With more homeowners interested in making green swaps each year, we thought it would be a good idea to round up some of the most popular ways you can make your home more sustainable this year.
Offering a few suggestions that range from ‘quick wins’ through to ‘investment-worthy and long-term’, read on below to see a list of actionable items every homeowner can take today to start making better choices for their custom homes, families, and the planet.
First things first, let’s look at a few quick wins that you can start implementing today.
From using up your fridge contents to placing food waste and scraps into a compost bin, every family can take care to minimise their food waste and make use of what they’ve got.
With leftover lunches, dinners, and snacks going to work in recycled containers, schools teaching kids about gardening and composting, and the cost of living on the rise, it’s easier and makes more economic sense than ever to focus on food use and waste.
Don’t own a compost bin? Some retailers sell apartment-friendly bins that are compact in size. Better yet, some community gardens offer composting services for local homes.
From all-purpose cleaners to soaps and glass cleaners, think about the harsh chemicals that might be in your current cleaning products and find safer alternatives.
Whether you’re interested in a DIY solution that includes bicarb, lemon juice, and vinegar or an all-natural formula you can find at the supermarket, family members, pets, and plants will have a lower risk of harsh chemical exposure if you make these safe swaps.
Just as effective as their manmade counterparts, natural cleaning products are better for the planet too.
Need to replace a bulb? With more innovative technologies on the market, the cost-effectiveness of switching to LED bulbs is second to none. With energy savings almost at parity with standard light bulbs, the energy savings most homes notice when making the switch to LED can help lower the cost of your utility bills as soon as they’re installed.
Bright, durable, and long-lasting, we recommend replacing bulbs as they burn out and replacing each unit around the home one by one.
From holiday decorations to clothing, furniture, and textiles, we always recommend finding a second purpose, repairing, and donating your used home items to minimise the amount of ‘garbage’ going to landfills.
Worse yet, older materials and mass-manufactured furniture may contain harmful chemicals, including arsenic and formaldehyde. Not wanting to expose our environment (or your family!) to these risks, we recommend contacting your local council to see how you can safely dispose of these items when you’re ready to move on.
Replacing old parts or buying new things? Consider buying second-hand to support a less wasteful economy or buying new home goods made from recycled materials.
Interested in summer (and winter!) proofing your home? Fitted window coverings that add to your interior décor can also help weatherproof your house.
Warmly fitted window coverings can help regulate indoor temperature, reduce reliance on heating and cooling units, and even lower utility bills by keeping warm air in and cold air out. A fast and effective energy-saving option for most homes, drapes, roller shades, and curtains can insulate a space from the inside and out.
Interested in leveraging technology to automate your home? With more light bulbs, door locks, and temperature-regulating units with smart technology on the market than ever before, you can control the comfort and environmental efficiency of your home with the touch of a button.
With the power to control forgotten lights, reduce the heating, or optimise your energy usage to certain times per day, we highly recommend installing the complementary smart apps that can be paired with new home technologies. Your utility bills will thank you!
Do you want to boost the insulation effect of your drapes? Double-glazed windows can help keep cool air in during the summer and warm air out during the winter. With proper window glazing, your family can rely less on gas or electricity-powered heating and cooling units due to improved natural temperature regulation and control. (Better for your wallet and the environment!)
Looking to make a major change? If you’re ready and able to make an impactful, investment-worthy change in your home, solar panels are the way to go.
By drastically cutting down on energy costs, more governments are offering homeowners grants and tax-reducing incentives to add solar panels to their homes.
From washing and drying to dishwashing and more, most families rely on the same everyday appliances to run their homes. With estimates that up to 30% of your home’s total energy use is taken up by these basic appliances, we recommend upgrading to energy-efficient models when they need to be replaced.
From lower utility bills to more eco-friendly materials, every purchase of a green home appliance creates more demand in the market for green alternatives.
More often each year, the Brookhaven Homes team is being asked to make greener swaps in basic home building materials, lighting solutions, and landscaping design. If you’ve already purchased a home and are interested in making a few quick green swaps that will benefit your family and the planet, speak to our friendly professionals about some of the most common quick changes our clients are making each day.