Tagged with sustainable living

Ways to Make Your Daily Routine Eco-Friendly

If you sit down and think about it, we live in somewhat crazy times.

We cause irreversible damage to our environment, while being eco-friendly has never been easier. In fact, we are going to give you a couple of ways to make your daily routine eco-friendly just to show you how easy it really is. And, with any luck, some of you will implement these little changes and make our environment that much better.

Easy ways to make your daily routine eco-friendly

The great thing about the ways in which you can make your daily routine eco-friendly is that they are also good for you. Most of them will not only help you preserve the environment but will also help you lead a healthier, happier life. So, do yourself a favor and at least try a couple of them.

Limit your electronics

The first thing you should do if you want to make your daily routine eco-friendly is to limit your electronics. Every electronic item that you use requires energy. And, since we are still working out the kinks in how to harness solar energy, this means that you are hurting the environment. So, if you really want to go greener, start by putting away your phone and laptop. Limit yourself to only using the electronics when necessary. And, instead of endlessly scrolling on Instagram, go for a run or read a good book.

Going outside to read a book can be a great routine to have.

Recycling

You cannot talk about keeping your environmental footprint low without considering recycling. The amount of materials that people throw away in western societies is simply staggering. And if there is one thing that different-coloured bins have shown us , it’s that recycling takes very little effort. All you have to do is to sort out your rubbish and put it away accordingly.Ways to Make Your Daily Routine Eco-Friendly - recyclable cups

Eco-friendly containers

But, even before we come to recycling our plastic and cardboard containers, we should consider which ones we use. After all, the biggest amount of plastic in nature comes from containers. So, if you really want to start being eco-friendly, start thinking about the containers that you use. There are numerous eco-friendly options for packing and containing that are quite easy to use. You can, for instance, opt for renting plastic containers and make your relocation that much more eco-friendly. Plus, by getting different coloured bins, you can make unpacking fun for your kids. Not to mention all the different alternatives to plastic grocery bags and cardboard coffee mugs.

Carrying your own coffee cup is a great way to make your daily routine eco-friendly.

The ways in which you can make your everyday containers more eco-friendly are endless. All you need to do is to research them a bit.

Reduce meat

The meat industry is one of the worlds largest contributors to greenhouse gasses. Therefore, if you want to make your daily routine eco-friendly, the way to do so is simple. Reduce the amount of meat that you eat. Most people in western countries eat way more meat than they actually need. And, if you read up a bit more on diet and nutrition, you will see just how important it is that you eat your vegetables and fruit. Try to purchase only local products and make your food at home, if you want to increase your sustainability even more. You don’t have to go vegetarian or vegan. Instead, simply try to have a more balanced diet.

Clean plate

And, while we are on the subject of food, we would also advise you to clean your plate. Another plague of western societies is that we throw away a lot of our food. In fact, about one-third of the food produced in the world gets thrown away. This, form our point of view, is atrocious. But, if you want to make a change, start with your own plate. Make sure that you only prepare enough food consumption and that you don’t throw any away. If everyone would simply do so, the amount of wasted food would be much lower.

Walk or use a bike

Most of us lead quite a sedentary lifestyle. We spend almost all our days sitting, either at work or at home. So, if you want to lead a healthier life, consider cutting your driving time. Not only will you not driving reduce the amount of CO2 that gets into the environment, but you will also do your health a huge benefit. After all, one of the oldest Tibetan proverbs is that the secret to living well and longer is: eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure.Ways to Make Your Daily Routine Eco-Friendly - cycling

Riding a bike is both a great exercise and an easy way to go about.

Carpool

But, if you do need to take a car to your work, consider carpooling. Carpooling is a great way to not only help the environment but also to make new friends. There are even apps you can download that will help you find people to carpool with. So, doing carpool is easier than ever. All you have to do is have a bit of environmental awareness.

Paperless work

Another way to make your work more eco-friendly is to avoid using paper as much as possible. While there are some eco-friendly alternatives to paper, the best way is simply to avoid using it altogether. After all, we are living in the age of smartphones and high-speed internet. Therefore, there is little reason for you to still base your work on paper documents.

Use your blinds

Having a self-sustaining home is a great way to lead an eco-friendly life. But, it is not the easiest or the cheapest one. So, before you go buying solar panels and making your home more energy sustainable, consider simply using your blinds properly. People waste a lot of energy by keeping their blinds open when they want to cool their homes, and closing them when they want to heat it. Remember, the sun plays a big role in temperature levels, even indoors. So, if you want to reduce your energy wastage, just manage your blinds properly. 

