A Homeowner’s Guide to Sustainability in the Home
I remember discussing with Jon years ago that “sustainable homes are the future of residential real estate.” This was back when sustainable materials were out of reach for the average homeowner.
Time flies, and sustainable homes have been a standard practice in the industry for decades now. If you’re looking for smart ways to sell your home, sustainability is the answer. As a homeowner, it can get tough to maintain green features. But it’s not impossible.
“When flipping homes, we incorporate the primary sustainability practices that make the property more appealing to the buyers.” – Jon.
We have prepared a homeowner’s guide to sustainability, so that everyone has access to the best practices that can prolong the life of their home and the natural environment.
Energy Conservation
“Energy conservation is by far the easiest guideline to sustainability in the home. Any time my wife or I leave the room, we turn off the appliances (fan, AC, etc) and lower the energy costs.”
Elliot (Homeowner & Friend)
- Choose energy-efficient appliances.
- Use natural light during the day.
- Install LED light bulbs.
- Enhance your home’s insulation to conserve energy.
Water Conservation
Preserving water is another way to mitigate the negative impact of human activities on nature. Your perspective on conserving water will change once you learn how to save water.
“I had a bad habit of leaving the tap open. A small effort on my end to work on this habit has made a huge impact on my life. I am more conscious of how to improve sustainability in my home.”
- Preserve water by turning off the faucet when not in use.
- Conserve water by sharing tips with others.
- Implement smart water-saving strategies while gardening.
- Fix leaks (if any) in the plumbing system.
Kelly (Broker & Neighbor)
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
The three R’s of the environment are the golden rules that can foster sustainability in your home. Everyone can reduce waste by simply being aware of it.
- Limit the number of items you purchase – REDUCE.
- Repurpose materials to prolong their use – REUSE.
- Separate materials – RECYCLE.
Sustainable Landscaping
Sustainability in your home can also be initiated through landscaping. Jon emphasizes that “an efficient garden is easier to manage.”
“Sustainability offers an incentive to be more aware of our impact on nature.”
Josh (Agent & Colleague)
- Choose plants that will thrive in the garden without supplemental water.
- Sustainable landscape design emphasizes plant health.
- Eliminate invasive plants.
- Maintain a healthy soil.
Other Resources
Sustainable living IS possible, and every homeowner is trying to do their bit for the environment.
Here’s what I found useful:
