Ways to make your home more sustainable

Sustainability is no longer a buzzword but a lifestyle choice for many as they become more aware of their impact on the environment. The first step on this journey is to build a more environmentally friendly home.

Being green in your home doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort. With a few easy changes, your home can be both eco-friendly and stylish. Here are some tips for incorporating sustainability into your daily lifestyle.

1. Improve energy efficiency

Increasing your house's energy efficiency will help make it more sustainable, among other important aspects. Your energy expenses will go down, and your carbon footprint will go down as a result. Here are some ideas worth giving thought to:

Switch to LED lighting: Up to 80% less energy is used in LED bulbs than in conventional incandescent ones, which last far longer. Just changing this basic habit may cut your family's energy use.
Install a programmable thermostat: A programmable thermostat lets you control your heating and cooling systems to run just when necessary. It may keep your house comfortable and substantially save energy waste.

Seal doors and windows: Proper insulation is vital to energy efficiency. By sealing gaps around doors and windows, you can prevent drafts and reduce the energy required to heat or cool your home.
Invest in energy-efficient appliances: When replacing your appliances, opt for those with an Energy Star rating. These appliances are designed to use less energy and water, helping you save money while reducing your environmental impact.

2. Reduce water consumption

Water is a precious resource, and conserving it is vital to sustainable living. Simple changes in your daily routine can lead to significant water savings:

• Install low-flow fixtures: Low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets can reduce water usage by up to 60%. These fixtures maintain pressure while using less water, making them an easy and effective way to conserve water.
• Fix leaks: A dripping faucet or a running toilet can waste water over time. Regularly check your home for leaks and fix them promptly to prevent unnecessary water waste.
• Use JoJo water tanks: One great option to reduce reliance on municipal water supply is to gather rainwater for use in your garden or car washing. Installing a rain tank is a simple task that can greatly reduce water usage and help you during bad seasons like the 2015 - 2020 water shortage in the Western Cape.

3. Incorporate eco-friendly decor

Decorate your home in a way that showcases your dedication to sustainability. Selecting environmentally friendly materials and methods can enable you to create a fashionable, eco-aware space:

• Opt for sustainable furniture: When buying new furniture, look for pieces made from sustainable materials like bamboo, reclaimed wood, or recycled metal. These materials are less harmful to the environment, offer a unique aesthetic, and are more durable, saving you money in the long run.
• Choose natural textiles: Fabrics like organic cotton, hemp, and linen are durable and free from harmful chemicals. Incorporating these textiles into your home, whether through curtains, rugs, or upholstery, adds a natural, eco-friendly touch.
• Upcycle and repurpose: Instead of buying new decor items, consider upcycling or repurposing old ones. For example, an old ladder can become a rustic bookshelf or mason jars can be transformed into charming light fixtures. It not only reduces waste but also adds character to your home.

4. Adopt green cleaning practices

Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your health and the environment. Switching to green cleaning practices is a simple yet effective way to make your home more sustainable:

• Use natural cleaning products: Opt for cleaning products made from natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. These are just as effective as their chemical counterparts but without the harmful side effects.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle: Practise the three R's of waste management: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Minimise the waste you create, reuse items whenever possible, and recycle items that can be recycled.
• Donate or sell items: Instead of throwing them away, consider donating or selling items you no longer need. This will reduce waste and promote sustainability by diverting waste from landfills.

5. Minimise waste

Reducing the amount of waste you produce is a cornerstone of sustainable living. By making mindful choices, you can significantly cut down on the waste your household generates:

• Practice recycling and composting: You can ensure your home has a robust recycling system for paper, plastic, glass, and metals. Composting organic waste like food scraps and yard clippings can also help reduce landfill waste while enriching your garden soil.
• Opt for reusable items: Choose reusable bags, containers, and water bottles over single-use plastics. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also cuts down on the demand for plastic production.

Making your dream home more sustainable 

With these simple yet effective ways, you can create a home that's both eco-friendly and cost-efficient. Whether you're an eco-enthusiast or just getting started on your living journey, you can make your home a greener, more sustainable place to live.

DG Properties can help you find the perfect home for your lifestyle. Explore our stunning listings or contact our property experts today.