This article was kindly written and contributed by Sally Norton.

Sustainable Energy at Home: Tips and Tricks

Are you looking for ways to make your home more environmentally friendly? Then sustainable energy at home is just what you need.

The benefits of renewable energy for the environment are more than obvious. However, not only will you be doing something good for the nature, but you can also save yourself some money. With the source of sustainable energy at home, you can significantly reduce your utility bills. Maybe even eliminate them completely.

Even though installing renewables can be costly at the beginning, in the long run, it’s an investment that pays off. Additionally, states offer tax incentives to anyone who wants to go for alternative energy. This makes setting up renewables even more affordable option today. In case you are interested in making the switch, there are simple tips you can follow which require minimal effort. Keep reading to find out some of these ways to power your home with sustainable energy.

Using sustainable energy at home has many benefits for the environment:

Rooftop solar panels are the most popular choice for sustainable energy at home

If you are looking into sustainable energy, this is the method you hear most about. Solar panels usually go on your roof, although some choose to set them up in their yard. Depending on the orientation of the panels and your location, panels can generate 10 or more watts per square foot. For comparison, a typical household consumes about a kilowatt of power. That mean a few square feet of solar panels will be more than enough to power most if not all of your needs. Sustainable Energy at Home: Tips and Tricks | Sustainability Australia

The alternative to solar panels is solar shingles. While solar panels are mounted on top of your roof, solar shingles replace your roof tiles. So, if your roof is nearly ready to be replaced, solar shingles may be the option for you. Additionally, if you decided to relocate to a new home, this might be the perfect time to install the panels. You can help create a more sustainable world. The work can be done before you move in and you’ll be all set up to go from the beginning.

Of course, solar energy has one big weakness. It works only during the day when the sun is up. To power your home during the night you’ll still need to be connected to the electrical grid. Alternatively, you can invest in the second type of sustainable energy at home.

Solar water heating

You don’t have to use solar power just for electricity. You can use it to heat your home. Solar water heaters use solar energy to heat a reserve of water. This water can later be pumped through your house to the radiators or your faucets and showerheads.

This system is considerably cheaper than using electricity or gas. Also, it’s much easier to install than solar panels. If you are not completely committed to using sustainable energy at home, this is a good alternative. There are many different types of solar water heaters. Each comes with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. So be careful and chose wisely the type of system that works best for you.

Solar oven

Another alternative for people who are not ready to power their entire home with renewable energy is investing in a solar oven. Solar ovens are a common sight at science fair’s but can be quite useful in everyday life. Regular electrical ovens can use quite a bit of electricity so using a solar oven may be the right option. Solar oven work by trapping the sun energy to heat up your food. You can buy a solar over or even build one on your own. All you’ll need are some common materials easily found in stores.

Solar air conditioning

Now you may be thinking: how can the heat from the sun cool your home. Well, there is a way. Solar air conditioning works similarly to solar water heating. More precisely, it uses that hot water in the air conditioning system. If you already have a solar heater installed you can expand its functionality to air conditioning as well. However, consult a professional before you do since not all water heaters can be used for both.

Wind turbines

You’ve seen those big turbines, right? They are usually found in wind farms or even floating offshore. However, you can install a smaller version to power your home, especially if you have enough land.

There are some downsides to wind turbines that make them a less popular choice for residential areas. For example, they make a lot of noise and are not really pretty to look at. Also, they take up a lot of space. Additionally, depending on where you live, you might not be allowed to install them since local laws and zoning regulations may forbid it.

However, if you don’t have to worry about those disadvantages, wind power may be a great solution. Wind power is more stable than solar power. Mostly because you are not limited to a part of the day. A good-sized turbine can easily generate all the power you need. Depending on where you live, a wind turbine can be better sustainable energy investment than solar-powered energy sources.

In case you are considering moving to an area that offers more sustainable energy options, think about moving to another country. Different locations offer different options. If you decide that this is the right step, you’ll help with moving your home to a foreign country. There are companies that can provide necessary bits of advice, services, and equipment for relocation.

Hydropower as a source of sustainable energy at home

People have used water power to generate energy for a long time. And you can use it also to power your home. However, this is not an option available to everyone. It will work only if you have a source of flowing water in your property. You can divert part of the steam to flow through a turbine which will generate power for your home.

