If there is something a lot of people are passionate about these days, it is sustainability. As the world has seen how the environment declined over the years, people are now more conscious of how they live. They consume less plastic, support local businesses, take public transportation, and pay more attention to recycling.
To further understand why we need to live a sustainable lifestyle, we must understand sustainability. Sustainability refers to addressing the people’s necessities without compromising the next generation’s ability to meet theirs.
People think that living solo is not eco-friendly. However, solo living can encourage one to live a more sustainable lifestyle. Moreover, building a home that utilizes the internet of things scares off many people, with fears that automation will increase their energy usage. Building a green, sustainable solo space is not an easy task, but it has long-term benefits. If you’re thinking about living a sustainable solo lifestyle, here are things that you need to consider.
Choose a reasonable space.
Less is more when it comes to living sustainably. According to a study, most solo people live in central cities where public transport is accessible. They also live closer to work. As these people mostly live in rented accommodation, they do not have to worry about mortgages and taxes. If you have no plans of building a family in the future, you can settle for a smaller house or an apartment rental. These cover lesser space and are less expensive in the long run.
Let the light in.
Natural lighting does wonders not just for your sustainability goals but for your budget as well. No one wants to live in a house where the lights are turned on 24/7. Installing bigger windows is a great way to lower your energy costs. Natural light helps heat your home for more warmth. You will also end up using less electricity because you won’t always have to turn on smaller lights. Natural light will also mean you will be using less energy on heating. If you want to turn it up a notch, you can invest in double glazing or roof and wall insulation so you can return more heat inside your home.
If you don’t need it, turn it off.
Leaving your appliances on standby use more energy. Taking the time to remember when it’s time to turn the lights and electronics office is a conscious effort that will significantly reduce your energy consumption.
Consider using preloved items for your home.
Another tip for maintaining a sustainable lifestyle is to invest in pre-loved furniture for your home instead of buying new ones. Not only are you helping others get rid of stuff that they no longer need, but you are also reducing your environmental impact.
Minimalism is a sustainable practice that many individuals embrace. However, some people throw out items only to replace them with new ones. Minimalism is more than just living a neutral-looking aesthetic. But it can also reflect on our consumption habits.
You can score good finds in a local thrift store or your neighborhood garage sale. And if you really want a new start, invest in timeless pieces. They may cost more, but these will stand the test of time.
Implement green tech into your home life.
Living in the 21st century means we are technologically equipped to pursue sustainable living. We are in the age of the internet of things and smart home systems. While most people think these systems use more energy, it actually does the opposite.
Digitizing the way we live helps us overcome challenges at home. Implementing green energy solutions into your home does not stop with the switch from the ordinary bulb to a LED light. There are other ways you can implement green tech into your home.
You can check out water-saving devices that maximize the flow of water in your home. There are also smart plugs that can be used for devices like hair straighteners, irons, and other non-smart systems in your house. For high-powered devices like televisions and air conditioners, you can convert to a power strip that helps manage energy distributed in different devices.
Some devices can be programmed and operated with a mobile app. From dishwashers, vacuum cleaners to air conditioners, smart technologies offer eco-friendly solutions. These devices usually turn themselves off after some time, which helps you utilize your energy efficiently.
You do not have to deprive yourself of the good things to live a sustainable life. The future generations depend on how we utilize our resources at present. Putting in the effort to make the world a better place starts with small yet meaningful habits.