6 Proven Sustainable Tips for Your Home and Office
Did you know the average person spends 90% of their time indoors? About 60% of that time is spent in the office and about 20% of that time is spent at home. But, why is this statistic important and what can we do about it?
The spaces around you are a direct reflection of you and if we’re spending that much time indoors, wouldn’t you want your space to make you feel good? There’s nothing better than working and living in an environment that directly supports you. Whether you’re in your office or even if you’re renting, there are tons of rental-friendly updates you can implement easily. Keep on reading to find out which sustainable tips you can incorporate.
Low-Maintenance and Air Purifying Plants
One of the best things you can do is to place a plant in your space regardless if you have a green thumb or not. Not only are plants beautiful and add visual interest and depth, but they also have tons of benefits too. Plants actually filter air by helping to remove harmful chemicals and pump oxygen into the room.
Aside from the health benefits they can give, they also add that perfect touch to your space and give it a natural and fresh ambiance.
There are at least a dozen plants you can purchase that are NASA-approved! If you’re aiming to improve indoor air quality, choose some of our favourites like Snake Plants, Bamboo Palms, or Aloe.
Control the Sunlight
A quick and easily accessible way of creating an eco-friendly indoor space is by controlling and maximizing daylight. Consider installing motor blinds at home that can control the amount of sunlight all year round or you can simply close your curtains or roll your blinds and shades down. This makes all the difference when it comes to controlling temperatures.
In the winter,
allow as much light in, and in the summer control the amount of light coming in by using shades or blinds.
Keep your house and office cool in the summer and warm in the winter by using daylight. Using daylight instead of electrical lighting can be of great advantage to you because it can save electrical bills and prevent the emission of pollutants inside the house. Doing this can be healthier for you and the environment.
Purchase Local and Previously Loved
One easy and simple way to achieve an eco-friendly space is to spend a little more money and purchase local furniture from small businesses or previously loved items from the thrift store or marketplace. If you’re aiming to achieve an interior that’s good for the environment, minimize plastic, particleboard, and chrome metal.
Most furniture shipped overseas releases massive carbon footprints.
Consider purchasing your next table, chair, or picture frame at a local store, craftsperson, marketplace, or even a thrift store. You will appreciate the piece much more than something mass-produced. Check out this illustration which provides a better understanding of the “Local Purchase” concept!
Use Energy-Efficient Lighting
Are you still using incandescent lights? If so, please recycle them responsibly by checking your local municipality for safe places to do so. Those old light bulbs may be cheap but they’re doing more harm than good by using more electricity and costing you more on your monthly electricity bill.
Use an LED or compact fluorescent light to help you save energy and power.
Switching to LED lights can also prevent greenhouse gasses and pollutants which are harmful to your health and the environment. When you look for lighting, look into the labels and choose those that are energy-efficient.
Bonus Tip! Check if your government has any rebates or coupons to use when you purchase your next energy-efficient light bulbs. You will save money, electricity, and the environment.
Choose Products with Low VOC Content
VOC means volatile organic compounds and are harmful as they are chemicals that have short- and long-term adverse health effects. VOC’s are released from paints, household products, furniture, carpets, and more.
Always be mindful when buying household items.
Ask for more information on how your next furniture piece is made, the kind of materials used, and where it is produced. Doing some general homework can help protect you and your loved ones.
Use Energy-Efficient Windows
Even your windows can help in creating an eco-friendly atmosphere. Choose windows that are lined with special coatings to reflect heat and give insulation. This upgrade will keep your room warm, especially in cold seasons.
It helps save money because you won’t need to use your cooling or heating equipment as much.
This tip isn’t rental-friendly, you can still do your part by creating an airtight seal on your windows with duct tape. Bonus Tip! Check with your local government or city to see if there are any incentives for you to upgrade your existing windows. Some hardware stores offer rebate programs as well so keep an eye out!
Final Thoughts
Making your home more sustainable doesn’t have to be costly or difficult, it’s as simple as making a few easy swaps! It’s more important now than ever to make your home look and feel good.
Your space should energize you and not drain you.
If you want to learn more, there are still tons more you can incorporate to make your home even more sustainable and energy efficient. Thanks for following along!
