JOIN USGoing green is a way of life now. Over the past decade, a massive revolution has taken place in terms of eco-friendly designs and sustainable practices.
And if you want to join the movement, what can be a better start it than applying it in your homes. Interior designer Parull Mahaajan suggests some tips that can ensure safe, chemical free homes.
nNon-synthetic and non-toxic materials: Building materials emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) — one of the largest sources of pollution emitting. This hazard can be combated to a great extent by using building materials which emit very less or no VOCs at all.
nEnergy efficient equipment: ‘Energy star’ label on a piece of equipment states that particular product has been deemed as energy efficient by the Environmental Protection Agency.
It is becoming a well known label and consumers today choose energy star appliances for their homes as they offer significant cost and energy savings without
compromising performance.
nProper insulation: Insulation is one of the most important things we need to consider while building a green home. There should be no air leaks around windows, doors and ducts. Proper insulation not only reduces energy consumption but also brings down the electricity bills substantially.
nSolar panels: Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy. Solar panels are an emerging trend for people who want to utilise the power of the sun. It may seem expensive, but the long-term savings are huge. Using solar power brings down the energy consumption to a great extent.
nEnergy saving lighting: Both LED and CFL cost more upfront but use less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Since they offer significant cost savings in the long run, they are the ideal choice for green homes.
nRainwater harvesting: One must install rainwater harvesting system to collect rainwater from roofs and then store it in a tank. The collected water can then be used for other purposes such as toilets and sprinkler systems. Rain barrels are one of the most common methods of rainwater harvesting being used today.
nOutdoor and indoor plants: Live plants inside and outside homes act as natural air filters, and some plants are particularly effective absorbers of harmful pollutants emitted from carpets, furniture, and electronic equipment like spider plants, boston ferns, rubber plants, and palm trees.
nEfficient landscaping: Shady landscaping protect homes from direct sunlight during summers and allows more sunlight through windows during the winter. Planting trees on southern and western side can keep homes cooler as the trees would block sunlight from falling directly and during winters, when trees lose their leaves, more sunlight will reach the home.