Most houses would benefit from some simple home improvements help prevent climate change and save you money. An energy efficient house is cheaper to run and it is a key selling point if you choose to sell your home.
Flooring
If you decide to redecorate you house you should consider using natural carpets and floor coverings. These alternative types of flooring materials offer the same benefits as the more traditional alternatives and are becoming more popular:
Bamboo:
Bamboo is a very environmentally friendly type of floor covering. It is able to grow in many different environments and can be harvested every 4 to 5 years. This makes it easy to cultivate (and of course harvest) without damaging the environment.
Using bamboo for flooring is something very recent. As you might know it is a very hard wood (especially when seasoned) and can be compared to more traditional hardwoods. i.e. oak and maple. So how is it made? Simply by steaming the bamboo pieces, flattening them and gluing them together either horizontally, vertically or by twisting the strands (depending on the ‘look’ they are going for). Then finishing it much like a regular hardwood and cutting it into pieces.
A bamboo floor is completely water resistant and it even has some bounce, which is actually good for your back, knees and feet. It is usually available in light colours.
Cork:
Cork as well is a very environmentally friendly type of floor covering.
So what is cork exactly? It stems from the bark of the ‘Quercus Suber’ tree. Every 9 years it is stripped from the bark, in a manner that does not affect the tree in any way. Afterwards it is ground up and pressed into sheet with a non-toxic resin.
A cork floor is also water resistant and has excellent insulating qualities for both heat (it can therefore help save on energy costs) and sound (reduces any noise). Also it can help keep a house free from allergens as they are naturally anti-allergenic. Just as bamboo they have some bounce, which is good for your back, knees and feet.
They are slightly softer than many traditional hardwoods, however by using minor precautions (i.e. putting furniture pads beneath furniture legs) they can be used just as long.
Cork flooring is available in many different shades of brown, and also have the option of being painted.
Reclaimed Wood:
Wood is the most common type of flooring out of the 3. In general all wood that has been approved by the Forest Stewardship Council is ‘green’ enough to use.
Waste
If you have any old or unwanted materials (i.e. paint thinner, household cleaners, oil or pesticides) don’t simply wash them down the drain or through them out. Dispose of them in a safe manner by either donating it for others to re-use or recycle. If this possibility is not option for you, then take them to your local toxic disposal centre.
Also when purchasing household cleaners, go for the eco-friendly brands as they contain no (or less than compatible products) toxic chemicals.
Hiring
When hiring a contractor look into the background of the company. Find out what materials they use and go for the one who has experience in sustainable building design and (green) renovation.
Energy
Consider using an alternative form of energy, i.e. solar power, for your electrical appliances. For more information on this please visit our solar panel page or renewable energy options in our green shop.
Motion Sensor
Also by installing a motion detector on the outside of the house, you won’t waste energy all night by leaving the light on. Also it won’t disturb the wildlife as much!
Skylight
By having a skylight fitted you can not only bring in a lot of (natural) light, but also a lot of heat. Hereby saving on heating and energy bills all year round.
Insulation
If you decide to insulate within your house, opt for the natural solution. Replace existing windows with energy-efficient wood or dual-paned glass and using flooring options from recycled glass. There is also the option of wool insulation, which is 100% eco-friendly.
Roof
The colour and the type of material used on the roof has a noticeable impact on attic temperatures. Light coloured roof tiles are able to decrease the temperature far better than the shingle ones.
Painting
You should consider the climate when painting the exterior of you home, as the colour has a big impact on the houses’ temperature. Obviously if you live in a cold region you should paint your house a dark colour, and if you live in a hot climate you should paint your house a light colour. In a hot climate the best option is white as it reflects approximately 90% of the sun’s heat.
Recycling
The easiest and cheapest way to help the environment is probably by simply recycling the things you use on a daily basis.
Items made of glass, plastic, aluminium and paper should always be separated from any other materials and recycled.
It helps if you have a specific area of your house (perhaps in the kitchen or somewhere in garden where it is sheltered from the rain) to be able to separate these items. This not only makes it easier to do so, it is also easy to when it is either picked up or if you take it to the local recycling centre. It can be done simply with various boxes, 1 for each item.
Also do not through you food wastes (i.e. eggshells, coffee grounds and spoiled vegetables) into the garbage bin, but consider making a compost heap in the (back) garden. When mixed with dirt, these heaps are very good for your garden soil.
Don’t forget though to just turn the pile over every week to give it a bit of air. |