Over the last few years, we have heard the word sustainability thrown around quite often. But what does it mean? And how can we introduce it into our lifestyles and households?
Sustainability means meeting your needs without negatively impacting the needs of future generations. This also means becoming more environmentally aware and conscious of how your actions may affect the world around you. Implementing this mentality does not mean you have to skimp on style. In fact, many companies and start-ups have used the sustainability trend to their advantage and are creating amazing and environmentally-friendly products perfectly suitable for even the most stylish eco-warriors.
Here are some things you can implement to embrace sustainability in your home, without sacrificing your creativity or lifestyle.
THE SIX R’S
- REPAIR – Did you know that Australian’s alone send around 50 million tonnes of waste to landfill each year. In order to reduce this number, it is important to reuse a number of household waste items we would usually throw away. If you have items where their condition isn’t up to scratch, fix it, don’t throw it away! With a fresh lick of paint or stain, even the oldest and ugliest pieces can be given a second life.
- REPURPOSE – This is all about turning someone else’s trash into your treasure. Think wooden palette bed frames, repurposing glass jars or even turning paint tins into pots for growing plants.
- REFUSE – It’s 2019 and if you are still using single-use plastics you are already a step behind the rest of us! Now is our time to start saying no to single-use plastics. Replace your disposables with reusables, this goes for coffee cups, shopping bags and water bottles. Also try shopping at bulk food stores to help reduce your single-use plastic even further.
- REMEMBER – Finding it hard to remember your reusables? Why not keep a zero-waste kit by the front door or in the boot of your car, that way you always have them on hand.
- RESTORE – Give back to the earth and restore your backyard. Plants trees and native plants, not only will it make your garden more pleasing to the eye, it will, in turn, benefit the environment. Maybe even try introducing indoor plants to your home – they are a great way to introduce some colour and clarify the air.
- RESPECT – be aware of what you can do to protect our resources for future generations. One person can definitely make a difference and even the smallest swaps and household changes and contribute to the greater good.
CONTRIBUTING ON A LARGER SCALE
Building, renovating or making a few changes around your home? Consider these tips to help you live more sustainably.
- Choose efficient appliances – By choosing appliances with a better efficiency rating, you can keep your energy consumption down.
- Install rainwater tanks or greywater systems where possible – By using recycled or rainwater for your gardens, you can reduce your water consumption significantly.
- Install solar power – not only is solar energy a renewable resource, it is totally inexhaustible, meaning it does not emit any greenhouse gases. Better for your pocket and the environment – it truly is a win, win.
- Try and use recycled building materials – This has become a major trend in home design. Things such as timber floorboards, wall lining and joinery can all be created from recycled materials.
- Install double-glazed windows – These windows will help keep you warmer in the winter time and cooler in the summer!
- Bring sunlight into living spaces by orientating your home to have north-facing windows – By relocating your living areas, you can make the most of the warm winter sun, and the cooling summer breezes.
BENEFITS
Not only do you reduce your carbon footprint by installing these elements, but you can also significantly increase the value of your property. A federally-funded study showed that homes that were considered more sustainable can sell for around 10% more and almost 2 weeks faster than their non-sustainable counterparts. However, when it comes to making your home more sustainable, it doesn’t necessarily mean you need to spend copious amounts of cash. It can be as simple as using non-toxic materials, switching over your appliances or opting for an open-plan design with cross ventilation.
The study also showed that sustainably designed homes:
- Recorded more savings on utilities and required less maintenance.
- Required far less construction materials and released fewer emissions.
- Had high resale values.
- Informed the decision making of potential buyers.
In conclusion, we are seeing a shift towards more sustainable practices in and around the home. Today more homeowners are noticing this trend as a positive and by implementing changes (big or small), they are being rewarded financially.
iThink Property has a team of real estate agents in Ipswich and Toowoomba offering property sales and property management services. With a passion for people and property, iThink Property was conceived with the notion of building a team of good people to work in a real estate brand that did things differently. iThink Property focuses on transparency, communication, innovation and teamwork and has become a leading independent brand with unique points of difference. So whether you are thinking of buying, selling or renting, think iThink Property.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
07 3202 3040
A go getter and doer, Taylah is a no excuses, get the job done kind of girl. With a strong work ethic and high attention to detail, Taylah is happy to help out wherever she can. Armed with a degree in business specialising in marketing and public relations Taylah brings fresh ideas and innovation to the iThink team.
TAYLAH ANTONIOLLI – MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR