Living more naturally and sustainably is becoming the new norm. But how do you make it work in your home?
Yes, we certainly want to reduce our carbon footprint and use as little energy as possible in our daily lives. But at the end of the day, we don’t want to end up making our lives so restrictive that we can’t enjoy them anymore.
By getting creative and putting in a little effort, you can make even the smallest of spaces a natural and sustainable haven. Here are some sustainable living ideas for a natural home.
These are guaranteed to have a positive impact on the environment.
1. Incorporating Eco-Friendly Decor & Furnishings
Living green and embodying sustainable living practices aren’t just good for the planet; they can also be incredibly rewarding. Implementing eco-friendly decor and furnishings into your home can help you lead a greener lifestyle.
Utilize natural materials and conscious production methods to bring a natural, earthy atmosphere. Choose upcycled materials like re-purposed wood furniture, potted plants for health and a breath of fresh air, and natural rugs and wall hangings for texture and warmth.
2. Pursuing Green Cleaning Alternatives
Green cleaning alternatives are an important part of sustainable living. It promotes an environmentally friendly home. Conscientious consumers can use natural, non-toxic products such as white vinegar, baking soda, olive oil, and lemon juice to clean in a way that contains no artificial, petroleum-based, or toxic ingredients.
Additionally, opting for recycled paper towels and reusable microfiber cloths can extend a household’s green cleaning efforts. Consumers can also purchase natural cleaning products to avoid harsh chemicals. This will also safeguard their families’ health and minimize their environmental footprint.
Lastly, products with plant-based biosources are available. They break down more quickly and assist with waste reduction. By exercising these alternatives, a home is naturally outfitted to support sustainable living.
3. Utilizing Renewable Energy Sources
Sustainable living ideas for a natural and peaceful home involve utilizing renewable energy sources such as:
- solar power
- wind power
- geothermal power
- hydroelectric power
Solar energy can be used to heat your home and provide electricity as long as you have sufficient exposure to the sun. You can check this additional reading about solar to learn how much you can save.
The use of wind turbines is another method to generate electricity, and small-scale wind turbines can be installed on rooftops. Geothermal energy works by using the heat of the earth to provide warmth in the winter while cooling in the summer.
Hydroelectric power can be harnessed from rivers and is one of the most cost-effective and efficient ways to generate electricity. With a little ingenuity and research, utilizing renewable energy sources can help to make sustainable living a reality.
4. Developing Vegetable & Herb Gardens
Developing vegetable and herb gardens is a great way to lead a more sustainable living. It is a great way of providing fresh, healthy food for your family.
Gardens can be made from upcycled materials like wooden pallets or windowsills. When planting vegetables and herbs, it is important to carefully plan for the garden’s size and location. This will determine what varieties can be grown with success.
Using organic and natural fertilizers like compost instead of chemical ones helps to reduce the environmental impact. Adding companion planting is also a great idea. This includes planting certain herbs to ward off pests from other veggies, to reduce the need for pesticides.
5. Re-Thinking Waste Management Solutions
Reusing, reducing, and recycling are key components to being mindful of how we are managing our resources and creating less waste. Initiating composting can help with disposing of food waste and feeding the garden.
Also, opt for reusable produce bags instead of single-use plastic ones. Replace kitchen sponges every few weeks with compostable ones. Set up a collection station for items like batteries, light bulbs, and electronics.
6. Practicing Responsible Water Usage
The practice of responsible water usage is fundamental to sustainable and natural living. A few simple steps to take are to ensure anything that enters your home’s water systems, such as cleaning chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, is not hazardous. Make sure any water from outside your home is not contaminated.
It is important to take shorter showers and not to let the water run needlessly when washing dishes. Other great sustainable living ideas are:
- installing dual flush toilets
- reducing water consumption for showering
- using a rain barrel to collect and store rainwater for reuse
- using greywater systems to reuse laundry water for flushing toilets and watering plant
Taking steps to watch your water consumption and using water wisely in your home will promote a more sustainable living environment.
7. Creating a Sustainable Kitchen
Creating a sustainable kitchen is a great way to make a home more natural and sustainable. Energy can be saved by using energy-efficient kitchen appliances, like an Energy Star-rated refrigerator. They use significantly less electricity than earlier models.
To reduce water use, add taps and showerheads with low-flow fixtures. Additionally, making use of natural lighting can seriously reduce the amount of electricity used in the kitchen. It also enhances the feeling of the space.
Recycling is an important part of creating a sustainable kitchen, too. Use recycling containers for food waste and glass, paper, plastic, and metal waste.
Incorporating Sustainable Living Ideas Starting Today
The possibilities for living in a sustainable, natural home are limited only by your imagination. From solar energy systems to home vegetable gardens, small changes can make a large impact on our environment.
Implementing these sustainable living ideas can help us live healthier, greener lives. Let’s take action and start making a positive impact on our planet today!
For more helpful articles, visit our blog.