# Simple Home Improvement that Creates a Sustainable Home to live 

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/05/simple-home-improvement-that-creates-a-sustainable-home-to-live/
- Published: 2020-05-01T02:35:02-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Firstly, since the industrial revolution, societies have been driven to consume.
In addition, our consumerist world exploded after the world wars and continued to
expand to this day. Therefore, children are raised to do good in school. You know
get a high paying job and live years of abundance. More noteworthy, material wealth
has always been our standard of success. Now we are In with sustainable living.

#### **Don’t you think it’s time for a change?**

Cause there’s an emerging movement that aims to challenge our perception of a successful
life. So that’s called minimalism. Minimalism, contrary to popular belief, is not
a product of the 21st century. It’s consequently in the core of many cultures in
Asia.

Thereby the Buddhist concept of Zen. It also therefore emphasizes on an individual’s
consciousness of the self. As well as and more interestingly its relations with 
nature.

“Zen contends that physical nature and human nature must be sought. That’s also 
in an experiential dimension practically trans-descending,” according to a [paper](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/japanese-zen/)
published by Stanford University. So minimalists are also upholding the Zen principle
in various aspects of their life. In addition from their decision-making behaviors
to their lifestyle choices.

#### **Sustainable living: a complete lifestyle shift**

[⌊Sustainable living⌉⌊Sustainable living⌉[
 Photo courtesy of [Burst](https://static.pexels.com/photos/374871/pexels-photo-374871.jpeg) via Pexels

First of all, sustainable living is a way of life. One that involves reduced dependence
on natural resources. It embodies the Zen principles of caring for nature and the
ideals of minimalism. To live a sustainable life, you may need to make a significant
shift in your mindset. “It is such a simple principle. Although and yet if it is
extended to include all living beings (that’s an essential component of sustainable
living). It thereby requires a complete shift in how we live our lives. Because 
we do unto others all day long. All through the clothes we buy and the energy we
use. As well as the food we eat. Yes and even the toothpaste we brush our teeth 
with.

Therefore every choice we make impacts others. All from its creation, its distribution,
its use and also its disposal. All thereby noted by [GlobalStewards.org](http://www.globalstewards.org/).

Sustainability in your living space can also be therefore done in simple ways. If
you’re new to the concept, you can start with the easiest steps. Here are some home
improvement tips for a sustainable living.

#### **Explore passive design strategies**

[⌊Explore passive design strategies⌉⌊Explore passive design strategies⌉[
 Photo courtesy of [Burst](https://static.pexels.com/photos/545034/pexels-photo-545034.jpeg) via Pexels

Passive architecture, light day lighting is such an effective sustainable living
technique to use [energy efficient](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/understanding-the-difference-between-portable-standby-and-solar-generators/)
designs.  All to reduce ecological footprints. It includes daylighting, natural 
ventilation and solar energy. Daylighting simply means using sunshine to illuminate
your space. You can create external reflection letting sunlight reflect from the
flooring of your home. Therefore including wide window sills, and light shelves.
So internal reflection can be achieved allowing natural light to reflect from internal
walls. In addition ceiling and high reflectance surfaces. You can also apply light-
colored finishes and mount mirrors. All to reflect light around your home. However,
avoid high levels of direct sunlight that can cause glare and increase the need 
for cooling.

Passive cooling strategies involve energy efficient designs to control heat gain
in spaces. These designs include ventilation, windows insulation, and shading. Remember
that the cooling strategies you can apply in your home is determined by your climate.
If you live in a tropical region, you may need year-round shading.

#### **Create indoor green spaces**

[⌊Create indoor green spaces⌉⌊Create indoor green spaces⌉[

Photo courtesy of [Lum3n.com](https://static.pexels.com/photos/309724/pexels-photo-309724.jpeg)
via Pexels

[Studies](https://journalistsresource.org/studies/environment/cities/health-benefits-urban-green-space-research-roundup/)
suggest that living near green spaces is good for one’s mental and physical health.
Greenery has a therapeutic impact that helps reduce stress levels. Living in a neighborhood
with parks and open spaces encourage an active and fit lifestyle. You can reap the
benefits of green spaces by creating one inside your home. If you’re living in a
tight condo space, you can install a vertical garden in the patio, kitchen, and 
even in the living room. There’s a wealth of creative condo garden tips you can 
check on Pinterest and other social media sites.

