What modern urban living offers today are unimaginable creature comforts. But did you know that many of those luxuries come at the cost of draining and polluting the environment?
Perhaps, this shouldn’t come as a surprise.
As per data, India is the fourth most significant contributor to greenhouse gases in the world today.
A 2015 study found that Delhi and Mumbai topped the list of greenhouse gas emissions among major cities in India. (Other cities are fast catching up). And a huge chunk (approx. 30+%) of those greenhouse gases are produced from the residential sector. That’s clearly a LOT.
But there’s a way you can do your part for the environment.
The concept of green homes or sustainable living is catching up and with good reason. But is it worth it in the long run? We say yes.
Here’s why...
1. You will leave behind a better planet for your future generations, and they will be grateful to you for it
By:
Reducing your energy usage
Reducing your water usage
Making best use of household waste
You can make a HUGE difference.
Top green home projects are those that use solar energy for electrical needs like heating, cooling, and daily upkeep. Mind you, heating and cooling form the biggest contributors to our electrical demands.
Thus, by using solar energy, which is cleaner than fossil fuels, we can protect the environment from greenhouse gases.
Secondly, by harvesting rainwater, a green home lowers its dependence on municipal water supply. Water supply which is sourced from natural water bodies. Besides, by filtering grey water drained from kitchens, bathrooms and washing machines, gardens can be nurtured in communities. Thus excess water need not be spent on maintaining gardens.
Also, composting of biodegradable home waste into fertilisers for use in gardens is an excellent way to reduce domestic waste. This way, home waste, which would have otherwise ended up in landfills, causing land and air pollution can now be recycled back for constructive purposes.
Hence, by conserving and recycling resources, we can reduce the stress on nature and undo a lot of the damage we’ve already done on to mother earth.
2. It is also profitable
Energy efficient appliances may be expensive to start off, but you can save on thousands in bills through the lifetime of the appliance. Look at them as an investment rather than an expense.
Just as green home projects are all about creating sustainable units of living, you also want to be embracing a green living mindset. This opens up limitless creative opportunities for saving money in the long term.
For example, by deciding to eat home cooked meals more often, you’ll not only save a lot of money but also protect the environment.
At every step of the food production process beginning with cultivating the farm produce, then storing them, then transporting them, each of those steps requires electricity or the use of fossil fuels. This adds up to the footprint of our food supplies.
Now, when you eat out at a restaurant, you dine at a facility that runs on electricity. The place itself is well furnished, and all of that raises emissions on the same meal, had it been cooked at home.
That’s how a simple decision like cooking at home can save not only money but also the impact on our environment.
3. Your health and quality of life will improve
Wall paints are the leading cause of indoor air pollution. And that’s why today, eco-friendly, non-VOC paints are in such high demand.
These paints contribute to your well-being by bringing down the health hazards caused by inhaling the fumes of their VOC counterparts.
Moreover, green homes are now designed around a new scientific design principle called passive house design.
Passivhaus, which translates to ‘Passive House’, was originally conceived by a German physicist Dr Wolfgang Feist and construction expert Professor Bo Adamson, in the late 80’s.
This means as a resident of a green home you enjoy the benefits of optimal indoor temperature, excellent airflow and natural lighting without stepping out of your home or investing in expensive appliances.
With heat, light and air taken care off, you’ll experience an instant gain in overall health and life.
Summary
Green homes can be profitable, durable and healthier to live in.
With the shift to clean and renewable energy, it’s not surprising to see, that India is amongst the top ten countries in the world producing green solar power right now. Thus sustainability is no longer a distant dream but a near reality. With proper planning and sustainable choices, you can turn your home into a green dwelling.
If you’re stuck and want to learn more about how to make your home green, you may find these articles helpful to start with.
This article is contributed by RoofandFloor , part of KSL Digital Ventures Pvt. Ltd., from The Hindu Group