Although you can generate a substantial amount of power this way, setting up the system is not easy. You’ll most certainly need professional help to set up a hydropower generator. Additionally, you need to figure out the best place to set up your generator at. This is where professional help can also be useful. If you have some engineering knowledge you could do it yourself. But it’s still recommended to consult the professionals before you start.

And the advantages of water power are immense. Unlike solar and wind, water flow is stable and continuous. This means you’ll always get the same input of source power no matter what. You won’t have to worry about not generating enough energy for your home. That piece of mind may be worth the effort of setting this system up.

Practical Ideas For Self-Sustaining Homes

Raising ecological awareness has become imperative in this modern era.

It is our responsibility and a great necessity to advocate and apply eco-friendly practices in order to stop climate changes, prevent global warming and eventually protect our precious environment. Thus, it does not surprise that self-sustaining homes have gained so much popularity. The idea has been welcomed by an impressive number of people and we can rightfully expect to build a more sustainable world in the near future.

So, what are the best practical ideas for self-sustaining homes? Here is a comprehensive answer.

Features of self-sustaining homes

Self-sustaining homes have emerged as a logical outcome of an economic and ecological lifestyle.  Much is expected from a home that is primarily friendly to our environment and yet gives us financial freedom. The features of self-sustaining homes are the following:Practical Ideas For Self-Sustaining Homes

  • These homes are mostly built from recycled or low carbon materials.
  • They do not cover the area that exceeds the recommended and required size in the given circumstances.
  • Self-sustaining homes have their own heat, cooling, and power sources.
  • They include systems installed for the purpose of water and waste management.
  • Finally, they provide their owners with an opportunity to produce their own food and livestock and enjoy the benefits of a healthy and green lifestyle.

Numerous measures have been taken to promote the concept of sustainability and improve the implementation of these ideas into our day-to-day living. In the case of self-sustaining homes, it is an outstanding experience to participate in a sustainable house day and exchange ideas and practices with other people. Only then will you be able to master this extraordinary lifestyle and use its benefits to the full potential.

The best practical ideas for self-sustaining homes

Whilst it is more effective to build a completely new house with sustainability as a leading goal, it is not impossible to conduct some changes in the existing homes as well. It is of utter importance to focus on the principles underlying the concept of self-sustaining homes. Should you decide to relocate overseas or anywhere else around Australia, you will be able to apply these principles easily and efficiently.

Use solar power in your self-sustaining homes

Luckily, nowadays we can say that solar power has become more affordable and accessible. To be able to use it, one needs to install solar panels. The type of panels you will use depends on your preferences. Whether you choose rooftop or standalone, these panels are necessary to generate enough energy for your lights and appliances.

Understandably, it is of key importance to know how to save energy we receive in this manner. Providing natural light is a vital component in this process of saving energy. In addition, installing large windows is a sensible decision concerning this aspect of self-sustaining homes. Moreover, choosing energy efficient light bulbs and home appliances is undoubtedly very helpful.

Install a rainwater harvesting system

Rainwater harvesting system is necessary for self-sustaining homes because it helps homeowners with accumulation and deposition of rainwater for reuse in the upcoming period. Water received as the final product of this process can be used for watering plants, for animals or even for washing.

Minimise the generation of waste

One of the practical ideas for self-sustaining homes includes not only minimising the generation of waste, but also its efficient management. The waste should be classified into two categories – organic and inorganic.

We cannot but mention an excellent practical idea within this category and that is to build an outdoor composting box. By installing this box, a homeowner gets a chance to conserve resources through the process of transforming, for example, food leftovers into rich soil. The process is not only cost-efficient, but it can provide you with the soil of good quality to use in your garden.

Cultivate your own food

The concept of sustainability is intrinsically related to a green and healthy lifestyle. Growing your own food will most probably cause some considerable changes in your diet. It will become much richer in fruit and vegetables, which is one of the healthiest life choices you can make. Furthermore, the whole concept will be inexpensive and, most importantly, it will be completely friendly to your environment.

Use a wood-burning or water stove to provide heat

Using wood-burning or water stove will provide you with an excellent alternative heat source. One of the advantages of this strategy to provide heat to your self-sustaining home is that you can use these stoves for cooking as well. However, if you prefer traditional heating systems, you can use them in this type of homes as well, but they will use solar or wind power to function properly.

