A crucial part of living more sustainably is to apply the principle of sustainability to every aspect of our lives. Yet one of the most challenging areas in which to be eco can be home maintenance and repair.
The old ethos, “make do and mend,” is making a comeback. King Charles has long been a champion for clothing repair, and a growing number of brands are now offering aftercare to help keep items in circulation instead of in landfills.
And the same ethos can ring true for home maintenance and repair. Keeping things working for as long as possible should be priority number one. Bringing sustainable elements in when new materials, appliances, or homewares are needed, should follow suit.
Repairs tend to require fewer resources including energy and water and create much less waste that will sit in landfills and contribute to global greenhouse gas emissions.
From appliances in your home that you can repair instead of replacing to furniture items as well as the interior structure of your home — all can benefit from this approach.
For example, it makes much more sense to work with drywall experts (like The Patch Boys) to patch an area of damage in your home than remove the entire wall and start again. Doing things this way will save you money too, so it’s better for your wallet as well as the environment.
Sustainable building materials
Incorporating greener building materials into your home is another effective way to make your home maintenance more sustainable. These materials are typically made from renewable resources, and they often require less energy to produce and install than traditional building materials.
Some common examples of sustainable building materials include bamboo flooring, recycled metal roofing, and cork insulation, which can all look beautiful as well as be a greener choice.
When selecting an eco-friendly epoxy for your floor, consider its chemical resistance. This will help ensure that the epoxy can withstand various types of chemicals that may come in contact with the surface during use.
Natural light and ventilation
By maximizing natural light, you can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and save energy. You can do this by strategically positioning windows in your home, using sheer curtains and blinds, and installing skylights or solar tubes.
Ventilation is also important for creating a more sustainable home. By opening windows and doors, you can allow fresh air to circulate through your home and remove stale air. This will help reduce the need for heating and cooling, while also improving air quality.
Energy-efficient appliances and systems
When it comes to making home maintenance more sustainable, one of the most important things to prioritize is energy efficiency in your appliances and systems. This means looking for energy-efficient appliances, such as refrigerators or washing machines, when you are replacing old or broken ones.
You should also make sure that your home is properly insulated and sealed so that you can reduce energy waste and keep your heating and cooling costs down. If you have an older furnace or air conditioner, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient model.
Clean green
Keeping your home clean and sustainable can be a challenge, but with a few simple green cleaning techniques, you can make your cleaning routine more eco-friendly.
One of the easiest ways to practice green cleaning is by switching out traditional chemical-based products for more natural alternatives. There are many different types of natural cleaners available, such as baking soda, vinegar, and castile soap. These products are just as effective as chemical cleaners, but they are much better for the environment and your health.
Related on Ethos:
