Have you been hearing about green homes and all the things that you can do to make the planet greener? Too many people get the wrong idea when it comes to going green. We assume that being environmentally conscious involves giving up all the good things in life but that’s not really what it’s about: going green is a lifestyle adjustment that helps improve your quality of life – and a greener and healthier environment becomes a result of that adjustment.
These five tips from Zem Joaquin can help you to make green living feel glamorous and fun:
- Install a foot pedal on your sink
Much of the planet is experiencing a shortage of clean drinking water, and one of the ways you can conserve your water is by installing foot pedal valves to control the flow of water and minimize waste. This will help cut back on your water bill and also solve the soapy hands/turning faucets dilemma.
- Enhance indoor air quality
Most people take air quality for granted, which is unfortunate because it has such a profound impact on our health. This is especially a problem for children because they can develop asthma quite easily from indoor air pollutants and toxins. To improve the quality of air in your home:
- Avoid using VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint because it comes loaded with an array of toxic chemicals like benzene, acetone, formaldehyde, etc.
- Furniture can contribute to air pollution as many cheap, mass produced furniture pieces contain MDF (medium density fiberboard), a ground up wood pulp that is bound together with adhesives. One major component of MDF is urea formaldehyde, a known carcinogen that releases vapors into the air, possibly causing respiratory problems and even cancer.
- New furniture often carries a higher toxin level than older pieces of furniture. Most modern furniture is mass produced and lacks quality craftsmanship found in vintage wood pieces. Try shopping on eBay or other online sites to get quality, eco-friendly furniture for your home.
- Install eco-friendly flooring
Cork or wood are good choices for your floors. Many carpets have crevices that house all sorts of pollutants including dust and toxins, and they’re hard to clean without using harsh chemicals.
- Go green in your bedroom
Most of us spend a huge chunk of our lives sleeping, which is why the bedroom needs to be free of toxins. Avoid mattresses that contain petroleum-based products or fire-retardants and opt for eco-friendly aternatives. Bedding should also be healthy, look for organic bedding options when choosing comforters, blankets, and sheets.
- Treat your windows to save energy and regulate temperature
If not properly addressed, windows can contribute to heat loss and affect your lighting, which is why you need eco-friendly curtains and drapes that help regulate sunlight while also contributing to your home’s décor. Avoid “monstrous hybrids” – curtains made from a combination of synthetic fibers – and instead choose organic materials that don’t contain toxic adhesives.
For a more in-depth look at Zem’s recommendations, read the full article here: http://inhabitat.com/5-tips-to-green-your-living-space-from-zem-joaquin/.
All True Built Homes are designed to be eco-friendly and very energy efficient. http://truebuilthome.com/
