bookmark_borderKeeping Your Sustainable Home In Tip-Top Condition

There’s a lot of value in having a sustainable home – it’s good for you, other people, and the planet, after all. However, though the broader implications of having a sustainable property might be positive, it’s not as if it’s always a walk in the park. An eco-conscious house might have more going for it than a regular home, but they do share some of the same problems. And that means that you’ll need to work if you’re going to ensure that it always stays in great condition. In this post, we’ll run through some tried and tested tips that’ll ensure your home is always just as you want it to be.

What Are The Threats?

Every house is different. The problems that one person faces in their house will be different to what another person faces in their home. If you’re going to keep your property looking its best, then it’s important to be aware of the particular threats that exist around your property. These can be wide ranging. For example, the floors may be a dust-magnet, or perhaps you live in a windy area and have a lot of trees around the edge of your property. Simply taking a look at your home and recognizing what could cause you harm can go a long way.

Handle Issues

Of course, you’ll find that, from time to time, you run into problems that could seriously derail the quality of your home. The key part of this sentence is could derail your home. Whether it does or not depends on your response. If you have a major issue, then it’ll be important to handle it as soon as possible. If you don’t, then the problem may just get worse and worse. Some issues are, of course, more problematic than others. If you have water damage, then that’s something that you should address straight away (property damage restoration experts will be able to help you). You should also take urgent action if you have problems with your roof or foundations. They won’t go away on their own.

Ongoing Issues

Not every issue that you have in your home will require the services of a professional company. But that doesn’t mean that they can just be left to their own devices. The problem with the small issues is that people tend to overlook them and view them as unimportant. However, while one small issue won’t derail your home, if you have many small issues, then you’ll have one big problem. To get around this, it’s a good idea to look at picking up some DIY skills. If you know your way around a hammer and drill, then you’ll be able to fix many problems that come your way.

Scheduled Cleaning

We can focus on the big matters, but it’s also key not to overlook the everyday matters, too. If you’re not deep cleaning your home from time to time, then the quality will suffer. Most people know that they have to spend some time organizing and tidying their homes, but that’s not what we’re talking about. We mean the deep cleaning; these are the jobs where you pull back your couches and wardrobes and really get rid of the dirt that will always build up. By doing this, you’ll also be able to see if there are any other issues (such as mold) that you would have otherwise overlooked.

Invest in Quality

It’s not just the infrastructure of the home that matters, but what’s inside it. If you’re not buying quality items, then you’ll be unnecessarily putting your home at a disadvantage. They can cost more than other options, but buying cheap is usually just a false economy anyway. You’ll pay less, but the item won’t last anywhere near as long! This obviously creates a lot of excess waste. If you’re on a budget yet still want quality, take a look at second-hand markets. You won’t just find great items at an affordable price; buying stuff this way is also a sustainable way to live!

Performance Reviews and Updates

Finally, make sure that you’re periodically performing reviews and updates for your property. It’s easy to sink into a comfortable way of doing things, but sometimes it’s important to take one step back and see if your house is really all that it could be. If it’s not, then you’ll have a chance to give your home a bit of a refresh!

Take these tips, and it’s highly unlikely that your home will fall into a state of disrepair!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderAvoiding the Common Eco-Friendly Mistakes at Your Home

It’s obvious to everyone that, at this stage, it’s imperative that we do our best to change how we live. While we seem to be hurtling towards ecological disaster, there’s still time to change things. This will involve a collective effort from all parties, including corporations and individuals. However, if we’re going to take steps to improve things, then it’s important that we get things right. Alas, people often make some fundamental errors that undo some of their good work. In this post, I’m going to run through some of the common eco-friendly mistakes people make related to their homes.

The Products You Use

You’ll need plenty of products in your home in order to keep it nice and clean! But it’s important that you’re using the right products. There are many cleaning products out there that use harmful chemicals which don’t actually help. When you’re looking for products to use in your home, it’s important to look at the ingredients of the product, rather than whatever the company says on the front of the bottle. Don’t be tripped up by greenwashing! Look for a badge from an independent certifier of earth-friendly products; this is a sure sign that the product really is good for the earth.