#### **Houseplants offer a number of benefits.**

They can purify the air and cool down room temperature. They provide supply for 
fresh vegetables and herbs, and decorate a space. More interestingly the pothos 
plant can absorb toxins like formaldehyde from carpets and floor cleaning materials.
The spider plant, which is usually displayed as hanging plants. Also they have air
purifying qualities similar with dracaena and weeping fig. Other plants that can
clean indoor air and have cooling effects include bamboo palm, boston fern, and 
aloe vera.

#### **Go energy efficient with your appliances and gadgets**

[⌊Sustainable living and being a minimalist lifestyle doesn&apost mean that you should let go of the comforts of technology It&aposs just a matter of choosing the right furnishings and appliances Go only for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings When shopping for electronic devices choose energy star labeled products Since they can save up to 75 in power consumption Cause then you can further cut down your energy consumption Plus and more importantly save on costs by using an advanced power strip⌉⌊Sustainable living and being a minimalist lifestyle doesn&apost mean that you should let go of the comforts of technology It&aposs just a matter of choosing the right furnishings and appliances Go only for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings When shopping for electronic devices choose energy star labeled products Since they can save up to 75 in power consumption Cause then you can further cut down your energy consumption Plus and more importantly save on costs by using an advanced power strip⌉[
 Photo courtesy of [Burst](https://static.pexels.com/photos/374631/pexels-photo-374631.jpeg) via Pexels

Sustainable Living and being a minimalist lifestyle doesn’t mean that you should
let go of the comforts of technology. It’s just a matter of choosing the right furnishings
and appliances. Go only for appliances with high energy-efficiency ratings. When
shopping for electronic devices, choose Energy Star-labeled products. Since they
can save up to 75% in power consumption. Cause then you can further cut down your
energy consumption. Plus and more importantly save on costs by using an advanced
power strip.

This reduces “vampire loads” or electricity wasted. You know when appliances and
gadgets are plugged and then unused. Vampire loads commonly occur in computers, 
kitchen appliances, and home entertainment systems.

#### **_For your computer, here are 3 no nonsense tips to go energy efficient:_**

Use your computer on low-power mode. This can save energy, and allows your equipment
to run cooler and last longer

Turn off the switch on the power strip or surge protector if the plugged equipment
is not in use

Activate the power management feature on your computer. This will therefore automatically
put your screen into sleep mode after a period of inactivity

#### **Take advantage of government-sponsored programs**

[⌊Ford went mustang mach e⌉⌊Ford went mustang mach e⌉[
 Photo courtesy of [Pixabay](https://static.pexels.com/photos/302842/pexels-photo-302842.jpeg) via Pexels

The US Department of Energy (DOE) developed a national rating system. So in part
Sustainable living has the Home Energy Score, that assesses the energy efficiency
of a home based on the architectural design and heating, cooling, and hot water 
systems. The agency offers financial incentives and financing programs that attain
a high Home Energy Score.

For solar energy systems, you can avail of a [federal tax credit](https://www.energy.gov/savings/dsire-page)
for 30% throughout 2019, 26% for 2020 and 22% for 2021. The taxpayer may claim the
credit of qualified expenditures on an energy-saving system in a residential structure
he owns in the United States. “Expenditures include labor costs for on-site preparation,
assembly or original system installation, and for piping or wiring to interconnect
a system to the home,” according to the DOE.

In conclusion, sustainable living is a change in mindset and behavior. It involves
simple, mundane decisions such as recycling plastic cups and major matters like 
shifting to a passive home design. Finally, you don’t need to rush in and change
all your appliances tomorrow, but start in any way you can. Cause uncluttering your
home can be your starting point.

Author: Emily Harper, Mother, Blogger and Owner of the Blog Security Design Hub

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 greenlivingguy

 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author,
Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The
Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides
and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant
and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric
Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green
Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For 
Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke #
Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power
System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow.

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