Sustainable Living Tips For The Home

“There is no such thing as ‘away’. When we throw anything away, it must go somewhere.” – Annie Leonard

Embracing the sustainable living movement and leaning into ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ can be a fantastic way to improve your carbon footprint and enjoy daily life. For those who live in the municipality of Melbourne, it’s worth noting that Melbourne City Council states that ‘environmental sustainability is the basis of all future Melbourne goals’.

Taking action within our homes, living sustainably, and being environmentally conscious is increasingly crucial today. It is beneficial for the planet and can save you money and improve your overall health, particularly when looking at the materials used to make household items, including furniture.

We know that in Melbourne and surrounds we are fortunate to have such a sublime variety of architecture. No matter what era or style your home is, it’s very achievable to incorporate sustainable home décor and daily habits and embrace a new sustainable lifestyle.

Here are some sustainable tips for daily living:

1. Reduce your energy usage: Save energy by switching to energy-efficient light bulbs, unplugging appliances when not in use, and using programmable options within your appliances, including heating and cooling and washing cycles. Sometimes these are pre-programmed. Look for ‘eco’ settings or even consider contacting manufacturers for more guidance.
2. Use natural cleaning products: Replace chemical-laden cleaning products with natural alternatives such as vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda. Add essential oils for enhanced natural fragrances and experiment with your own personal preferences for scents.
3. Decrease water usage: Repair leaks, take shorter showers, and use low-flow showerheads and toilets to reduce your water consumption. Your local hardware store can be a great resource for getting started with making such changes.
4. Purchase sustainable products: Look for products made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, recycled plastic, and organic cotton. This can include kitchen items, serving ware, linen, home décor, and cushions.
5. Compost: Composting your food waste and yard debris can help decrease waste, and provide nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Here are some sustainable tips for staging your home for sale:

1. Choose natural materials that work within your chosen colour palette and theme. Opt for furniture and decor made from sustainable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood, stone, and glass, all of which can come up beautifully in photographs. This can also add a unique look that complements the structure of your home.
2. Add plants: Plants add a nod to nature within your home and help purify the air while creating a more inviting environment. Touches of greenery could work well within your photography and marketing campaign and enhance the liveable, appealing aesthetics during open inspections.
3. It’s very possible that in preparing to sell, you’ll be rolling up your sleeves and painting or outsourcing to a painter. Consider using eco-friendly paint and select or request paint with low or no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) to create a healthier environment for potential buyers. This can be communicated to those who inspect your home and will undoubtedly be appreciated by those with babies, children or those expanding their families and planning a nursery.
4. Highlight sustainable features: If your home has solar panels, a rainwater collection system, or other large-scale sustainable features, be sure to showcase them during staging. People are increasingly looking to invest in these; if you already have them in your property, don’t forget to include them in your campaign. Your agent should be across this too.

By implementing these sustainable living tips, you can transform your home into an eco-friendly and desirable space for yourself or those who may enjoy your home in the future.

It's a win-win for both you and the environment.