Energy Errors

You’ll need to blow some hot and cold air around your home from time to time, as you can’t expect to live in freezing or overly warm temperatures. However, unless you’re keeping the air inside your property, then you’ll have an overly negative impact on the world. A lot of cool/hot air can be lost through old windows, for example. As such, look at getting new windows from a window replacement company. They’ll both look better and make your home better for the environment. Win-win!

Failing To Upgrade Appliances

Some people think that in order to minimize their impact on the world, they have to get as much use as possible from their existing products. But this isn’t really the case when we’re talking about your home appliances. If your appliances are outdated, then they’re probably using more energy than necessary. Newer models are much more energy efficient, plus they’re generally quieter and perform better. So if you have changed your dishwasher, washing machine, and so forth in a little while, it could be time to make an investment. Don’t forget to donate your old one to someone who wants it in your community!

Not Seeing The Potential

The good thing about trying to live a more eco-friendly life these days is that the sky’s the limit. The basics, such as recycling and being smart with your electricity use and so on, is a good beginning, but it should only be the beginning. At your home, you can look at gardening your own vegetables, for instance, or collecting rainwater. Both of these activities are kinda fun, and they allow you to go deeper into your eco-friendly ways! New ways of operating are coming out all the time. If you have an evolutionary mindset, then you’ll always be up to date with the latest eco-friendly home practices. And that’s good for everyone!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to Live an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle This Summer

The environment is an essential topic to many right now. There are many ways that you can live a more eco-friendly lifestyle, especially this summer. Some people want to save the planet, while others just want to cut their carbon footprint and energy costs. Whatever your reasons for wanting to live an eco-friendly lifestyle may be, there are plenty of things that you can do today! In this blog post, you shall find some easy steps that you can take to make the world a better place.

What is Eco-Friendly?

Eco-friendly is more than just the absence of harmful chemicals or other materials. It’s about putting in a conscious effort to use renewable sources and be mindful of your footprint on the earth.

Rent a sustainable apartment

Many people like the idea of living in environmentally-friendly housing. If you’re renting an apartment, look for one that is sustainable and eco-conscious. A sustainable apartment includes one with insulation, energy efficiency and water conservation features, like water cloud SCADA systems. There are many options to choose from so do some research before you make a decision.

Use an electric car

Many people look to electric cars as a way of living an eco-friendly lifestyle. Electric vehicles don’t need oil changes or any other type of maintenance that you might have needed with your old car. They also recharge from the electrical socket in your house, which means no more trips to the gas station.

Most people have a lifestyle that requires them to drive or use public transport for long periods of time in the day. Unfortunately, this can be harmful not only to the environment but also to your health! To combat this, it’s important to think about ways you can cut your travel times as well. One way is by living close enough to do all your essential work and shopping activities on foot.

Install solar panels at home

Solar power is an excellent way of living eco-friendly! Not only does it help the environment, but it also offers you energy independence, which is great for your pocketbook. However, it can be expensive to install solar panels at home. Hence, some people choose to invest in a hybrid system that combines solar power with other renewable energies such as wind and hydroelectricity.

Buy “green” products

It’s surprisingly easy these days to buy eco-friendly products. Many websites sell green and eco-conscious goods, as well as speciality stores in every major city! You can ask your local store if their merchandise is environmentally friendly or try buying from a provider online.

Switch your lightbulbs

There is no denying that you have at one point purchased those bright CFL light bulbs in the past. However, their mercury content can be harmful if they break or release gases into the air when burned. So why not switch to LED lightbulbs? They’re more expensive but last much longer and use less energy.

Switch your appliances

It’s important to consider the types of appliances you have in your home. If they are old, it may be time for an upgrade. On the other hand, modern appliances such as a dishwasher or clothes dryer can save you money and energy.

Conclusion

To live an eco-friendly lifestyle is to take care of the environment and do your part in making it a better place. By putting just some of these tips into practice, you can make your home more sustainable and healthier for those who come after you.

bookmark_borderA Green Home Can Look Tremendous: Here’s How

You might think that if you focus on sustainable choices with your home design, it’s going to look dull and plain. But this doesn’t have to be the case. If you make the right choices you can get the best of both worlds with a home that does some good for the planet and also looks fantastic! Natural materials can really make your home look fantastic. Buying an easy to hang wood trim with adhesive is going to allow you to update your space without too much of a hassle. You can really bring that environmental green look to your home and really improve the space.

