How to Turn Your Home into a Sustainable Model for the Neighborhood
You may have already made positive changes to live a lifestyle in harmony with the environment. Perhaps you already avoid single-use plastic, recycle, and advocate for sustainable policies. But on a larger scale, you should also think about how you can make changes to your house so it becomes a sustainable model for the neighborhood. Here are a few ideas to start!
Turn Your Home into a Sustainable Model: Use Sustainable Materials
When building a new house or making improvements to your home, you can choose sustainable materials that make wise use of natural resources. Recycled steel can be used instead of wood for framing. It closes the recycling loop by repurposing previously-used materials. According to Dumpsters, sheep’s wool makes effective insulation and uses less energy in manufacturing than conventional insulation. Bamboo is a great choice for flooring. With a look and feel similar to hardwood, bamboo renews more quickly than trees. Unlike trees, when bamboo talks are cut down, the plant continues to grow. Within a few years, it’s ready to harvest again.
Rely on Renewable Energy
A sustainable home should increase its reliance on renewable energy sources. Solar panels installed on the roof can provide electric power, and today’s panels are more efficient than ever in making use of indirect and low sunlight. Using wind power is also an option if you have the space and local ordinances permit it. Another sustainable choice is geothermal energy. According to Rabe Hardware, geothermal uses 70% less energy than traditional systems. The geothermal loops are installed under your home or yard, where they make use of the steady underground temperature of about 50° F to heat and cool your home.
Turn Your Home into a Sustainable Model: Conserve Water
Conserving water happens both inside and outside the home. Indoors, Treehugger says that you can use a low-flow showerhead and replace older washing machines and dishwashers with newer energy-efficient models. A tankless water heater saves both water and energy. Outdoors, turning off the sprinkler system is a major way to conserve water. Instead, consider getting a home cistern barrel or system, especially if you live in an area with abundant rainfall. The cisterns will capture rainfall runoff from the roof and store it. You can use it for watering plants, washing the car, and other needs.
You can advance your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle by making changes to your home structure and systems. As your home becomes a model of sustainability, your neighbors will soon see the advantages and join your efforts.
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