11
Mar

Eco-Conscious Sustainable Living

A self-reliant sustainable home is made up of materials that are long lasting, durable, and environment friendly, consisting of low energy consumption appliances with conscious water usage.

Why sustainable? Why is it necessary? How can we make a difference? How does one achieve that? What are the key factors that affect & make a comfortable, environment friendly living? 

Let’s find out…

Flooring, Ceiling & Wall Coverings:

There are many options to choose from…. Read more.

Lighting Solutions:

  • Green Cables: 
    • There are two ways in which we can make cables and wires environment friendly. 
    • – it’s manufacturing process – using recycled materials, producing less emissions and harmless waste products
    • – elimination of PVC material reduces the life span of the cables but to an extent benefits the environment.
  • Installing solar panels to convert heat energy into electricity for domestic purposes. 
  • LED lighting technology uses at least 75% less energy and saves money in the long run. 
  • Lamps, pendants and other fixtures made of reused, recycled or natural materials.
  • Installing tech features, such as smart switches or an automated lighting system, sensor lighting.
  • Planning more doors and windows for natural light to flow in, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting.
  • The right selection of colour of walls and type of flooring can increase the lighting of interiors with its reflective properties.

Solar Energy:

  • Solar power is pollution-free and cost effective with low carbon footprint making it a good investment.
  • It is an inexhaustible and renewable clean power that is available every day of the year; even cloudy days produce some power.

Kitchens & Bathrooms:

  • Cabinets with sustainably sourced materials like recycled wood, reclaimed wood, FSC-certified wood, or even bamboo that require minimal upkeep certify to be green and eco-friendlier.
  • Safe, non-toxic glues and finishes can improve indoor air quality. Non-toxic grout in your tiled backsplash and tiles can add in.

Running Water Supply & Sanitation:

  • Installing water efficient products with low pressure, low-flow (cut-off taps with sensors) taps, dual flush toilets, can help conserve water.
  • Washbasin mixers & showers can be integrated with special aerators reducing water consumption while giving the same experience.
  • Using insulated tanks/ pipes for heating water, quick boilers, can help save energy.
  • Recycled water from rainwater harvesting system can be used for sanitation purposes.

Rainwater Harvesting System: 

  • Using locally accessible rainwater to adhere to the water needs all year round for domestic, industrial, and irrigation purposes.

Doors & Windows:

  • FSC Wood frames, Fiberglass frames can be moderately expensive at the time of installation but are energy-efficient, highly durable and sustainable.
  • Double & triple glazed windows help in keeping the indoors warmer / cooler for a longer time.

Furniture & fixtures:

  • Recycled textiles, glass, iron, bamboo and rattan furniture are some of the environment friendly sustainable options.
  • Use of recycled materials or renewable resources, organic cotton, hemp, steel and aluminium can be used as raw materials sourced from local vendors to reduce the environmental impact.
  • FSC wood or reclaimed wood is extremely healthy – absorbs CO2, hence improves air quality. It retains heat and keeps the indoors warmer for longer time, being 100% biodegradable makes it an excellent choice for interiors.
  • Furniture that have longer life span rather than just being trendy.

Fabrics & Linens:

  • Consciously selecting 100 % biodegradable or already recycled materials, for home linens.
  • Avoid chemically treated fabrics for both environment and personal health.
  • Use of bamboo towels (naturally anti-bacterial, good choice for bath linens) for home use and organic hemp is used for shower curtains and home linens, throws, etc. as hemp is grown without using harmful chemicals & is 100% organic.

Green Mattresses:

  • Organic and natural mattress that use healthy and non-toxic materials like natural pin core latex, organically sourced cotton fabric, 100% recycled materials like plastic and high density coir are better choices for sustainable living. 
  • Mattresses free from chemical treatments, made from naturally sourced materials such as silk, wool, cotton are beneficial for the environment and personal well being.

Home Appliances:

  • Appliances that are energy efficient with high star ratings, although expensive, it saves money in the long run.
  • Appliances made with 100% recyclable metals can be disassembled for manufacturing new ones so as to avoid landfill.

Home décor:

  • Glass, paper, plastic, metal, textiles and electronics are recyclable. Such materials can be sourced from local vendors. 
  • Products that have been produced by workers in decent working conditions with FAIRTRADE practices being followed.

 

Useful Tips:

  • Use of flooring e.g. hard surfaces are easy to clean and long lasting. 
  • Avoid wall to wall carpets. Rugs made from natural resources that are lightweight and easy to clean are suitable.
  • Use of curtains and draft stoppers to retain optimum temperature indoors.
  • Changing the rubber seal from time to time keeps the sliding windows in good condition, saves energy and keeps the noise levels in check.
  • When looking for glass surfaces/ panels consider- U-factor ratings, Solar Heat-Gain Coefficient (SHGC) ratings, Visible Transmittance ratings for energy optimization.
  • Assembled or movable furniture is better than fixed one.
  • Prefer furniture with wooden pegs over glues and screws.
  • Upcycling the upholstery with new one can enhance the furniture in lesser cost.
  • Invest in a good mattress that last at least 20-25 years certified from GOTS or MADE SAFE®. 
  • Organic cleaners & disposables without harmful chemicals are available in the market.
  • Kitchen appliances like microwave, freezers can be kept in cool spots away from the sun so that the greenhouse gas can be saved.

Interesting reads:

https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-living/ 

https://www.thebetterindia.com/topics/sustainability/