As people become more conscious about the environment and the impact we have on the world around us, it makes sense that we endeavour to bring that consciousness and eco-friendly practices into our homes. Environmental sustainability and eco-friendly practices follow three basic principles: do not waste, do not harm and give back to the environment. Since so much of our time and use of resources are used of in our homes, we should all aim to follow eco-conscious practices in building, maintaining and renovating our homes.
Eco-friendly Building
When it comes to using eco-friendly practices and materials in building, there are a numerous ways we can begin to incorporate sustainability right from the initial planning stages right through to the finished product.
Location and space. Being aware of environmental factors like earth shifting, underground water and flooding potential makes an enormous difference in what issues might arise at a later time. Make the very best use of square footage of your home by creating a design that avoids the use of too much wasted space.
Avoid wasting energy. Make use of energy efficient appliances and equipment. Ensure to insulate well, which keeps out both heat and cold and reduces the amount of energy that you need for either. Install energy efficient, insulated windows and doors. Use “on demand” water heaters and low flow plumbing fixtures. Use programmable thermostats that can be set to function at a much lower rate when no one is home. Research the whole house, window or through the wall aircon units that best suit your needs.
Make use of natural, renewable resources. Solar, geothermal and wind energy are all natural and renewable resources that neither harm the environment nor become depleted. Catching, storing and utilizing rainwater and snow melt is a practical way to provide irrigation for your landscaping.
Make use of recycled materials. “While many designers are focusing on passive and active energy systems, the reuse of recycled materials is beginning to stand out as an innovative, highly effective, and artistic expression of sustainable design.” (Metcalf, 2011) Recycled building materials can include anything from empty soda cans to used tires.
These are, by far, only a few of the ways that you can impact the environment through eco-friendly building practices. With some creativity and the right attitude toward conservation, you’ll probably come up with a number of your own ideas.
Eco-friendly Maintenance
Just like with construction practices, there are certain maintenance practices that are environmentally friendly as well. Keeping the three principles of sustainability in mind, consider these home maintenance ideas as part of your regular maintenance routine:
Insulation and weatherizing. Making certain that your home is well insulated and free from leaks should be a priority in your home maintenance plan. A suitable amount of insulation reduces the amount of energy necessary to maintain your interior environment. Making sure that all of the cracks where cold or warm air might leak in is also a factor.
Color of exterior paint can make a difference. Lighter colors reflect heat and darker colors absorb heat. If you live in a climate that is usually warm, go light; where it is cold, go dark. Use eco-friendly paint.
Roof materials. Metal, slate and ceramic are the best choices and tend to have a longer life, though they are often more expensive. In the long-run, however, they save you money.
Landscape strategically. Using trees to create windbreaks or shade can help reduce the amount of energy necessary to heat or cool your home.
Green household products. Use cleaning products, fertilizers and insecticides that do not contain chemicals that are harmful to the environment.
Eco-friendly Renovation
If you are considering a home renovation, then this is your chance to make use of some eco-friendly building practices:
Reuse and recycle. Making use of wood, metal, bricks and glass that was removed from gutting a wall or tearing down an exterior structure can be reused in your renovation.
Replace cabinetry with formaldehyde free products.
Use low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) or VOC free paint.
A renovation doesn’t mean that you have to waste or throw away the old materials, it just gives you an opportunity to repurpose it in a new way in your eco-friendly home. Eco-friendly materials and methodologies that can make a big difference in the impact that our homes have on the environment, which will hopefully encourage more people to find new materials and practices by educating them on ways to make their homes greener.
There are many famous people that you know of who are trying to set the example and lead the way for others; one such person is Scarlett Johansson. Continue reading if you would like to read more how this brave actress plans to stand up to global climate changes.
Who Cares For CO2?
There are many celebrities which take care of our climate. One such celebrity is Scarlett Johansson. This fearless young woman is leading the way for everyone and taking this cause to heart. She is passionate for cutting down CO2 emissions and mobile recycling. If you would like to learn more about why all of this is important to her and why it should be important to you as well, you can find out below.
