For the past decade, we have been bombarded with information about the need to live a green, and eco-centric lifestyle that benefits everything and everyone. While there are many factors involved in pursuing a sustainable life, small and practical changes can be done to your house to start living an ecologically friendly lifestyle.
1. Use VOC materials when renovating your home
- Volatile Organic Compounds or VOC is usually found in construction materials such as paint. When buying construction supplies, do the research and ask your contractor for help with items that are either low or free from VOC. In such a way, it is a safer option for the environment and your health.
2. Switch to green energy
- Take small steps in switching to more green-conscious products at home. Start with simple changes such as your choice of lightbulbs. LED lights are more efficient than traditional lighting like CFLs, and they also last longer. Compared to other lighting, LED bulbs reduce the demand for energy which you can notice on your electric bill.
- Choose ENERGY STAR® appliances – an international standard that determines the efficiency of products and their sustainability that can save and cut down on electrical expenses and operational costs.
- Choose water-saving plumbing fixtures. Nowadays, showerheads, faucets, and water closets are designed to reduce water consumption by reducing pressure, but retaining their high-efficiency performance.
3. Install good insulation
- Investing in good insulation to keep the cold in during warm summer days, and retain heat during cold winter days is a must, especially with weather like New York’s. Good insulation installed in your home means that you are able to regulate and lessen the frequency and use of your cooling and heating appliances.
4. Reclaim, Reuse and Reduce
- Talk to your contractor about reusing and recycling materials that come from your renovation. Restoring old furniture, or reclaimed materials that are original to the building are bespoke to your space when remodeled and refurbished. Deconstructing rather than completely demolishing can benefit you, your budget, and the aesthetic of your space.
5. Donate
- If you have items that are already unwanted and of no value to you anymore, decide to donate them instead of disposing of them. Decluttering and donating can help reduce landfills of excess trash.
Living eco-friendly does not simply rely on a solar-powered home, or energy-efficient designs. It begins with a mindset that sees the overall benefits that can help reduce pollution in the environment. Build a lifestyle around good practices and reflect them in your home. You can always start small, make a habit and improve your perspective toward green initiatives by adapting to change and learning the benefits of a sustainable household.
