If you would like to live a more sustainable lifestyle at home, it’s actually simpler than you think. With a few upgrades and changes to your habits, you can make your current home more self-sufficient. Running a sustainable and self-sufficient home will also allow you to save money in the long run, and it’s very satisfying in other ways.
You can minimize the environmental impact your home life has overall. With the help of renewable energy sources, you can heat and power your property. If you have outdoor space, you can also grow your own vegetables and maintain your garden with homemade compost. It’s even possible to make a smaller urban home much more sustainable. Here are seven practical ideas that you can try.
Making a Sustainable and Self-Sufficient Home
Harvest rainwater
One of the best ways to make a sustainable and self-sufficient home is to collect rainwater. There are several ways you can harvest rainwater. One common system is to use a downpipe connected to a barrel on the ground. The water you collect can be used directly in your garden, or for washing, or treated to be used in the home as drinking water.
Try to conserve as much water as possible, especially tap water. One way to do this is to ensure your plumbing is up to date with a new system. Connect an expert for faucet repair or if you are concerned about leaks. These could cause unnecessary water wastage otherwise.
Install solar panels
Installing solar panels is actually easier than you might think and will definitely make for a more sustainable and self-sufficient home. They’re also very effective for powering your home and the technology has come a long way. They will provide energy to all your electrical appliances and you can even reserve this with a more high-tech system.
What’s more, solar panels will also save you money. You’ll be able to take advantage of the federal solar tax credit and your energy bills will be significantly reduced. It couldn’t be a better time to make the switch to solar power.
Plant vegetables
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as growing your own crops. Even if you don’t have much space, you can grow vegetables in pots or free-standing flower beds made from old wooden crates. This is a great way to create a sustainable and self-sufficient home.
You can do this on a balcony or small patio. The best thing is there are different fruits, vegetables, and herbs depending on the season, so you can enjoy a range almost all year round. If you’re not much of an experienced gardener, here is a beginner’s guide to growing your own vegetables. It’s not as much work as it sounds, and you’ll be able to enjoy the results. Plus, it will help you reduce supermarket waste and save money.
Make your own compost
You can create a self-sustained garden as well by making your own compost. This is also a good way to reduce food and green waste. You can make compost outside using a wooden crate. Simply throw in fruit and vegetable peelings along with smaller pieces of garden waste such as grass clippings. You might also need to add water and monitor its decomposition. Here are a few more tips on how to make compost.
Decorate with recycled materials
If you decide to spruce up your home, try to always decorate with recycled materials. This goes for both the interior and exterior and makes for a more sustainable and self-sufficient home. Reclaimed wood adds a beautiful touch to your home’s exterior, for example, and each piece is recycled and tells a story. You could also try upcycling second-hand furniture or making your own creation by repurposing old household items. Always look for locally sourced materials for any construction projects to reduce the environmental impact.
Reduce waste
With a few changes to your habits, you can live a more minimalistic zero-waste lifestyle. Refill containers at the store rather than buying products with excessive packaging. Be mindful about what you buy, and think twice before stocking up on unnecessary items.
In order to reduce food waste, plan your meals and stick to a shopping list. Freeze leftovers and try to finish the remainder of the ingredients you have. Anything fruit or vegetable-based can also go in your homemade compost. These are great ideas to have a more sustainable and self-sufficient home.
Consider downsizing
There are actually several benefits of downsizing that go beyond financial savings. Smaller homes are easier to maintain which is much less stressful. They’re also more energy-efficient. Downsizing will also encourage you to get used to a more minimalist lifestyle, which is better for the environment overall. You’ll learn to make the most of the space and the things you have. Find the right solution for you, whether it’s a self-sufficient homestead or an upgrade to a more sustainable property.
Final Thoughts
To make a sustainable and self-sufficient home, you can use the tips and ideas above. Do you practice different methods on your farm or on your homestead to create a more sustainable and self-sufficient home? Share your ideas below!