Nowadays, there are resounding calls for companies to run more sustainable operations, as more and more of us become aware of the fact that the planet may be doomed if we don’t make significant changes in the way we use its resources.
However, the move towards sustainability shouldn’t only be advanced at the commercial level, especially since we can definitely start practicing sustainability at home. Even the way we design the interior of our homes for the first time can have a substantial impact on the environment.
So to start things right, here are seven home design tips that will help you achieve a nice, sustainable lifestyle:
- Let more natural light in
Lighting may not be the biggest power consumer you have at home, but it adds a huge amount to your total bill because of the sheer amount of time you have lights on at home. It’s unavoidable at night when you actually need illumination, but during the day, you should definitely take advantage of natural, outside light by letting more of it in through windows or skydomes. This way, you wouldn’t have to use artificial lighting to be productive during the daytime.
- Use reclaimed or recycled materials
When building the foundation of your home or choosing your first furniture, your tendency might be to seek brand new, top-of-the-shelf materials that are fresh off the market. However, if your goal is true sustainability, then you should at least consider using reclaimed wood and other recycled furniture, which you can score from legitimate antique stores. This is a good way to prevent excessive logging for the purpose of making wood planks and other materials used in the manufacturing of new home decor.
- Install efficient showerheads and faucets
Not everyone prefers to use dippers and buckets when taking a bath. But the thing with showerheads is that they do waste a lot of water. However, if you can invest in efficient showerheads and faucets, you can save water and enjoy a nice shower every day.
- Have solar panels installed on the roof
One of the most obvious ways people can distinguish sustainable homes from typical ones is the presence of solar panels on the roof. This is not surprising since having solar panels can both look good and benefit the environment, too. And thanks to the internet, contacting a solar installation contractor is basically all that you need to get solar panels on your roof.
- Use wood and stone instead of plastic and PVC
Reclaimed wood and stone have a certain appeal as tables and other furniture in homes. Both of them are pretty durable, too! Plus, these kinds of materials are much more sustainable than harmful plastics and PVC. So keep this in mind when you plan to remodel your home.
- Recycle water for flushing
Have you ever thought about the fact that every day, you use perfectly potable drinking water to flush waste down the toilet? How wasteful, right? Well, you can always use recycled water for toilet flushing. If you’re building your dream house from the ground up, you can have this engineered from the beginning. But if you’re already working with an existing home, you can still have your bathroom renovated and your toilet hooked up to recycled water from other parts of the house, so you wouldn’t have to flush drink-able water down the drain.
- Upgrade your appliances
At first, upgrading your appliances doesn’t sound like a sustainable move. But, the latest appliances are much more energy and cost-efficient compared to their older counterparts, which makes them a better option for those starting out. The only rule is, you’ve got to make sure your old appliances are actually old before switching to a better and prettier one to use.
Designing a sustainable home is fun and fulfilling. Not only will you be able to create a design that speaks about your beliefs, but you’re also making sure that you have a positive impact on your life, the home improvement industry, and the planet.
