Eco-friendly living has taken off recently. Now, more and more people want to live in a way that is better for the environment. They’re turning to their homes, looking to save money, reduce energy and decrease environmental harm. Most people think that going eco-friendly is super expensive. But as we’ll see, there are much more ways than you think to reduce your impact on planet Earth. Let’s take a look at some of the things you can do around the home to take care of our world.
Install A Reflective Roof
Thermodynamics 101: reflective surfaces reflect heat. Hence, getting a reflective roof on your home is an excellent way to keep it cool in the summer. In the past, reflectivity was widely used by builders. Homes in hot areas were painted white to reflect as much of the sun’s energy as possible. As construction developed, buildings began to lose this critical, energy-saving ingredient. But the principle remains the same. If you want to save on air-conditioning costs and on energy, get a reflective roof.
Use Sustainably-Sourced Fittings
The materials with which you furnish your home come from all over the world. Some of these materials, like plantation blinds, will be sustainably sourced. Others, however, will not. Take time to investigate the provenance of the fixtures and fittings you source. Check where they came from and if they have any environmental accreditation. Products that are sustainable should advertise the fact that they are, giving you peace of mind.
Choose Natural Wallpaper
Conventional wallpaper options might look environmentally friendly, but they’re not. They often contain vast quantities of dangerous chemicals. When you decorate, these chemicals find their way into landfill and the wider environment. But you don’t have to opt for synthetic materials. There are natural options. For instance, you can now buy wallpaper that’s made from seagrass. Seagrass is sustainable, abundant and doesn’t damage the environment when it breaks down. In fact, it’s rather good for it. Seagrass wallpaper isn’t the same as conventional wallpaper. It’ll give your home a textured, natural feel.
Reduce Your Water Waste
Toilets made before 1994 were not regulated to save water. That means that older toilets use more water than you need in each flush. But you can do something about that. After 1994, new regulations came into force. These regulations forced toilet-makers to make their toilets use less water. Now there are toilets on the market that use as little as 10 percent of the water of older toilets.
Use Composite Decking
Regular decking requires a lot of wood, and that wood might not be sustainably sourced. Composite decking, on the other hand, is usually sourced sustainably. And it comes with the added benefit that it’s often recycled. Manufacturers put both wood and plastic waste into decking, saving it from going into landfill. What’s more, composite decking tends to perform better over the long run than pure wood deckings. It’s more resilient to the weather and to general wear and tear. That’s good news if you’ve got kids!
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