Do you know that buildings account for approximately 40% of energy and process-related carbon dioxide emissions?
From the climate crisis and depleting natural resources to rapidly growing urban environments, the world is faced with an onslaught of challenges. That means sustainable homes have never been more necessary than they are today.
Creating a sustainable living space in a new city or country could be slightly challenging but not impossible. Knowing the law is the first thing to do when starting a renovation in your cross-country abode.
Say if you’re moving to Denmark, you need to be aware that the country is expected to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. Of course, you cannot use unsustainable solutions in such a country. Meanwhile, Costa Rica is all set to become the first carbon-neutral company, as 99% of its electricity is derived from renewable resources.
Irrespective of whichever country you’re moving to, building a green home is the need of the hour. Are you ready to build an eco-friendly space? Here’s a checklist to get started:
1. Opt for Eco-Friendly Paints
Do you know that traditional paints are chock-full of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and heavy metals? Exposure to such toxic compounds causes severe ecological degradation.
Instead of traditional paints, use eco-friendly paints, which emit fewer toxins and are low in VOCs. Avoid using oil-based paints because they are not eco-friendly. Water-based paints would make an excellent choice for painting your home because they contain natural pigments.
As a bonus, these aesthetically pleasing paints come in an array of colors, which means you’re spoilt for variety.
2. Install Sustainable Flooring
Carpets and vinyl are two flooring materials that are easy to install and make up for the majority of flooring in America. But these two flooring options are considered to be unsustainable.
Reclaimed wood salvaged from ancient structures such as older buildings or barns is a sustainable alternative. That’s because it’s reusable and can be saved from rotting in landfills. Plus, it’s a great way to save trees from getting chopped.
Cork, bamboo, recycled plastic bottles and glasses, and tires that can be turned into carpets are other sustainable flooring options.
3. Reuse Your Old Furniture
Buying the newest and the latest furniture pieces from a renowned furniture brand in the city you’re moving into for your new home is a big no-no! We understand your urge to keep up with the latest trends and decorate your space with fast-fashion pieces. But have you ever thought of the environmental impact of fast furniture pieces?
The EPA states that more than 12 million tons of furniture and furnishings Americans throw out end up in landfills each year. Sadly, only a small percentage is recycled because most materials, like mattresses and upholstered furniture, are hard to clean and reprocess.
Fast furniture pieces are to be blamed for the sparsity of sustainability in the furniture industry.
The solution? Repurpose your old furniture pieces and try reusing them in your new home. You can transform your old dresser into a kitchen island by painting it and adding a countertop. You can even turn your antique door into a dining table with a bit of DIY work. When it comes to cross-country moving, furniture should be packed properly using top-of-the-line packaging materials.
FlatRate Moving suggests disassembling large furniture pieces and then packing them for a smooth move. For antique items like foldable tables, glassine paper would be an excellent option. Though thin, glassine paper is smooth and acid-free. Plus, it’s resistant to air and water. Rest assured, your furniture pieces will remain safe and reach their destination without damage.
You can also buy pre-owned furniture at low costs at garage sales or thrift stores. Plus, you never know what treasure you might find in such places.
4. Opt for High-Performance Windows
Double-glazed windows keep heat out in the summer and cool air out in the winter. That is why installing them would be the best bet.
These high-performance windows can prevent up to 50% of heat from escaping. Besides keeping your home insulated, they will reduce your energy consumption. As such, you’ll save a few bucks every month on electricity bills.
Want to add an extra environmentally-friendly touch to your home? Add sustainable blinds made from bamboo or hemp. Alternatively, you can install cotton curtains to make your bedroom quiet and cozy.
Strive for Sustainability, Not Perfection
On its face, adopting sustainable solutions may seem onerous and, to some, expensive. But contrary to your belief, creating a sustainable living space isn’t out of reach. Oftentimes, a healthy home oasis comes with significant cost savings. After all, sustainable solutions reduce energy and water consumption more than you can imagine.
Remember to take one step at a time- start with eco-friendly paint, spruce up old furniture, and, if your budget permits, upgrade the flooring. The rest of the changes can be done once you move into the space.
