Making Your Home A More Sustainable Place

One of the biggest concerns in the world right now is the state of the environment. With the way things are going, we’re going to run out of resources in the next hundred years or so unless we change our ways. Now, you might be thinking that there isn’t much that you can do about this seeing as this is not the field that you work in, but you would be wrong. It all starts at home, and in this article, we’re going to be taking a look at how you can make your home a more sustainable place. Keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Image Link – CC0 Licence

Add A Vegetable Patch

Have you ever considered growing your own food? It’s such a good idea because it saves you money as well as being good for the environment. When you grow your own food, or at least some of it, there are going to be less pesticides being released into the air because you won’t be using any and the demand for such things will decrease. If everybody did this, at least in some capacity, then there would be far less dangerous chemicals released into the atmosphere on a yearly basis.

If you head down to your local farm store, we bet that you will be able to find some seeds that are an excellent price. Make sure that you purchase everything you’re going to need to keep and maintain your vegetable patch. As well as this, you need to be sure that you’re going to stick with it and not just let it skip to the back of your mind, otherwise the whole venture is pointless.

Try Different Forms Of Energy

Another thing that you can do is try out different forms of energy. You don’t need to use electricity for everything, and one of the things that you can try is solar power. You can get in touch with a solar company who will be able to help you with this transition, and help you get everything you’re going to need set up. It is a much better alternative to using electricity for everything because it provides clean power. If you think about it, it is also going to be cheaper for you to use this type of energy if you live somewhere that gets a lot of sun. As such, not only are you going to be helping the environment, you’re going to be saving your bank balance as well!

Insulate The Walls

Finally, another thing that you can do is insulate the walls, floors, and everything else. You’re not going to need to use your heating as much to keep your home warm, meaning that less resources are being used at any given time.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the ways that you can go about making your home a more sustainable place. Good luck, and we hope that you end up with the results that you were looking for.

Advertisement

WAMA – Sustainable underwear

IMGP6056.JPGSustainable fashion

The fashion industry is the second largest polluter in the world, which has an enormous impact on the environment. A huge impact is felt within the Earths water supply through water pollution, mass water consumption and microfibers entering our oceans. Waste accumulation is another factor, causing chemical waste to penetrate soil systems and air networks. The production of fast fashion has also enhanced greenhouse gas emissions and contributed to rainforest destruction.

As we become more aware of the fashion industries impact on the Earth, more and more companies are making the move towards sustainable alternatives. Sourcing materials locally, employing local people, using less water in the production line and limiting the supply chain. Overall reducing the impact on the Earth. The clothing is also made to be more durable and long lasting. Buying sustainable clothing is another step in the right direction in reducing our carbon footprint. Every step counts, big or small.

IMG_2849.jpg

 

WAMA Underwear

I am always on the lookout for sustainable clothing brands and was so happy to learn about WAMA underwear  a company whose missions is to

 pioneer the hemp underwear industry by making the best hemp undies in the world and constantly improving the fit, function and design.

leading the way to the future of sustainable hemp underwear for both men and women. Not only does WAMA use the worlds most sustainable fabric, they also work with small family run organic farms and ensure that each of their employees is provided with fair wages and good quality working conditions.

WAMA has been approved by PETA- People for the ethical treatment of animals and also by Green America – meeting high standards for social and environmental impacts. This is definitely a company that I can back and support.

IMG_2859.jpg

 

Benefits of Hemp

Hemp is the worlds most sustainable fabric.  Hemp is very gentle on the Earth, it requires little water for growth and relatively little land for it to cultivate.  Hemp plants don’t require the use of pesticides, herbicides or fungicides.  The process of the plant being transformed into a material can be done organically without the use of chemicals. Hemp material is extremely breathable and durable and is also anti-bacterial! Hemp can kill off any bacteria fungus or molds. Hemp underwear is a great addition to any sustainable wardrobe.

I have been extremely happy with my underwear from WAMA. The material is soft and breathable. To view the styles and colours from WAMA please click here 🙂

IMG_2863.jpg

IMG_2861.jpg

Ready to Go Green? Here are the Areas of Your Home to Tackle

IMG_2754

If you are ready for a lifestyle change, would like to reduce your environmental impact, or your carbon footprint, maybe do something for the environment, there are plenty of ways you can get started on a budget. There are various areas of your home where you might be wasting resources, polluting the environment, or using things that are hard to recycle. Below you will find a few tips on how to make small green changes make a difference long term for you and the future generations.

Insulation

We lose a lot of heat and cold air if our home is not well insulated. You will need to check your walls for cavities, cracks, and gaps, and make sure that the structural issues are addressed before you can tackle the rest of the house. Chances are that if you live in an older house, your insulation is not as efficient as it could be. You can invest in secondary insulation boards to save money on your heating and stop heating the street.

Loft

Loft

Image via Wikimedia Commons

If you are ready to start a green lifestyle, it is also important that you tackle the area where you lose the most heat; your loft. You can get a thick insulation layer installed for free, if you successfully apply for homeowner grants and get government funding. You can insulate the roof and the loft space, as well. This will make it cheaper and easier to keep the warmth in your home and make your house more sustainable.