Cancun Climate Change Summit
At Cancun climate change summit, Scarlett Johansson joined by Helena Christensen, and Bill Nighy supported eco-friendly living and even sent an open letter to global ambassadors for Oxfam. We bring you the letter they have sent.
What Does Scarlett Have To Say?
Scarlett Johansson in this way made clear that her attitude against climate change. She also believes that climate change remains one of the greatest threats human kind will face in years to come unless we so something about it. Even though some changes have been made, the young and aspiring actress, stresses out that we should be the makers of history by making changes that will affect the future in which our descendants will live. The destructiveness which can be caused by climate changes can affect the entire world and create serious consequences such as floods, fires, storms and droughts.
Using Your Public Image To Make Things Right
Also, Scarlett Johansson is one of many actors who try to use their public image to help the world to become a better place. The screen siren believes that cutting down CO2 emission is crucial in this process, but so is the preservation of wildlife and of course environmental care. The least you can do is support this and many other environmental actions which will make this world the place we would want to live in. Thanks to many celebrities who are passionate about environmental causes we can say that people’s attitudes are slowly changing and we can expect better days to come.
Toyota hybrid cars have become rather popular in the recent years, namely because they protect the environment and prevent the emission of gasses and the pollution of the environment. If you are thinking of getting a Toyota hybrid car, here are some facts that might convince you to get one right away.
Comfort
If you are worried that a hybrid car will not be particularly comfortable, then you are wrong. Today’s hybrid cars are just as comfortable as conventional cars, and they have no difference when it comes to comfort. They can accelerate quickly and cruise on the highway with the same conformity and smoothness. It can also be considered an advantage that they are particularly quiet and you cannot even hear the engine running.
Rechargeable Battery
Toyota hybrid cars, like other hybrid cars as well, runs on a rechargeable battery which means that you will not be emitting gas or toxins. There is only the need to recharge your battery before you use your electric car. Even though some people are worried how much power a battery can hold and how long it takes for the battery to charge, we can tell you that with each generation of hybrid cars there parameters improve and it gets better and better each year.
Toyota As A Family Car
Toyota hybrid Prius is amazing as a family car not only because you will be able to use it for your family and to get everywhere, but also you are sending a positive message to your family and other people that you are interested in protecting the environment and making good choices. There are many family hybrid cars which you can use, but the mid size Toyota Prius which is a four-door hatchback is an amazing choice for any family.
So there you have it. If you want to send a message to your family and other families that the environment is important, you know what you have to do. Also, a hybrid car will allow you to save money on gas, have the same comfort and protect the environment.
People who live green also take care of their bodies and do sports. And people who do sports are also passionate about making the environment safe by leading the way for eco-friendly living. The NFL teams which have embraced this practice should be a beacon of light for all of us to follow.
San Francisco 49ers
In the recent years, many National Football League players have embraced healthy living, such as San Francisco 49ers, who have decided to set an example for all of us to follow truly. Not only that they are green in their free time, but they have also managed to make their course green. Namely, their Stadium is the first stadium to include a living roof. A living roof is a roof which is covered in green and flowering plants and put on the top of a building to reduce the building energy use and provide environmental benefits of natural insulation.
Other NLF Clubs
Since the 49ers have started making a difference, even 32 NFL clubs have started their journey on formal-green energy programs. Some of the NFL clubs which are leading the way for change are the New York Jets and Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, New England Patriots and Seattle. The Levi’s Stadium of the 49ers has shown the way for all of these NFL clubs and inspired them to start living green.
Changes Still To Come
Many people believe that the NFL still has a long way to go to make a difference. However, this is an amazing start. Since all of these clubs are supporting this idea, it is only a question of time when the NFL set standards will also change and make it obligatory for all stadiums to look like the Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco. We have 49ers to thank for this. Many things still have to change, such as carbon offsetting measures, charging stations made for e-vehicles, which will make up for emissions to travel to games, but we expect these things to change in the future to come.