Having an Eco-Friendly Home: Controlling Your Personal Carbon Footprint

Did you know that each person has their own carbon footprint? What's your household carbon footprint? Most of our daily activities contribute to the tonnes of carbon emitted each day. It's estimated that each person emits more than 4 tonnes of greenhouse gases globally. These gases have unimaginable effects on the global climate, environment, and global economy. You don't have to make massive changes to reduce your carbon footprint. Simple changes such as maintaining an eco-friendly home will make a huge difference. Cut your carbon footprint by maintaining an eco-friendly home through these tips.

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Turn to Eco-Friendly Building Materials 

Start the process by switching to sustainable building materials. Every feature of your home, including the deck or the siding, should mimic an eco-friendly home. You need to source eco-friendly materials if you intend to upgrade your home. Most building materials in our homes are not sustainable. For instance, most siding and decking materials are not only unsustainable. These materials also release poisonous substances into the environment. 

Choosing sustainable siding or deck materials is not easy. You need to consider whether the material is durable. It should also come from sustainable sources. Don't forget to take into consideration its recyclability. Lastly, you also need to understand how it reduces your household's carbon footprint. Consider scheduling an appointment with a deck builder to get guidance through the building or remodeling process. The deck builder will help you build an eco-friendly deck or siding that aligns with your sustainability living goals. Besides, a deck builder has the expertise to finish a deck in an environmental-friendlier way. 

Sustainable energy sources

Think about turning to renewable energy sources for your home. Green energy will make your home energy efficient if it needs lots of energy each day to power and maintain it. Renewable power comes from natural sources. In most instances, these energy sources are sustainable. You can source renewable energy from wind, water, sun, or biomass. Use the sun to warm, power, and light your home. So, how do you use the sun to generate electric energy? You can install solar panels on your roof. The solar panels take in rays from the sun and change them into electrical energy. The electric power generated by solar panels can power and warm your home. You can enjoy this power whether it’s sunny or not. You can also use the wind to supply power into your home. There are smaller wind turbines designed for homes. You can install them on a pole or on the building. If you live near a river or lake, the flowing water can also power your home. You can harness power using a small hydroelectric plant. Get the needed building product information to see which way you can best harness natural energy and save a ton of money in the process.

Seal Your Home 

Filling in the air gaps and insulating your home can help cut your carbon footprint. Many homes use lots of energy to heat and warm their houses during the cold seasons. Yet, close to half of the heat energy used to warm these homes leak due to poor insulation and air gaps present in these homes. An air barrier or insulation can help curb the heat loss, thus making your home energy efficient. Supplement the seal and insulation with heat controls. Use programmable heating equipment to warm your home. These will help you control the amount of energy you consume. 

Repair, Recycle, and Reuse

Repurpose old items. Always chose repairs instead of replacing. Also, recycle plastics to cut down your household's carbon footprint. We need to stop buying and throwing away water bottles. The bottles become an environmental plague if we fail to reuse or recycle them. Encourage your family to carry refillable water bottles and stop grabbing single-use straws.

Add Native Shrubs and Trees to Your Landscape 

Planting native plants in your yard or other outdoor spaces can help reinforce, preserve, and balance the ecosystem. On top of that, native plants are in tune with your local environment and climate. Thus, it means you'll cut down on your water usage. Be eco-friendly by always working with nature instead of fighting it. Consider incorporating eco-friendly design on your interior as well, you can manage that well within your budget.

Summary

Having and maintaining a sustainable home is no longer just a fad but a way to actively reduce our carbon footprint. It's a move towards environmental stewardship. Join the move and cut down your carbon footprint.

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