People have become aware of the importance of living sustainably. Scientists and experts have warned us time and time again that if we don’t change our lifestyle, the planet will soon be unable to provide us with enough resources.
A lot of people don’t pay attention to the warning signs. Even though we are suffering from the effects of global warming and climate change, some people go on with their lives as usual. This time, scientists have finally given us a deadline. If we don’t start living more sustainably, by 2050, Earth will not be able to provide for all of us.
Let’s get one thing straight. The article mentions that eco-friendly homes have become a trend. But sustainable living and trying to live an environmentally friendly life is not just a trend. It’s a movement, and we’re glad that plenty of different industries have made efforts to join that movement.
It might seem like a trend for now, but we hope it continues past 2050 so that, maybe, we’ll prove the scientists wrong. If you want to join the eco-friendly trend or build a custom eco-friendly home, here are some suggestions:
LED Lighting
Say goodbye to incandescent lighting. LED lights are the best option for eco-friendly and sustainable living. How? Compared to incandescent lights, LED consumes 85% less energy. That’s a big amount, considering that lighting is responsible for 15% of the world’s electricity consumption, not to mention 5% of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions.
So instead of using incandescent lighting, switch to LED lights instead. They shine just as bright but are more durable, inexpensive, and most importantly, eco-friendly.
Solar Panels
Save even more energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by investing in solar panels. The main concerns people have about solar panels are the price and maintenance. It’s true, solar panels can be pricey upfront. But there is no doubt that money is worth it. Solar panels not only save energy but also cut a lot of expenses.
Roof and Wall Gardens
Green walls, also known as vertical gardens, and green roofs have become a trend. They use the spaces on your roofs and walls to grow plants. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing; they increase the value of your property and the biodiversity in your area. For information on how to DIY your green roof, click here.
Edible Gardens
Knowing how to grow your own fruits and vegetables is always a good skill to have. Instead of having a landscaped garden that can look pretty boring and bland, create an edible garden instead. Not only does this save money on spending on fruits and vegetables. It also allows you to learn how to live more sustainably. And it’s easy to build your own edible garden.
Smart Technology
Smart technology is not just a fad; it helps reduce energy consumption. Smart thermometers are a good way to cut your energy bills. In fact, according to Energy Star, if everyone switched to using smart thermostats, we could offset 13 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions yearly.
Smart technology was created not only to make our lives easier; it was also created to help us consume energy more wisely. Instead of us having to adjust all our appliances, it automatically does it for us in the most energy-saving way possible.
Sustainable Materials
Using sustainable materials to build new homes or buildings can help protect the planet’s resources. For example, instead of going for hardwood floors, why not go for bamboo flooring? Bamboo is a more sustainable material because it grows fast, is just as sturdy, and can be locally sourced. Using recycled plastics in concrete is another example. Natural clay is a great sustainable construction material.
LEED Certification
Being LEED certified means that you are officially eco-friendly. There are only a few homes and buildings with LEED certification these days. But the trend is growing, and hopefully, more homes will become LEED-certified in the future. Every home and building should aim to get LEED certification.
It’s never too late to jump into the eco-friendly trend. We hope that it will become the norm. We are still far from saving the planet. But it’s good to know that people are trying to contribute. And this is your chance to do the same.
