Sustainability has become a bit of a buzzword in recent times, but do not forget what it means and why it is so important.
Environmental sustainability is about conserving natural resources and protecting global ecosystems.
There are many ways in which you can play a role in helping the environment. Making your home more sustainable is a good place to begin.
To get started, check out the following helpful tips.
Install Solar Panels
As well as releasing greenhouse gas emissions that warm the planet, burning fossil fuels generates localized air pollutants, so it is no wonder more and more people and organizations are looking at alternative and eco-friendly ways of providing energy.
Installing solar panels to generate electricity is one of the best environmentally-friendly options you have available for powering your home.
Solar panels provide a clean energy source that emits fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
Install High-performance Windows
If you cannot afford to install solar panels but continue to use electricity, you can at least use online electricity compare sites to find providers that have greener credentials than others. Of course, a comparison site also enables you to find the best deal to help you save money.
When you stick with electricity, you can still use other methods to save energy and therefore make your home more sustainable. For instance, consider installing high-performance windows that include double glazing, nonconductive framing materials, and special coatings to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Normal windows typically account for at least 50% of lost energy in the home, so do not underestimate how effective high-performance windows can be in making your home more sustainable.
If you live in a warm climate, low solar gain windows are a good option because less heat is conducted through the windows into the interior of your home. If you live in a cold climate, look for frames that have the correct U-value, which measures the rate of heat flow through parts of your home.
Draft-proof Your Windows and Doors
If installing new windows is outside of your budget, you can still make your home more energy efficient by simply using foam tape to draft-proof your windows and doors.
Eliminating drafts can make a huge difference to energy efficiency and sustainability.
Get Better Insulation
Depending on the insulation you have in your home, you could find a more sustainable option. Get advice from a professional about methods like blown-in attic insulation and foam injection for insulating your ceilings, walls, and floors.
By using the right insulation methods, you can greatly improve the energy efficiency of your home and make it more sustainable.
Use Filters to Remove or Prevent Microplastics
To make sure you are not adding microplastics to the environment when you wash your clothes, add a filter that removes microplastics to your washing machine.
You can use tap water filters to prevent microplastics from ending up in your drinking water too.
Switch to Water-based Paints for Decorating
When it comes to decorating your home, avoid paints that are made from oils and chemicals.
Instead of using paints that are harder to dispose of and can damage the environment, use water-based paints.
Get Energy-saving Technologies
You can make your home more sustainable, and lower your energy bills, by investing in energy-saving technologies. Smart meters and energy-efficient light bulbs, showerheads, and taps are just some of your options.
Get advice from a professional to see what changes you could make to the tech in your home to make it more energy-efficient and sustainable.