Get Inspired By Environment-Conscious Millennials: Make Your Home Eco-Friendly

At 83 million and counting up, millennials are the largest generation in the history of the US. More importantly, people between the ages of 22 and 37 are the largest group of homebuyers, according to the statistics from the NAR (National Association of Realtors).

It shouldn’t surprise then that the preferences and habits of millennial home purchasers are impacting both remodels and new home designs. Compared to their predecessors, millennials are more environmentally- and budget-savvy, preferring smaller houses built with sustainable materials and technologies that reduce emissions and waste of resources.

Size Matters

Whether building from scratch or adding on, millennial homeowners tend to analyze their needs and try to end up with a smaller package.

While the weather and outside temperature can’t be controlled, size can, and smaller often means more sustainable both in terms of materials used and heating requirements.

One way of keeping the square footage at bay is to design smaller bedrooms. For the young generation of homeowners, the land isn’t only an asset but also a liability, as it requires maintenance and time, which can be spent elsewhere.

Recover The Heat

When you purchase a home, the first step should be to schedule an energy audit that would estimate the efficiency of the home’s existing systems. Based on the audit, your course of action could be to make the house more airtight by caulking gaps around doors, windows, and recessed ceiling lights.

If the existing windows don’t provide good air seal, replace them with multi pane windows. Based on the R-value for your area, proceed to upgrade the wall, attic, and basement insulation.

In colder climates, such an “air-tight” home needs a heat recovery ventilator that brings in the fresh air.

Use A Smart Thermostat

As if it was designed with the busy generation of young professionals in mind, a smart thermostat can improve both your quality of life and your energy savings. Unlike traditional models that react only on the inside temperature input ranges, smart thermostats can be programmed to crank the heat up or down based on your lifestyle habits.  For example, when you leave for work and return home.

As a part of the home automation system, more advanced models can even “learn” your habits and preferences, while allowing you to control your home temperature via an associated smartphone app.

Invest In Solar Panels

With the cost of purchase and installation decreasing steadily, many millennials homeowners have taken advantage of the federal solar tax credit and installed solar panels on their homes.

The panels can be used on their own to take the load of the grid-sourced power during the day, or coupled with deep-cycle batteries, which allow you to use solar power even on cloudy days and at night.

To be able to use solar energy in your home, you should get a quality solar inverter since it plays an important role converting DC electricity from solar panels to AC electricity that is suitable for household use.

If you’re bothered with the aesthetics of solar panels, you can also look up solar tiles, which are immensely popular with the millennials as they fit perfectly in every roof design.

Consider Sustainable Landscaping

In parts of the developed world that have had freshwater issues for decades, such as southern California, homeowners have discovered that sustainable landscaping requires less water and maintenance, as plants are able to take care of themselves.

Through the use of native plants that are more resistant to both drought and pests, permeable pavers that allow stormwater to filter through, and drip irrigation that conserves water, you’ll be able to maintain a beautiful au naturel and environmentally-friendly garden.

Apart from limiting water use, sustainable landscaping also includes planting shade trees on the south side to block the sunlight and decrease the need for air-conditioning.

Embrace A Positive Lifestyle

Not all eco-friendly home tips revolve around smart tech and blueprints. The last but not the least important green-living tip is to make small changes and adjust your habits so your life takes on a more sustainable course.

Instead of splurging on appliances and electronics with the best energy ratings, why not switch them all off in one or two days a week and spend more quality time disconnected from the stresses of everyday life?

Clear your mind by paying more attention to the present moment and the growing world around you. Whether you’re composting or tending to your garden of edibles, it’s important to stay mindful and connect with all the important things in your life that easily slip forgotten, so you can live a positive lifestyle.

Becoming more eco-conscious not only helps you contribute to protecting the environment but also saves you money. However, apart from mechanical and electrical solutions you can apply to your home, it’s also important to adopt a greener lifestyle.

Bio

Lana Hawkins is a stay-at-home mom, writer, and interior design enthusiast. She loves writing about interiors, but her specialty is landscape design. She enjoys playing in the kitchen and cooking for her friends and family, spending time in nature and learning about other cultures by traveling. She is a regular contributor to smoothdecorator.com.