It has become jarringly clear that we all need to be more aware of our surroundings and resources, all the while creating a sustainable environment for growth. This sustainability may differ from one person to another and across countries.
It may be big-scale (such as eco-friendly product packaging) or small-scale (recycling garbage). However, what really takes eco-friendliness one step ahead is making your home a sustainable space itself! Here are several ways and possibilities by which your home environment can be closer to nature:
1. Switch to energy-efficient appliances
Even though energy-efficient appliances have been in the market for quite some time now, it is in recent years that consumers have started taking notice of how beneficial these can actually be. These appliances may be expensive when bought, but they save a lot of money year-round so the initial investment is worth it.
Some complaints have arisen about the efficiency of these products. Since they do not consume as much energy, their mechanism is tender in comparison to other home appliances. For instance, an energy-efficient light bulb will not exude as much light as a fluorescent tube lamp. However, the latest technology has solved this issue over the years and now is the time to make a switch!
2. Consider solar panelling
Installing solar panels in one’s home is a good way to go eco-friendly. It is an essential feature for anyone in dire need of sustainability. Like energy-efficient appliances, solar panelling requires a hefty amount to be installed at first. But once you are done with the initial investment, not only do these panels run for a long period, they also save a lot of money. You are essentially saving more than you’re spending.
3. Use non-toxic, water-based paint for your house
Eco-friendly paints are those that do not contain chemicals that are airborne or harmful gases. They have lower levels of toxic emissions, called Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). These toxic emissions cause health problems such as visual or respiratory issues, headaches, dizziness among other things. Water-based paints provide a wider range of colours, adhere to themes and are more aesthetically pleasing.
Everything about this paint sounds appealing, right?
4. Install wooden window frames
Wooden window frames can prove to be more environmentally safe and non-toxic. Why? Because if you choose to double-glaze your windows for a more soundproof and energy -efficient environment within your home, the unplasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC) generally attached with these windows tend to be polluting as they emit toxic compounds.
Good care of these wooden frames can make them last very long, even though they have a reputation for being too durable and strong by themselves, with or without care.
5. Use canning jars for your pantry
Buy food from eco shops that essentially refuse the usage of plastic packing bags and sell products in glass jars or containers. Store dry pulses, grains and fruits in eco containers. Since a glass bottle is a good option, use a reusable glass bottle for mouthwash instead of plastic ones.
Canning jars can be a good option for assorting your pantry. Not only do they provide a fresh look to your kitchen, but they can also be used and reused which makes them a more desirable option.
6. Compost the food waste
It is a better option to compost every bit of your everyday food waste than to let it sit in the garbage for days until it rots. Compost bins are very cheap and readily available in your nearby markets. If not, order online. You can use the compost from the bin to provide your garden with the nourishment it needs.
7. Use low-flow fixtures
Up to 8 gallons of water is used up by a normal showerhead in a minute. Using a low-flow shower fixture may reduce it to 3, even 2 in some cases. Using a low-flow plumbing fixture that essentially saves water can prove to be very beneficial in the long run. However, these fixtures are a tad bit on the expensive side. But don’t worry, saving gallons and gallons of water consumption makes this plumbing fixture a safer and more suitable alternative, isn’t it?
8. Use rechargeable batteries
Do you have a count of how many batteries you used and discharged this year alone? We bet you don’t. This is because there is a never-ending energy requirement being met by non-reusable batteries every day and we just cannot keep count! Rechargeable batteries are thus a convenient, smart and better option. They prove to be more environmentally friendly and have moderate costs. You can buy a pair of them for less than $12 but they end up lasting for a long time.
9. Use toothbrushes that are eco-friendly
It has been widely recommended by dentists to keep changing one’s toothbrush every few months for the sake of oral hygiene. Companies like Radius and Izola offer environment-friendly toothbrush alternatives that are considered excellent for your teeth as well as your surroundings.
Another such company is Swak which crafts its toothbrushes from bio-based materials. Some others use sustainable wood and bamboo for the handles.
10. Use bio-based cleaning products
While we all share a common love for popular, good cleaning agents, we fail to give a second thought to how much they might actually be harming the environment that surrounds us. Detergents, on being drained out into water, leave harmful chemicals and expose the water bodies to impurities.
However, there are a lot of ways to replace your regular cleaning agents with newer, eco-friendly products. Trust us when we say that you won’t be disappointed. These products mostly are biodegradable and leave no harmful residue for environmental exposure.
Green cleaning products range from all-purpose home cleaners, castile soaps to natural alternatives like vinegar and tea tree oil.
Conclusion
Before choosing any product that claims to be “eco-friendly”, always check whether they have a Greenguard Certification. This majorly proves their authenticity.
With the above options in mind, always focus on a lifestyle that is more invested in natural welfare than in anything else. With the global climate rates rising and natural resources dwindling, it is our duty to be as sustainable as we can be.