The Future of Energy Storage: Powering Your Outdoor Lifestyle

Sustainability is a commonly used term, but does it truly mean anything in the context of designing your space? It’s not only solar panels and recycling bins.It means having better choices that are good for the earth’s health and still appealing to the eye.

No one wants a home that screams, “eco-warrior” as if they need to sacrifice style.

And you don’t have to, honestly.

If done correctly, sustainability and home aesthetics can go side by side; it’s all about knowing where to seek.

What Makes a Home Sustainable?

A sustainable home focuses on reducing waste, employing what is available, and making the right energy decisions. Seems simple, am I right? The truth is that it’s small, everyday decisions that are the hardest over time.

Take furniture, for example. Rather than investing in cheap, mass produced furniture that will crumble to dust in a few years, try buying furniture constructed from reclaimed wood. It is not only one of a kind(cause no two items are alike) but it also saves perfectly usable wood from wast. It also brings warmth to any room – nothing beats a well worn piece of wood when it comes to making a house more homely.

Then there’s energy. Switching to LED bulbs is one of the simplest means of electricity saving measures because it leads to a drastic reduction in energy usage. A combination of energy-efficient appliances and perhaps a smart thermostat will put you light years ahead of everybody else. Open a few windows and let ordinary breeze air out instead of it getting wasted preferences that can do nothing else but to close the AC while being on all day.

The Magic of Incorporating Natural Elements

Consider adding these elements to your space: plants. They can certainly do wonders to the entire atmosphere. Plus, they also improve air quality which makes them a must-have in every space. A room adorned with plants has a calming effect. It’s not magic. There’s a reason why – https://apopsiclestand.com/green-oasis-the-remarkable-benefits-of-plants-in-your-home/.

In addition, plants are versatile. From big monstera and fiddle leaf figs to tiny bear paw succulents, there is a plant of every shape and every size to fit every space and skill. If you are looking to really improve your quality of air, go for peace lilies or snake plants as they are effective at removing toxins from the air.

Why Materials Matter (And How to Choose Wisely)

The makes and models of the things you possess are pivotal. Some materials are more environmentally friendly than others. For example, furniture that incorporates reclaimed wood is a good option because, as a table, it will last. You can also cut up other flooring and furniture rather than chop down trees. Cutting down trees just to make a new table is not a wise choice. Some of the best furniture products come from the Neighbor brand that are both sustainable and durable.

What are other good options? Glass and metal are easily recyclable and produce less waste. Cork is perfect for both flooring and additional furniture. Lastly, bamboo is easy to grow and is renewable. Avoid the low pre-VOC or zero pre-VOC paints as they do not contain unwanted chemicals. 

Sustainable Home Hacks That Don’t Cost Much

Remember, making sustainable choices does not need to cost an arm and a leg. It is best to always know where you can find affordable options when trying to be sustainable.

• Don’t be shy to hit that thrift store. Used furniture is not only one-of-a-kind, but it also helps to prevent perfectly good items from ending up in landfills. Furthermore, there are some really nice pieces that are so out of style that no one else would want them.
• Eliminate wasteful items. Take off the paper towels and replace them with reusable cloths, swap out the plastic wrap for beeswax wraps, and finally, get rid of the plastic water bottles for a good stainless steel one.
• Cut back the use of electronics. You can unplug devices when they aren’t in use, seal off openings in windows and doors, and even invest in solar panels or, if that’s too expensive, get solar powered lights for your garden.
• Raise your own vegetables. If you do not own a garden you can grow a couple pots of herbs right on your sunny window sill. If it is fresh basil that you are after, then I could definitely do with that.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Most people ignore water conservation until they are slapped with a massive bill. The reality however, is that every single person should work towards saving water as much as they do energy.

Where should you begin? Consider low-flow faucets and showerheads. These appliances reduce water consumption without the feeling that you are in a weak shower. Another fascinating alternative would be rain barrels – gather rainwater and apply it when watering the plants instead of using the hose. 

In terms of energy consumption, switching to energy-efficient appliances is a given. For those who would like to take it up a notch, an intelligent thermostat can learn your schedule and adjust the temperature accordingly, meaning less power is wasted during times when the house is vacant.

Creating a Modern and Sustainable Home

Sustainable doesn’t mean unemotional. In reality, some of these beautiful spaces are sustainable by default.

• Natural tones come to mind- warm browns, deep greens, and soft neutrals. They are always in style and make the area welcoming. 
• Vintage and reclaimed furniture. That dinged coffee table? It’s vintage, so it tells a story, The best part is, no new resources are required. 
• Soft textures. Linen, cotton, and wool feel amazing and are environmentally friendly compared to synthetic materials. Also, they age well which is a bonus. 
• LED light bulbs are available in warm tones. Now sheds can feel less like a hospital and more welcoming. When combined with candles, ideally made from beeswax, the atmosphere can feel completely transformed. 

Bringing Sustainability Outdoors

Your eco-friendly efforts shouldn’t stop at your front door. Outdoor spaces can be just as sustainable.

Gardening, the Sustainable Way

• Plants that are indigenous to your area require lesser work as they are regulated to the environmental condition of your region, so they require low amounts of water and no maintenance at all. 
• Instead of putting leftover food in the trash can, compost them into organic soil for your plants, because composting is truly magical.
• They are aesthetically pleasing, but also advanced using reclaimed wood that helps with draining of the water while gardening and enables easy to the user.

Water-Smart Landscaping

Swapping conventional grass lawns for drought resilient plants, grit and boulder gardens will be more useful if you reside in an arid region. On top of that, a drip system of irrigation is very efficient as it helps in watering the flowering plants without wasting any water.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Sustainable living is not about achieving perfection and is definitely not about living off the grid and growing your own food—unless that is an aspiration of yours. Strive to make better choices within your capacity. For instance, pick furniture manufactured from reclaimed wood instead of new sources. Choose to add more house plants because they liven up your space. Replace your old, energy draining habits with smarter, more efficient habits. 

With time, those little changes will add up and before you know it, you’ll be living in a beautiful eco-friendly home. This, I believe, is the goal.