The sustainability of your home represents today more than ever a priority for those looking to live in harmony with the environment, reducing the impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Paying attention to consumption and waste is not just an economic issue, but allows you to live your daily life responsibly. On the occasion of World Earth Dayestablished to raise awareness of environmental issues, discover some simple tips with idealista how to make your home sustainable.
Energy efficiency: the first step for a sustainable home
Reducing your energy consumption is one of the first actions you could take. You can get started from the abolition of waste, for example by turning on the lights when needed, unplugging appliances you don’t use, or lowering the intensity of the heating. Also consider replacing your older appliances, to purchase others with very low consumption.
In addition to these practices, you can consider installing solar panels to produce renewable energy directly from your home: an investment that will certainly pay off. Also thermal insulation plays a crucial role: improving energy efficiency with insulating materials (such as, for example, thermal insulation) keeps the house warm in winter and cool in summer, thus reducing the need for artificial air conditioning.
Water is precious: how to use it well
Responsible management of water resources is another crucial aspect to avoid waste and make your home sustainable. Install systems rainwater collection for watering the garden or flushing the toilet is an effective solution to make the most of every drop. Furthermore, the use of water saving devices, such as aerators in faucets and double flow waste cassettesallows you to significantly reduce your daily water consumption without giving up anything.
Don’t forget that even small actions make a difference: turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or soaping your hands may seem like an insignificant gesture, but when multiplied by the number of times you do it every day, the overall savings will be surprising. Finally, one of the biggest problems in water management lies in old pipes, often subject to losses. Schedule a periodic check for the sustainability of the house and to protect yourself from possible infiltrations.
Eco-sustainable materials for your home
To make your home sustainable, it is essential to select materials that are non-toxic and recyclable and which also guarantee long life over time. The use of ecological paintsfree of harmful volatile organic compounds, improves indoor air quality and helps create a healthier environment for you and your family.
The concept of upcycling, or the creative reuse of objects and materials otherwise destined for waste, is becoming increasingly widespread as a sustainable practice in furnishing. This trend not only allows objects with history and character to be given new life, but also promotes a positive impact on the environmentreducing waste and stimulating creativity.
Speaking of reduction of the amount of waste, your food choices can also make a difference. As far as possible, try to limit the use of plastic in food and packaging, focusing on materials such as paper, aluminum and glass, which are decidedly more eco-sustainable.
The circular economy and reuse for furniture
Furniture also has its role in the effort for environmental sustainability. If you are thinking of renovate or furnish a new home, now is the ideal time to adopt responsible purchasing practices. When selecting furniture and decor items, it is essential verify the origin of the materials and prefer those with ecological certifications that attest to the sustainability of the production process.
The ideal, then, would be to build on it on the circular economy to find some pieces of furniture or accessories in excellent condition. Flea markets and neighborhood groups are great places to find great products, often at a very affordable price, and save them from landfill. Today, in fact, many pieces of furniture in excellent condition are wasted simply because they are out of fashion.
A garden purifies the air and gives you well-being
If you have a little outdoor space, you could use it to create your own garden. The plants and shrubs, in fact, they purify the air you breathe and improve the liveability of the neighborhood. Without considering that having an open space where you can “take refuge” guarantees psycho-physical well-being.
In particular, choosing native plants not only enhances the local flora, but also reduces the need for care and resources, such as water and chemical fertilizers, which can be harmful to the environment. Between the plants that absorb pollutioninstead, you might consider:
- Pothos absorbs carbon monoxide, benzene and xylene.
- Sansevieria absorbs carbon dioxide.
- Laurel purifies environments from smog.
In this context, installing small structures such as birdhouses or plants that can attract pollinating insects, such as bees, are also excellent ideas.
Tags: home sustainable idealistanews
