Global warming, climate change, you have heard it over and over again. And each time you watch a documentary on the environment, you feel the urge to do something. Maybe you are planting trees in the neighbourhood or taking part in walks to raise awareness. Perhaps you want to do something but cannot seem to find enough time to do so. Well, the thing is most people want to act now, but their schedules keep them from having a positive impact the environment. If you want to make a change, you can do so by making some amends to your home. And yes, this also applies to log homes. Here is what people are doing to help the environment from the comfort of their homes:
1. Buy Eco-Friendly Furniture
When buying furnishings for homes, most people lean towards the best price they can find on the market. And with mass-produced goods being the cheapest, people often buy them. While this may be good for your finances, it hurts the environment. Most times, the wood used in making this furniture is a result of illegal logging. And you buying these products only motivates the unlawful loggers to keep at it. After all, there is a ready market out there somewhere. And it’s you.
Instead of buying such items, consider getting locally produced items, created with conservation efforts in mind. These items will not have any harsh chemicals, and they will be a step towards saving the environment. They will feature sustainable materials such as cotton or recycled fabric.
Also, locally sourcing items reduces the energy and fuel spent on shipping items across the world. Plus, the eco-friendly furniture looks great in log homes.
2. Conserve Water
How much water are you using in a day? You could be using more water than is necessary. It could be that you leave the tap on while brushing your teeth. Or you do the dishes ten times a day when you could be okay with one wash. For people with gardens, how do you irrigate the crops and when?
Think about your water usage and make amends to reduce the numbers on that utility bill. Not only will you save money on expenses, but you will also protect the environment.
3. Use Solar Power
Energy costs a lot of money. If you rely on mains electricity, take a look at your utility bills, and you will see how much you spend per month on energy. It is a lot. Now, there is a way that you can change this. Suppose you live in an area with a lot of sunlight; you can use a solar panel. Sure, the upfront costs are high, but with this in place, you can bid goodbye to energy costs. It will take about ten years for you to recoup your investment. But after this, you will enjoy a free ride.
Look at it like this. A solar panel will not release any emissions, and this works in protecting the environment. But when using mains electricity, you release emissions equal to a car driving eighteen thousand miles per year. Yes, that much emission!
Unfortunately, the use of solar panels may not be an ideal solution for everyone. It largely depends on the weather conditions in your area. But if you have hot summers, a solar-powered grill could help you reduce some of those emissions.
4. Install a Smart Thermostat
Smart thermostats are a God-send. They work on learning your habits such that they know when they should cool or heat a room. They work out the cooling or heating needs based on how much time you spend in the room. Also, you can monitor how much energy you consume and can work out a way to reduce your spending.
Using a smart thermostat is unlike using a traditional device. With a smart gadget, your energy needs could reduce by as much as 15%. So yes, this device is worth the initial cost. In one or two years, you should have recouped your money. After that, you can start enjoying huge savings.
5. Reuse Plastics
There are so many plastic items lying around which could serve one use or the other. You get a plastic bottle, use it once and dispose of it. While there are companies that make money out of reusing these products, you could work on reducing waste.
Buy items that you can use over a long period. Instead of buying water each time you pop by the shop, get a water bottle. In this way, you can work on refilling the bottle each time you need water. Suppose you like eating your lunch at your office desk, carry cutlery from home. In this way, you can avoid using and disposing of plastic spoons and forks. The same goes for paper towels. Sure, they are convenient but think about how many trees have to die for you to get those paper towels. Stop going through so many packets in a month. Instead, embrace cloth napkins.
It is the little things that matter. While investing in long-lasting items will set you back some money, it will be worth it in the end.
6. Avoid Using Chemicals
People use a lot of chemicals in their houses. Think about the paints and floor sealers and cleaning products you use, among other chemicals. Over time, you find that the quality of the air is not what it used to be. And you end up researching ways to freshen your home. The good thing is that you can avoid all this by using products with natural ingredients.
The same goes for gardening implements. As much as many inputs do not call for hard work, do not use the easy route. Either buy compost or make your own. Making compost is as easy as depositing your organic waste in a pile and occasionally turning it. If you garden, use this pile on your plants. If not, you could donate it to someone who gardens.
Caring for the environment starts with the little things. Embrace an eco-friendly home and be part of the change.
