowners are now looking. As well as helping to protect the environment, you are also cutting down on your monthly bills so it is a win-win situation. Now is the perfect time to create an environmental home with these improvements.
Environmental Home: Insulation
One of the best ways of retaining heat in the home is through insulation, and this can be done in walls, ceilings and under floor. Many people start off by insulating their loft area as this is where a big proportion of the heat in a home is lost. As well as saving on heating costs, you are also helping to make your house feel warmer as the cold starts to draw in.
Environmental Home: Windows
Double-glazed windows are something that people have been installing in their homes for a long time, and there is no doubt that they can make all the difference when it comes to cutting heating bills. However, if you are looking for a more cost-effective alternative, you could hang thermal-backed curtains instead rather than thin drapes or blinds.
Environmental Home: The Sun
The sun is an energy-generating tool that many homeowners are trying their best to harvest these days. To start off with, you want to encourage as much natural light into the home as possible. And many people are also looking at installing solar panels to generate electricity or solar water-heating options.
Environmental Home: Appliances
Energy-efficient appliances are becoming more prevalent, so investigate what you could replace around the house. The kitchen is probably the best starting point, whether you are looking to replace something big like the dishwasher or something simple like a kettle. Another cheap way that you can make your home more sustainable is by swapping regular light bulbs for eco-friendly ones, such as LED.
Environmental Home: Non-Toxic Building Materials
If you are considering building or extending, consider building materials that are non-toxic. Composite cladding is a good starting point as an alternative to wood. You could also source the materials locally to reduce the environmental impact of transportation.
Environmental Home: Water
As one of the most-used commodities around your home, it makes sense to ensure that you are using water responsibly. To start with, install a rainwater collection tank if you can so to benefit from every rainfall.
Also, when you are looking at appliances, you could go for water-efficient ones as well as low-flow sanitary fittings.
Environmental Home: Gardening
When you are planting your garden, choose native and local plant life. Not only are plants attuned to the local soils but native birds and wildlife will also seek out plants, flowers, and trees native to the area. Soils, climate, and rainfall will naturally favour native plants and your garden will thrive without extra care.
Living in a sustainable home is something we should all be striving for and these are just a few of the ways in which you can achieve this goal.
