How to Make Your Home More Sustainable

Are you looking to make your Home more Sustainable? Great! There are a lot of easy ways to get started. Check out these tips.

According to a 2019 survey by Southern Cross University, 77% of people want to learn how to live more sustainably. Those numbers have undoubtedly gone up thanks to the ever-changing climate and even because of the pandemic.

Sustainability matters, and there’s “no place like home” to get started on your own eco-friendly efforts. You don’t have to be a major corporation or nonprofit organization to make a difference.

By making small changes in your home and in your lifestyle, you’ll accomplish two things. First, you’ll form healthier environmental habits that can have a positive impact on the planet now. Second, you’ll influence the next generation to do the same thing.

So, how can you make your home more sustainable in an approachable and affordable way?

Simple Solutions for Saving Energy

Americans spend $130 billion each year on wasted energy, and that starts at home. The biggest energy-users within the average home include:

Heating and cooling systems
Washer/dryer
Other large appliances
Small appliances
Electronics

So, what can you do to save energy? Making small changes can not only cut down on your energy consumption, but you’ll notice smaller utility bills.

If you really want to limit energy waste in your home, one of the best things you can do is install solar panels. On sunny days, solar panels can produce enough energy to power your entire house. They are an investment, but they can save you money on your bills right away. Plus, you may be entitled to certain tax credits.

If you don’t have the time or funds to install solar panels right now, there are still things you can do to cut back on energy consumption in the home. Switch to LED lighting, improve your home’s insulation, and fill any leaks in the walls. You don’t have to have a lot of DIY knowledge to cut back on energy waste and see a difference in your bills say experts like GVD Renovation.

Do an Eco-Friendly Remodel

If you’ve been thinking about remodeling or updating your home, it’s a perfect time to use eco-friendly products and materials to do it.

For example, you can brighten up any room with a fresh coat of paint. But, certain solvents in traditional paint can release emissions into the environment and harm the ozone layer. Thankfully, eco-friendly paints are becoming more popular. Not only can they improve the air quality of your home – great for family members with respiratory issues – but they’re better for the planet.

There is a variety of eco-friendly paint options to choose from, including:

Milk paint
Chalk paint
Ceramic paint
Linseed oil paint
Low VOC paint

Because of these options, you’re bound to find a hue that works for any room in your house.

In addition to painting, you can spruce up your home in a greener way by using eco-friendly cleaning products, repurposing furniture, and even bringing indoor plants into your space. If you want to make major upgrades, do your research to find a contractor or interior designer committed to sustainability. Hiring someone who shares your views will make the remodeling job much easier for everyone. They might even be able to give you some fresh ideas and perspectives on how to make more eco-friendly changes.

Change Your Home Habits

You can make as many changes as you want to your home itself. But, unless you’re willing to change your living habits, you won’t be as sustainable as you can be. Changing some of those daily habits is easier than you might think. It starts with just a few simple swaps, and you can get the whole family involved.

If you’re not sure how to get started, consider some of your regular habits. Do you shower every day? Try to cut down your time by two minutes. Make sure the dishwasher and washing machine are full before you run loads. Do you work on your computer several hours a day? Shut it down completely when you’re done to avoid using “vampire energy.”

You can also make sustainability front and center in other parts of your home. Set up a recycling station with a few different bins and educate yourself and your family on where different items can go. Plastic pollution is a huge problem all over the world. Choosing to cut back on single-use plastic is the best way to go. But, it can sometimes feel impossible to avoid. The next best step is to recycle it so it doesn’t become part of the 13 million tonnes of plastics that end up in the oceans each year.

Having a sustainable home might not seem like it can make much of a difference. But, as more people start to realize the importance of a greener lifestyle, sustainable choices in the home will become more popular and prominent.

Whether you want to start small or give your house a major overhaul, keep these ideas in mind to make your home more sustainable, and to make healthy environmental changes in your lifestyle.

FAQ

What Is a Sustainable Home?

A sustainable home, also known as a green or eco-friendly home, is designed and built with a focus on reducing its environmental impact, energy consumption, and resource usage.

Why Should I Consider Making My Home Sustainable?

Making your home sustainable can help lower utility bills, reduce carbon emissions, improve indoor air quality, and contribute to a healthier environment.

What Are Some Sustainable Home Design Principles?

Sustainable home design principles include energy efficiency, use of renewable materials, water conservation, proper insulation, and integration of green technologies.

How Can I Make My Existing Home More Sustainable?

You can make your existing home more sustainable by upgrading insulation, installing energy-efficient appliances, using LED lighting, and reducing water consumption.

What Are Common Features of Sustainable Homes?

Common features include solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, energy-efficient windows, green roofs, and natural ventilation systems.

Are Sustainable Homes Expensive to Build or Renovate?

While initial costs may be higher, sustainable homes can lead to long-term savings through reduced energy bills and maintenance costs.

How Can I Improve Indoor Air Quality in My Sustainable Home?

Improving indoor air quality involves using low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and materials, proper ventilation systems, and maintaining a clean and dust-free environment.

What Is the Role of Renewable Energy in Sustainable Homes?

Renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines are commonly used in sustainable homes to generate clean, green energy.

What Are Some Benefits of Sustainable Landscaping for a Sustainable Home?

Sustainable landscaping can reduce water usage, enhance biodiversity, provide natural insulation, and create aesthetically pleasing outdoor spaces.

How Can I Find Sustainable Home Products and Materials?

Look for eco-friendly certifications like Energy Star, LEED, or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) when shopping for sustainable home products and materials.

What Are Passive Design Strategies for Sustainable Homes?

Passive design strategies utilize natural elements like sunlight, shade, and wind to optimize heating, cooling, and lighting in a sustainable home.

How Can I Reduce Water Usage in a Sustainable Home?

You can reduce water usage by installing low-flow fixtures, collecting rainwater for irrigation, and choosing drought-resistant landscaping.

What Is the Role of Insulation in a Sustainable Home?

Insulation is crucial in maintaining temperature control and energy efficiency in a sustainable home by preventing heat loss or gain.

How Can I Monitor and Control Energy Usage in My Sustainable Home?

You can monitor and control energy usage through smart thermostats, energy-efficient appliances, and home automation systems.

What Are Some Eco-Friendly Flooring Options for Sustainable Homes?

Eco-friendly flooring options include bamboo, cork, reclaimed wood, and recycled materials like glass or rubber.

How Can I Make My Home More Energy-Efficient?

You can make your home more energy-efficient by sealing drafts, upgrading windows and doors, adding insulation, and using energy-efficient lighting.

What Is the Impact of Sustainable Homes on Property Values?

Sustainable homes often have higher property values due to lower operating costs and increasing demand for environmentally friendly living spaces.

Are There Tax Incentives for Sustainable Home Upgrades?

Some regions offer tax incentives or rebates for sustainable home upgrades, including energy-efficient improvements and solar panel installations.

How Can I Educate Myself About Sustainable Home Practices?

You can educate yourself through online resources, workshops, seminars, and by consulting with sustainable home experts and architects.

What Are Some Green Certification Programs for Sustainable Homes?

Green certification programs like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and ENERGY STAR provide recognition and guidelines for sustainable home design and construction.