Windows and Doors

In case you still have single pane windows, it might be time to modernize your home. While changing them will require a professional to install and fit the new units, the latest designs last for decades. It might even be worth to look into installment loans no credit check to finance your investment. After all, new and more efficient windows will increase the value of your home for many years to come, so your investment will pay off.

Heating

An inefficient HVAC system can burn a hole in your pocket and increase the carbon footprint of your home as well. Make sure that you deal with this issue first. You might get solar heating or a heat pump that will use much less energy than traditional furnaces. Depending on your climate and the size of your home, you can also power your heating with natural gas. Talk to an HVAC installation expert to get an overview of the different green heating options and the costs associated with them.

Natural Light

The more natural light you allow to enter your home the better you will feel and the less you will need to spend on electricity. You might also want to invest in solar powered lamps in the house, which can charge during the day and light up your room at night without having to use non-renewable energy. You can open up your space, get rid of the dark and depressing corridors, install roof lighting, or glass bricks over the door.

Waste Management

4929259185_38fd2b245e_o

Image via Flickr

One of the things we need to teach our kids today is the impact our plastic use has on the living environment. If you have a recycling service at your home or nearby, make sure that you collect and separate the different types of waste so everything can be recycled that is suitable for being reused. On the other hand, you might want to create a compost bin as well, so you can avoid using artificial and synthetic fertilizers in your garden and start growing your organic vegetables.

Renewable Energy

1600px-Solar_panels_on_house_roof

 

Image via Wikimedia Commons

There are plenty of ways of installing devices that will create renewable energy for your home. You can get solar panels installed on your roof, provided that the structure of your home can support the weight. It is always better to talk to an expert to find out more about the different options. You might even set up a small wind turbine at the bottom of your garden, and generate some electricity that way. You will, however, need to make sure that you are not damaging the environment and endangering nesting birds in the area.

Energy Saving Features

If you want to keep an eye on the energy use of your home every day. This means that you have to avoid wasting it whenever you can. A smart thermostat will make sure that you always have the right temperature and are using your heating and air conditioning system in the most efficient way, and you are not heating an empty home. Some of your devices can even be controlled through a smart app, so if you have to do overtime at the office you can change the time when your heating is turned on.

Sustainable Materials

When renovating your home, it is important that you focus on long term. Avoid materials that are hard to recycle and are likely to end up in the landfill sites or toxic waste management systems. You might be better off buying a real goose feather blanket instead of one that is filled with synthetic materials that will be hard to reuse. Likewise, when choosing your furniture and your kitchen units, try to focus on natural materials, and upcycle instead of buying cheap.

Toxic Free Cleaning

Natural_Kitchen_Cleaning_-_div_about_httpsfarm5.static.flickr.com41154924887069_d3d21d8a42_m.jpg_a_href_httpswww.flickr.comphotosbarkbud4924887069_target__blank_img_xmlnsdct_httppurl._me

Image via Stair Parts USA

We flush down too many chemicals and toxins the drain, and these all end up in the sewage system. Unfortunately, water treatment plants are not able to get rid of all chemicals, and we will end up meeting them again, including medication flushed down the toilet. You can live a greener and healthier life if you switch to toxic and chemical free, natural cleaning products. Bicarbonate soda, lemon juice, and apple cider vinegar leave your bathroom, kitchen and just as shiny as the top brand cleaning products.

Starting with a green lifestyle should not mean that you have to make huge drastic changes. Focus on one area of your home at a time, and you will be motivated to go on and improve your life while reducing your carbon footprint.

Prose

IMG_6688.JPG

Customized hair care

Personalized hair care products, including a hair mask, shampoo and conditioner. Yes please!

Prose is a hair care company that works with YOU to create products suited to your hair. Prose assigns the customer to a professional stylist to collaborate on the hair products that suit your particular hair style, how amazing is this?!

IMG_6689IMG_6690

Natural ingredients

I think the concept of this company is amazing. I love that they use natural ingredients that are either organic or eco certificated.  All made from sustainable resources. Plus the products are made fresh in New York City.

Using natural ingredients is so important for numerous reasons. It benefits the environment and our own health. It is so important to be aware of what we using on our bodies.

IMG_6693IMG_6691

How it works

Step one:

The consultation. This can be done either online or by booking in with a stylist located close to you. You will discuss your type of hair and determine the factors that may be harming your hair, such as the local climate, your diet, your exercise habits and styling habits.

Step two:

Preferences: Here you can discuss if you have a favorite fragrances or if you would rather no fragrance. You can also request particular ingredients, I opted to use all vegan ingredients for my products. Also, if you require more volume or shine ect

Step three:

Production: The lab will produce your hair products with fresh and natural ingredients accommodating your preferences.

Step four:

Your new customized hair products are delivered to your door. The box also contains a copy of your consultation. Listing what my hair needs, my hair goals, the routine and the ingredients in each product.

IMG_6703IMG_6704IMG_6705

Results

I am really impressed. The consultation process was smooth and I learnt a lot about what my hair needs and I can’t wait to try and reach my hair goals. I love the use of natural ingredients. The products smell amazing, feel great to apply and my hair already feels smoother with more volume.

For more information click here

IMG_6694IMG_6696IMG_6698IMG_6699IMG_6701