Focus on your garden space.

First, you should think about focusing on your garden space. When it comes to doing your part to help save the planet, your garden is a big asset that you have. The right choices can do wonders here. For instance, you should make sure that you are protecting the integrity of your soil. The right soil is going to ensure that you can keep carbon monoxide trapped underneath the ground. You can also think about adding more flowers and plants like globe mallow to improve the air quality and ensure your garden looks gorgeous at the same time.

Introduce solar panels!

Another way that you can improve the look of your exterior space while adding more to your sustainable choices is by introducing solar panels as part of your home. The right solar panels will guarantee that your home design looks fantastic and feels modern. The best news is that solar panels are not particularly expensive these days. They can fit into virtually any home design budget that you can think of. You can also think about exploring different subsidies and possibilities for your home as well. This is going to make a change like this far more affordable and don’t forget that they are essentially going to pay for themselves in the money you save over just a few years!

Explore a “Biophilic” design.

You should also think about how you can incorporate a biophilic design into your home overall. One of the ways that you can do this is by bringing the outside in. A biophilic design concept is all about the benefits of enhancing our connection with nature. One of the easiest ways to do that is to ensure that plants are part of your interior home design. Green plants will ensure that your home looks great as well as feeling modern with a unique aesthetic that is sure to win your guests over!

Choose the right materials.

Finally, you should make sure that you are choosing the right materials when you are decorating your home. There are some fantastic materials that are both sustainable and look fantastic. It’s worth exploring the market to find the right choices for the design that you want to create and the overall feel that you want for your home. For instance, you can explore natural materials. You just need to make sure that they are coming from the right source and a supplier that you will be able to trust.

I hope this helps you understand some of the best ways that you can achieve a beautiful home design, while providing you with a sustainable and green place to live that’s perfect for the rest of the planet.

bookmark_borderGoing Green – Simple Steps To Create A More Eco-Friendly Home

Many of us are on a mission to embrace greener living. The best place to start when making changes to benefit the planet is at home. In this guide, we’ll discuss some simple steps you can take to create a more eco-friendly home.

A photo of a sustainable apartment

Reduce energy consumption.

Most of us are guilty of using more energy than we actually need. We have become accustomed to using multiple devices at the same time; we turn the lights on or fire up appliances without thinking twice. Reducing energy consumption will help you lower your carbon footprint as well as bringing your bills down! There are some very easy ways you can save energy, including insulating your home and using energy efficient lights. LED bulbs last more than 25 times as long as conventional lights. If your home is properly insulated, you can prevent heat from escaping. You can also lower consumption by switching to smart appliances, which use less energy. Or try to maximize natural light during the day!

Opt for natural, sustainable materials.

Take a look around your home. What kinds of materials, fabrics and textiles can you see? If you’re upgrading your interiors, you’ve recently moved and you’re planning a revamp, or you love the idea of an eco haven, consider the materials you choose carefully. Try to opt for natural, organic materials and opt for brands and retailers that promote sustainability instead of greenwashing. Many manufacturers and retail companies are now using sustainable materials and components and some champion initiatives such as planting trees and wildlife conservation.

Cut out waste as much as possible.

The amount of waste we generate as a population is staggering. We live in an age where it’s commonplace to purchase new clothes frequently, to update the decor and furniture in our homes regularly and to buy more food than we need. We can all make a positive difference to the environment by reducing waste. To achieve this goal you can adapt your mindset when shopping and embrace recycling, upcycling, reusing and repurposing. Try to avoid buying more than you need and ask yourself if every purchase is essential. Recycle everything you can and think twice before you throw food away or toss furniture or clothes on the trash pile. If you don’t want to keep hold of chairs, tables or clothes you’ve not even worn, find another home for them. You could sell or donate them to charity, for example. But, make sure you allocate those resources to the correct place!

Switch to reusable energy.

If you’re not already using renewable energy, it’s a great idea to research your options and weigh up the pros and cons. Look for providers that offer renewable energy or consider installing solar panels. If you live in an area that gets plenty of sunshine, you could save a fortune and make a positive difference to the environment.

A picture of energy

We are more conscious about the impact of our lifestyles on the planet than ever before but there is a very long way to go. If you’re keen to do your bit, it’s a great idea to start at home. With these simple steps, you can create an eco-friendly haven.

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow To Humanely Get Rid Of Pests

Nobody wants to share their home with pests. It makes living in your own home unbearable, and it is one of those experiences that everybody wants to avoid as best as they can. But if you are keen to ensure you are not causing the ecological world too much harm, you might want to think about what you can do to humanely get rid of pests in the home. As it happens, it is always possible to do so, as long as you are careful about it and you take the appropriate steps. Let’s take a look at how you can humanely get rid of pests in your own home in the future!

A picture of a ladybug on a plant in a garden

Prevent first

One of the best things to do is to try and keep pests out of the home in the first place. Prevention is always going to be better than the cure, as you can prevent pests coming in without having to cause any harm whatsoever. You can generally prevent most pests by not leaving food lying around. Ensuring you clean the home regularly and keep windows and doors closed helps too. Do all that, and you might never have a pest problem to begin with!

Call in the experts

It is best to ensure you call in the experts to deal with pests if you do have them in the home. If you have a pest that can be removed safely, then the professionals are going to be able to do that humanely. If it is a pest where the only option is to kill them, an expert will be able to do that as harmlessly as possible. Whether it’s a bed bug exterminator or a wasp removal service, it is generally best to entrust it to these people rather than do it yourself, as you might cause more harm than necessary without meaning to.

Use humane traps

Sometimes all you need to do is find and use a humane trap. These trap the animal or insect and then sets them free outside safe and away from the home. This is especially straightforward when it comes to rodents, but less so with some other animals, so it is not always an option. However, there are often humane traps you can use (which you might even be able to find secondhand). A great solution!

Companion Planting

In the garden, you can keep pests away using a process known as companion planting. This simply means that you plant with things which grow with with your plants and detract other pests from eating them. That will reduce the number of pests in the garden, which helps reduce pests in the home too! In this case, you are just encouraging those animals and insects to go elsewhere, rather than causing them actual harm; it is a much more humane way of going about things.

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderSmart Ways to Save Energy at Home While Living a Healthy & More Sustainable Lifestyle

There are many ways to save energy while living a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. From small things to huge investments, conserving energy is an excellent way to help the environment and save money on energy bills. Here are some of the best ways to save energy in your home:

A picture of energy on the top of a house

Insulate Your House

Did you know that the difference between the exterior and interior temperature affects the air conditioner and the electricity bill? The cold breeze you want to enjoy in your house will cost you more because most of it finds its way outside. Make sure that your home is well insulated to save money on energy bills and reduce your impact! Additionally, check your air conditioning ducts to see if they are faulty, blocked, or disconnected. A faulty duct cannot move cool air through your home as excellently as it is supposed to do. This means that you will pay more for air that is escaping. I suggest getting the system fixed by professionals such as 24 Hour AC Repair.

Use Energy Efficient Appliances

Consider replacing the most energy-intensive appliances with better, efficient energy models. This will help you cut your energy cost by almost half! If you decide to buy an appliance, try to compare the cost of buying to its annual functioning cost. Remember that energy-efficient appliances might have a higher purchase price, but their operating costs are usually lower. Also, when purchasing these energy-efficient appliances, check for energy star labels. This is a guarantee that the product will consume less energy when in use than when on standby!

Use LED Lights

LED lights have the potential to change the future of global lighting. Most LED lights use less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent lighting. Buying LED lights can be costly; however, the energy efficiency and high durability tend to make up for the extra costs. Make sure that you replace the old incandescent bulbs with LED to save energy.

Wash Your Laundry in Cold Water!

Today, detergents work the same way in both hot and cold water. And by just switching from hot to cold and reducing the average loads per week, you will be able to cut on energy costs. You can use hot water only when you want to disinfect your clothes; however, I have found that using tap cold makes your clothing last longer too.

Use Natural Light

Instead of turning on the lights during the day, open your curtains and use sunlight! Such an easy way to save energy. Alternatively, you can make the most out of the sunlight using bright décor ideas, like tactically placing mirrors on the wall. Additionally, whenever you leave a room, make sure that you turn off the lights. Make this a habit, and you can save a lot of money on your monthly energy bills.

Try Solar Power

Using solar-powered systems can significantly reduce your energy bills and save you money. Having solar panels means that your home will be using the sun to provide electricity at all times, except during rainy seasons. You will only have to pay for electricity when the sun is not shining or during thunderstorms.

The Bottom Line

There are many other ways of saving energy at home. For instance, you can install energy-efficient windows, use a smart meter, unplug unused devices and spend less time in the shower. The above energy-saving tips will help you save money on energy bills, increase your property’s value, and protect the environment, hence reducing your carbon footprint. Give it a try!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to Have a More Sustainable Wedding

Hey earth muffins! The wedding industry is one of the biggest industries in the world. But, as with any big industry or event, it can also end up not being great for the environment. In between the food waste, things such as favors being left behind, and all the people traveling from around the country (or even the world) to attend your wedding, it can have a pretty big impact on the global footprint. A study found that a single wedding can produce as many emissions as five people would in an entire year – which is an awful lot for just one single day! In order to have the best day of your life (because after all, that is what weddings are all about!) but get rid of some of the guilt, there are some things you can do to make your wedding day that bit more eco-friendly. Here are some top ways to make your wedding more sustainable.

A picure of a man and woman kissing at their wedding

1. Think carefully about your favors.

Wedding favors are something that everyone gives out but can actually be pretty wasteful. Most favors tend to be left behind at the end of the wedding or create extra plastic waste. In order to avoid this, it is a good idea to think of favors that can be consumed at the time or something that is eco-friendly. One example of eco-friendly favors includes giving out little plants or seeds that can be planted. You could also give out shots or food in glass jars which prevents over-production of plastic and can be recycled or used again. I personally have a massive mason jar collection, so I’d love the memories associated with a special person’s wedding every time I use that jar.

2. Choose a venue that is committed to being sustainable

When choosing your venue, speak to them and see if they have a commitment to sustainability. Make sure to do your research into if they care about things such as recycling, the air quality of the building (you could suggest DUCTZ air duct cleaning), and if they have a commitment to reducing food and water waste. Remember to avoid any greenwashing as much as possible and do your own research on the venue too! Some hotels suggest guests put their towels in the bath if they want them to be cleaned, otherwise, they won’t clean them. Using a towel more than once can greatly reduce water waste! Venues might also grow their own food on-site or compost food waste, which showcase their commitment to the environment too.

3. Use eco-friendly confetti

Confetti is another wedding staple that can end up being bad for the environment. Traditional confetti is usually made out of microplastics and can have metallic elements which are made of metal. These materials can wash down drains or be blown into the air and left in the countryside which can cause damage to all sorts of wildlife. Birds, sea creatures, and animals can all be harmed if they ingest this type of confetti. Because of this, one of the best types of confetti you can use is to stamp confetti from leaves or dried flower petals. Plus, just imagine the cute pictures!

4. Encourage shared transport

With a wedding, you have multiple people all traveling to the same destination which isn’t great for Mother Earth. Instead, why not look into shared transport? You could hire a minivan or a coach and then everyone can travel up together. This can end up being more cost-effective and also means there are a lot fewer cars on the road all heading to the same place. It will also be a fun way for you to all get-together and catch up and get excited about the upcoming wedding!

5. See if you can get items second hand

There are many websites where people will sell items that they have used in their wedding but don’t need anymore. After all, once your big day has happened, it is unlikely you’re going to need 12 centerpieces again in a hurry! Second-hand items prevent them from being wasted and give them a second life. It is much better for the environment and you are likely to grab a bargain with them too! Check out sites such as eBay, Facebook marketplace, or even borrowing from a friend. This doesn’t just apply to decorations; you could also use a family wedding dress as well! Getting an already made gown tailored to your liking is much cheaper than buying a new one. Plus, you will get exactly what you want and have a unique dress that no one else has.

These are just a few simple ways that you can have a more sustainable wedding. By doing so, you will reduce the carbon footprint that weddings can bring while enjoying your “best day ever”. Do you have any tips for a more sustainable wedding?