Simple ways you can give your home a sustainable makeover

We don’t often think about how the company’s we work for the impact our community. But as we choose to spend more time working from home, creating a sustainable home becomes more of a focus. Working from home has often meant our energy bills and waste has also increased. Improving the sustainability of our homes is important to reduce our environmental impact. Making some simple designn changes can help reduce your impact and that of your company. Even those confined to a small living space can make simple design changes to suit any lifestyle. Taking these first steps to design a more sustainable lifestyle will benefit you and those around you.

Designing a sustainable lifestyle is about understanding what you have and need. Being sustainable is about doing more with less and maximising what you have to its fullest potential. There are benefits to living more sustainably. Save on ongoing running costs associated with maintaining your home. This will give you back precious time to enjoy being in your home. A well-maintained home may also increase in value over time. And perhaps give you that well-earned retirement holiday.

To help you start, we created a list of things you can do to improve your home’s sustainability.

Channel natural light and save money on energy bills
Creating a sustainable home means being smart in how you use nature. Directing natural light means you don’t need to depend on artificial lighting. Adding a skylight will give any home a modern look and feel.

In summer, having too much sunlight can also bring unwanted heat into your living space. To block out heat, replace old curtains with shutters. An automated timer can block out harsh afternoon or morning rays at specific times of the day. For more sustainable home improvement tips, read our home energy article.

Sundry clothes the natural way
For those of you who grew up with a backyard clothesline, the Hill Hoist was a great accessory in any backyard. Not only did it dry your clothes but it made for a great swing set. Sun-drying your clothes is much gentler on your clothes than a dryer. Not only that, overuse of a dryer can increase the moisture in your laundry room leading to mould growth.

Create your own Garden of Eden
Studies have shown indoor greenery regulates humidity and also boosts productivity and mood. Great for when we are all stuck indoors. A garden oasis can offer you shade on a hot summer’s day and peaceful tranquillity to your home. To give your new plants the best start in life, always invest in good quality compost and fertiliser. Investing in a home compost system will pay dividends later on. Not only do you create your own natural fertiliser, but it also reduces household waste.

Install water-saving devices
As our climate changes, it’s wise to invest in a backup water source. A rainwater system like an underground or rain tank will give you extra peace of mind. You will no longer need to rely on water sourced from water reservoirs. Great for those days when water restrictions return and your prized lawn turns brown.

To conserve water, install a solar-powered self-watering or timed drip irrigation system. These devices water your garden at the best time of the day when the sun isn’t too hot. There are also apps that can predict rain and adjust your garden’s water needs. These are designed to save you both time and money.

Invest in an electric vehicle
If you’re in the market for a new car, invest in a hybrid-electric or battery electric vehicle. As more countries ban petrol cars to meet their carbon emission targets, electric vehicles will be the only mode of transport in the future. However, before you buy, consider where you live and the practicalities of charging your car. Some places have apps that tell you where to find the nearest charging station. You can even go shopping while your car chargers. As infrastructure improves, an investment in low emissions vehicles makes economic sense.

Rebates that save on costs and improve your home’s sustainability
Consider switching to an energy provider that sources their energy from renewable sources. Or go one step further and install solar panels. Local governments may offer rebates to help you transition your home to a sustainable home. Rebates include installing energy-efficient LED lights, water-efficient appliances, and solar panels. Check your local and state government websites to see if you are eligible.

These are only a few easy home lifestyle tips that you can try today. Taking these first steps to improve your home will take you one step closer to designing the lifestyle you want.