Pages In This Section

Furniture

Lower living costs, 2008 green home design and ideas

It can be true that creating a green home and design is sometimes expensive. However, the long-term benefits of early investment are great, allowing consumers to save money and have an eco friendly home and lifestyle. Using recycled materials and items is a way to curb high costs. Being eco friendly is easier today, with plenty newly-developed building materials, fittings, furniture and décor available on the market. There is a strong trend where people are living in a more sustainable way and have a better attitude toward protecting our environment.

1. Go green with the original infrastructure of your home. When designing your home think of adding green energy saving ideas such as double-glazing on windows and ceiling insulation.
2. Think green when it comes to fittings. Use energy-saving lighting, such as fluorescent lighting. Using compact fluorescent bulbs will allow for up to 80% more power saving than regular light bulbs.
3. Another energy saving idea for long-term gain is an electricity monitor, to keep tabs on how much power you’re using every month.
4. Add recycled furniture to your home. Support local and international artists who create beautiful, useful furniture and home décor, such as out-door furniture and kitchen countertops. Alternatively, create your own recycled fittings to decorate your home, find interesting pieces of wood, metal or glass to make lamps, decorate mirrors and more.
5. For interior decorating use non-toxic materials such as clay plaster and natural pigment paints.
6. Consider solar power for your home. Thinking in terms of sustainable living, will lead to an eco friendly life.

Have a holistic and natural approach to your home’s design and décor. Consider using natural fibres such as cork and locally sourced wood flooring. Curtains and other soft furnishings can also be found in natural eco friendly materials, such as pure wool.

Having a green home is an eco friendly way to live, however, remember that you, the occupant, needs to also live in a green and environmentally friendly way. Here are a few points for “greenie” living.

1. Turn off unused lights in order to save electricity.
2. Switch off appliances at the wall when they’re not in use, as some appliances still use power even when on stand-by.
3. Use less water, as you can help the environment by reducing your water bill.
4. Run a cold wash on your washing machine, as hot water uses more energy.
5. Recycle used containers such as tins, bottles and some plastics.
6. Keeping your car in good running order with regular servicing will reduce emissions and lower fuel costs.

Go green from the outside to the inside of your home. Living in a sustainable and eco friendly manner will help in the battle to save our environment, and save you money in the long run.