411homerepair.com

5 Ways to Reduce a Household’s Environmental Footprint

by Alex Cordier on Oct 19, 2016

A home’s environmental footprint refers to its overall impact on the environment, both in construction and when being inhabited. This includes elements such as the use of materials, the amount of waste and pollution produced, and the amount of ongoing resources it consumes, such as electricity and water.

As the environmental footprint of an average home has continued to increase, changes to resource use and waste reduction are required to ensure our way of life does not become unsustainable. Reducing your home’s environmental footprint can make a significant difference. By doing things like limiting water use, reducing waste, utilizing renewable energy, and using eco-friendly cleaning products, you can help to achieve a more sustainable society.

Water Saving

The conservation of water is one of the most important steps toward reducing the environmental footprint of a home. Many areas in the world are already under severe water stress, and if consumption continues at the current rate, this condition is only going to spread and get worse.

To reduce water usage in the home, you can employ several different strategies. Using more efficient showers and toilets will make a difference, and if you get new appliances, make sure that they are also water efficient.

With water catchment areas and other sources of supply coming under increasing stress, you can also consider strategies like harvesting rainwater. Your home can be fitted with a system that will collect rainwater and filter it for use in the home.

Solar Power

The use of solar power can make a big difference when it comes to reducing the environmental footprint of the home. Instead of using energy from a power plant, solar power does not release greenhouse gases into the environment.

While much of the electricity produced in many Western nations already comes from sources that are clean and renewable, the use of fuels like coal and gas are still major ecological issues. By fitting your home with solar panels, you can further reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and help to eliminate the pollution that comes from their burning. Many governments also offer rebate programs to subsidize home solar panels, and they can be a great way to reduce your home's power bill.

Eco-friendly Products

Many people do not realize the effect that certain products have on the environment. When we clean our homes and our bodies, the leftover waste from things like detergent, shampoo, cleansers, and polishes wash down the drain. If you use synthetics or harsh chemicals, this waste product can take decades to breakdown.

To relieve the stress that this puts on the environment, you can choose to use natural cleaning products. In recognition of the impact that these products have on the environment, companies have started producing ranges of eco-friendly cleaning products and natural body care. Choosing natural skincare products, shampoos and body soaps, natural surface cleansers and detergents for your dishes and laundry is a quick and easy way to reduce your home's environmental footprint.

Sustainable Building Products

If you want to have a more sustainable home, the best time to start is when the structure is being built. Many builders now specialize in building more sustainable homes, and various building practices can be employed.

In this, one of the most important considerations is the materials that are used to build the home. When building a sustainable home, the builder will select building materials that have the lightest impact on the environment. It could be timber, different types of concrete and earth products like bricks, stones, and straw bales.

Recycle Materials

In building the home, you can also make the process more sustainable by recycling and reusing building materials. If you are building a home, old materials like wood from floorboards, concrete, steel, bricks, aluminum, tiles, and glass can be reused or come from recycled sources. At the beginning of a building project, consider what recyclable and reusable products are available. In many ways, the performance of these materials will be just as their less sustainable counterparts.

Latest Articles

The Appeal and Longevity of Natural Oil Finishes for Hardwood Floors

Hardwood floors exude warmth, character, and timeless appeal in any home. To preserve and enhance these qualities, choosing the right finish is...

on May 17, 2024

Understanding Indonesia’s Real Estate Investment Laws for Foreigners

Indonesia, with its stunning landscapes, deep-rooted cultural heritage, and renowned hospitality, has emerged as a top destination for foreigners...

on Jan 25, 2024

Real Estate Development in Asian Cities

In many Asian cities, the rapid pace of urban development has led to the decline of historic districts, areas once teeming with cultural richness...

on Jan 25, 2024

Shower Envy: Elevating Your Bathroom with a Stunning Walk-In Shower

Are you tired of the same old routine in your bathroom? It might be time to consider a change, and one way to elevate your bathroom to a new level...

on Jan 22, 2024

Exploring Crowdfunding as an Innovative Approach to Real Estate Investment

The landscape of property selling has been transformed significantly due to the advent of property crowdfunding. This innovative approach,...

on Jan 10, 2024

Actions

More DIY Articles

Primer of Bathroom Remodeling

Bathroom interiors tend to be under-budgeted as compared to the rest of the home. Doing a bathroom area gets some of us to think about why to spend...

Improvements / Remodeling

Tangerine Tango: How to Decorate with This Vibrant Color

Decorating with color can be tricky, and working with bright, bold colors can feel especially daunting. The color-powerhouse Pantone Color...

Interior Design / Decor

Tips for Getting the Bedroom of Your Dreams

Your bedroom is your sanctuary from the rest of the world. It very well could be the one place where you can escape all of the stressors and...

Bedroom / Furnishings

Why Windows are a Crucial Part of Home Improvement

Many people ignore the importance of windows when it comes to improving the design of their home. Glass is a versatile and beautiful material that...

Windows / Siding

Creative DIY Bedroom Storage Hacks

Having a unique piece of storage for your bedroom doesn’t have to be expensive. These cheap DIY storage hacks are easy to make and add a...

Bedroom / Furnishings

Contact Us | Submit Article | 411homerepair © 2024