Convert your non-green home to an eco-friendly one.
In recent years, the world has been struggling with major environmental issues like global warming and rising energy prices. By living an eco-friendly life, you can do your small part in helping to conserve natural resources and preserve the environment. Although investing in solar panels, sustainable wood floorings and non-toxic paints are some of the ways to achieve this, you can also make your home healthier, safer and greener by making a few simple changes for an environment-friendly lifestyle.
As a temporary resident in this world, it is our responsibility to do everything in our power to protect the place we call home. In fact, there are many small steps that we can take towards converting our non-green home into an eco-friendly one. This will also make our home a pleasant place to live in, for us as well as future generations. Here are seven simple methods to transform your regular home into an eco-friendly haven.
1. Go green – literally
This is perhaps the easiest and cheapest way to transform your house into an eco-friendly one. Plants inside your home act as natural air filters. Some plants are, in fact, effective absorbers of harmful pollutants emitted from rugs, furniture and other equipment. It’s time to clear the indoor air by filling your home with plants. This also goes easy on your wallet as you don’t have to invest in expensive air purifiers. It is cheaper to buy houseplants or indoor plants to clean and filter the air naturally and economically.
2. Switch to eco-paints
Did you know that most paints are not good for the environment? Your choice of paint can greatly affect the indoor air quality in your home and jeopardise your family’s health. We’ve all smelled the strong odour of paint. Whether or not you like it (admit it, many of you do), it has the brain-cell-killing power of glue. To avoid inhaling such dangerous chemicals, it is best to switch to eco-paints. The next time you want to try out a new colour in your home, why not give an eco-friendly paint a try? You’ll be assured to know that this paint is healthier for you and the planet. It is low-odour, free of toxic chemicals and VOC-free.
3. Watch the water
Most of us overlook this or take it for granted, but one of the best ways to go green is to save your water usage. The average Malaysian’s daily water consumption is 300 litres, almost double the benchmark recommended by the United Nations. It is crucial for all Malaysians to consciously watch their water usage. If you see a tap running freely, turn it off immediately. Also adjust toilets, faucets and showerheads to lower water flows. These are some of the ways to conserve water while cutting down your water bill.
4. Think about solar panels
This might be an expensive method, but is definitely a good investment in the long run. Solar panels can help reduce your electricity bills. On the other hand, if installed at the front of your home, it can also reduce your property’s value. Be aware of where you fix them. Regardless, the energy savings of solar panels are tremendous and helps preserve whatever that’s left in the environment.
5. Unplug devices
Most of us think that when we don’t use certain electronic appliances, they don’t consume electricity. But, guess what? We are wrong. Devices like televisions, computers, laptops and other electronic appliances consume as much energy while in standby mode as they would when in use. Don’t forget to unplug them when you are not using them. Make it a habit to check all electronic devices in your house before you go to bed or leave the house and ensure that they are unplugged.
6. Replace your light bulbs
You probably already know to turn off the lights when you leave the room, but did you know you could save even more energy by switching light bulbs? Energy-efficient LED light bulbs can last 25 times longer and consume 75 per cent less energy compared to incandescent bulbs. Unlike other eco-friendly light bulbs, LEDs light up immediately and instead of burning out completely, they dim slowly. It would take a long time for you to see LEDs expire.
7. Purchase energy-efficient appliances
This might not be the cheapest tip on the list, but the savings could well be worth it. Old appliances use way more energy than they really need to. Newer, more energy-efficient models help to conserve energy consumption and could reduce your carbon footprint. But if your budget is tight and you can only afford to replace one appliance, get rid of your old refrigerator! Since a refrigerator runs day and night, it uses power constantly, adding up to your bills. Switching to a more energy-efficient model could shave approximately 15 per cent off your utility bills. It would be a wise decision to ditch your old refrigerator or other appliances for new, more efficient ones.