If you want
to do your bit for the bountiful Mother Nature, you can start right at home.
Your home and
interiors can become eco-friendly by adopting simple measures taken consciously
to go green.
Some simple
tips to Go-Green:
1) Reduce
Energy consumption and wastage.
- Initial investment in good quality copper wiring and proper planning of electrical layout in the house helps to considerably reduce the resistance in electric flow and thereby saves electricity.
- Replace fluorescent lights with low-energy consuming LED fittings and install dimmers where possible.
- Buy energy efficient and star-rated appliances.
- Reduce power consumption by having large windows to ensure maximum availability of daylight.
- By selecting thick sunlight blocking day curtains, using false-ceilings one can make the room maintain cooler temperatures in summer and also reduce air-conditioner usage.
- Regular servicing, repair and maintenance of high power-consuming appliances like air-conditioners, geysers, heaters and refrigerators reduces power consumption.
- Selecting natural stones for flooring like Marble, Slate stones like - Kota, Shahabad etc. keeps rooms naturally cooler.
Check out
other tips to conserve electricity HERE.
2) Conserve
water.
- Repair leaky water faucets.
- Compulsorily select flushes with dual flush mode.
- Make provision to optionally use Water Pressure Booster while doing up your plumbing. These Pressure pumps used especially in all new high-rises increase water pressure to improve bathing experience, however lots of water gets wasted due to the high pressure. They should be used only for limited time.
- Use washing machines and dishwashers in full-load and speed wash modes.
- Plan to collect rainwater from roofs or balcony shades and use it for watering plants.
3) Reuse
& Recycle.
- The new-age décor mantra is all about reusing old furniture. Redoing old furniture, using them as accent pieces is the in thing!
- Repair and re-upholster old sofas instead of going in for a new one.
- Left-over construction materials like bricks, glass, tiles, wires etc can be innovatively used instead of dumping them.
- Don't turn up your nose at simple ideas like using old towels as dish-cloths or dusting cloths!
- Recycle packaging material from any new purchase.
For lots of creative ideas to recycle packaging materials, visit HERE.
4) Select
safe products for your home.
- Buy water-based paints that are free of toxic and harmful vapors. Even milk-based, soy-resin based, clay-casein based safe paints are available.
- Choose fabrics for upholstery, carpets and rugs made from natural materials that are untreated and free of harmful toxins used in dyeing and chemical processing.
- Select solid woods, when possible, for furniture or cabinetry, rather than pressed woods or composites like MDF or HDF that may contain formaldehyde or other chemicals that may be toxic.
5) Contribute
to a sustainable environment and economy.
- While purchasing furniture and accessories consider their "lifecycle". Are they made of materials that can be reused or recycled when the item eventually wears out or is no longer needed?
- Purchase from local suppliers to minimize transportation of materials and products.
- Encourage rural artisans by purchasing their handicrafts and provide them with a livelihood by doing so.
Aren't they all very easily adaptable tips?
Do share other tips with me.
Till later, stay cool and green!
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