Our homes, if not efficiently designed, can be one of the biggest ways in which we increase our carbon footprint during our lifetime. By making a few small changes to your home design, you can create a home that is eco-friendly and sustainable, meaning over its lifetime, you’ll have much less energy wastage and in the process, you’ll save money too. Here are 5 eco-friendly home design ideas that won’t cost the earth.
Eco Paint
Many people don’t realise just how toxic some paint can be for the environment. You can’t just throw it away when you’re done; it needs to be responsibly disposed of otherwise it can pollute the environment.
By going for an eco-friendly paint instead of a regular paint, you’ll avoid toxic VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in your home. VOCs can be released into the air for years after application, not just while it is drying, and can have a detrimental impact on the indoor air quality of your home.
Known Effects is a proud supplier of Ecolour eco paint which is Australian made in Byron Bay and 100% VOC free.
Choose Recycled Materials
Using recycled materials in your build means that you aren’t buying more new resources and ultimately creating more waste. Reclaimed wood is usually easy to source and can be used around your homes, such as indoor or window frames, as flooring or as external decking.
Go Solar
Solar panels are much more affordable today than when they first entered the market and can result in long-term financial savings on your electricity or gas bills (for solar hot water systems). Not only that, but you won’t be using our valuable energy resources from your local electricity or gas supplier.
Install A Rainwater Tank
Water is a precious commodity and should be used sparingly where possible. One of the biggest uses of water in your home can be your garden which here in Australia requires regular watering. While there are set limits from your local water corporation to help combat water wastage, if you want to save more water, consider installing an underground bore or rainwater tank. You can then connect it to your reticulation and use it to water your garden, and even connect it to your indoor plumbing where it can be used as greywater to flush your toilets.
Light Up With LEDs
Many home builders these days are installing LED lights over traditional ones and it’s not hard to see why. They use around 75% less energy than the traditional light bulbs and they last so much longer as well. Depending on the type of LED you choose, they can last around 10 years – that’s 10 years of never having to change a light bulb! They’re often more powerful too, yet use so much less energy so this really is a no-brainer when it comes to eco-friendly home design ideas.
Have you got an eco-friendly home product that you’d love to showcase on Known Effects? Get in touch with us now and let’s talk!
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