The pros and cons of self-sustaining homes

The pros of self-sustaining homes are countless. Firstly, to feel comfortable in this new type of dwelling, you will have to change your everyday habits. Your lifestyle becomes healthier and more eco-friendly. Secondly, you can influence people in your surrounding and contribute to raising environmental awareness. Furthermore, you become more financially independent. This is possible by investing in self-sustaining features of your home. Finally, living in self-sustaining homes prepares you for living in extreme conditions, for example after natural disasters.

The whole concept of living in self-sustaining homes has some downsides as well. Firstly, it requires a lot of your time to finish all the necessary tasks. Then, despite the existence of some sustainability tips that require minimal effort, building this type of home or even adaptation of your existing home to these practices is highly demanding.  Finally, orchestrating and then conducting the whole process is considerably expensive. Nevertheless, building self-sustaining homes is a long-term investment which will prove its worth very soon.

This article was kindly written and contributed by Sally Norton.

5 Sustainability Tips That Require Minimal Effort

When it comes to going green, many can be overwhelmed with advice to cutting your carbon footprint, including making your own compost, installing solar panels and trading in your petrol-powered vehicle for an economic electric one.

Whilst we advocate for all of the above, we also want to provide you with sustainability tips that are quick, easy and simple to implement into your day-to-day living.

  1. Embrace your fresh local produce

    This is one of the easier sustainability tips to undertake. Opt for a trip to the local farmer’s markets to enjoy fresher (and more flavoursome) produce. Support your local community while saving the amount of CO2 that would have been spent transporting your fruit and vegetables half the way around the world to the supermarket.

  2. Turn off your computer

    We know it’s too easy to leave your PC or laptop idling by in case of a Netflix emergency – but did you know we spend $250 billion per year on powering up computers? To make it worse, only 15% of that time is spent when people are actually active. Put your technology to bed and help the environment (and your electricity bill!).
  3. Limit your paper usage

    With everything moving into the digital world, our need for printing and paper usage is fast becoming limited. Do your part and avoid the use of printing or wasting paper. Yes – even though it’s recyclable, it still requires a lot of time and resources to make that happen. This sustainability tip doesn’t only need to stop in the workplace – don’t print receipts if you’re going to throw them out straight away and avoid unnecessary packaging (including your 15 cent eco bags if you can).
  1. Cut your spending

    We’re all guilty of going overboard with our spending every now and then – but have you ever stopped to think of where your unnecessary clutter will eventually end up? Whether your vice is clothing, homewares or electronic gadgets, it’s important to consider prior to purchasing about the environmental impacts of how this was produced, and what effect it is going to have after you have finished with it. In all cases, one of the easier sustainability tips to utilise the 30-day rule – wait 30 days before you make a decision to purchase what might be considered an impulse purchase.
  1. Cook from scratch

    Yes, this sustainability tip is for the Uber Eats lover in many of us. And it’s really quite simple – the more you order out, the greater your use of packaging, plastics and resources. Save the environment while adding some extra funds to your bank balance and opt for some home cooking. Use your pressure cooker to save even more time, money and energy.

HEAR FROM THE EXPERTS IN SUSTAINABILITY – LESS THAN ONE MONTH TO GO!

Secure your place at the 2019 National Sustainability Conference in Brisbane this April! Check out the program and registration options here.

What Australian Cities Can Learn About Sustainability from Asia

What makes a city sustainable? Is it a focus on traditional, “green” sustainability, economic strength or how liveable the city is for people?

Global sustainability heavyweight Arcadis believes it is a mix of all three.

Arcadis’ latest Sustainable Cities Index, which ranks 100 of the world’s leading cities on three pillars of sustainability: people, planet and profit, found that there are some significant variances across the Asia Pacific region.

Australian cities all scored middle of the road on the index, with Melbourne not making the top 50.

While not a cause for alarm, these rankings reinforce that Australian cities must improve to compete on the global stage.

In comparison, Asia’s two leading financial centres Hong Kong and Singapore made it into the top 10, with Singapore ranked number 1 globally in the profit sub-index.

While vastly different in terms of culture, economies and politics, a key take away across the region was the importance of integrated, efficient and smart infrastructure.

Hong Kong has long been famous for its world-class infrastructure, but as one of the planet’s most densely populated cities, it faces unique challenges in providing an efficient transportation system to meet the needs of its 7.4 million citizens.

 

This article was originally published by The Urban Developer. Click here to read entire article.

Find out more about the sustainability projects revolutionising Australia

The 2019 National Sustainability Conference invites you join the discussion on the current challenges, successes and what the future holds in regard to sustainability practices within business.

View the program here.