Top eco-friendly features for your home

Homeowners are increasingly becoming aware of the factors that are causing harm to our environment. Daily habits such as eliminating the use of plastic straws or driving electric cars make up a portion of being environmentally conscious. To avoid causing further harm to the planet, many homeowners choose to include eco-friendly features in their homes.

Solar power
Solar energy is becoming one of the most exciting innovations in eco-friendly home design. Just like all other renewable energies, solar energy is safe to use and is also environmentally friendly since there are no emissions as the source of fuel is the sun. Solar energy can be used to power equipment such as water heaters, lighting, water pumps, and more. According to www.energy.gov.za, South Africa's annual 24-hour global solar radiation average is about 220 W/m2, as compared with about 150 W/m2 for parts of the USA, and about 100 W/m2 for Europe. This beautiful country averages more than 2 500 hours of sunshine per year, and average solar-radiation levels range between 4.5 and 6.5kWh/m2 in one day, making a solar-powered home a great investment to have. Equipping your home with solar power is not only eco-friendly, but it also saves you money on your electricity bills and ensures that you have electricity during load shedding and other power failures.

Use recycled products
By purchasing and using recycled materials in your home you assist in reducing the need to damage forests, wetlands, rivers and other places essential to wildlife. Common products made from recycled items can include toilet roll, plastic bottles, trash bags, kitchenware, and more. It is also a great idea to continue the circle of recycling. Cardboard boxes, including cereal boxes, pizza boxes, and any other type of paper packaging can be recycled. It is advisable to not throw them out with your trash as these items have a negative environmental impact. Old books can also be sent for recycling, but a smarter option would be to donate them to your local library or sell them. Most plastic bottles may also be recycled, however, be wary that some bottle caps are not recyclable.

Vegetable gardens
There has been an increasing demand for organic produce over the past decade. More and more homeowners are choosing to grow their own vegetables and fruit in their gardens. The 'farm-to-table' concept is widely popular where individuals pick veggies from their gardens for instant consuming. Having a healthy vegetable garden does not only encourage the use of fresh produce but also promotes the cycle of growth and decomposition that maintains healthy soil. Growing plants produce good clean oxygen that is beneficial to your health. Gardening is not only eco-friendly but can also be fun and relaxing for most people and is a great way to clear one's mind while enjoying fresh air and sunshine.

Save water
According to the WWF, South Africa is the 30th driest country in the world. With recent water shortages and more expected, homeowners need to save as much water as possible. The first step is to fix any leaks. You would also want to change your lifestyle in order to reduce the amount of water you use daily. For instance, have shorter showers, avoid filling up the bathtub, and do not leave the tap running when brushing your teeth. Water tanks have also become a must for most homes. These tanks store and filter rainwater for everyday use. Different tanks are used for different purposes.

Keen on finding your next home to make eco-friendly? Contact Knight Frank Properties today, our team of area specialists will help you find you the ideal home that will not only benefit you and your family but also reduce carbon footprints on the planet.