Due to advances in technology, more ways of living in harmony with the Earth are available now than ever. Whether you are contemplating new construction or retrofitting your current residence, experts from a wide range of sectors have recommendations for improving your nest’s sustainability.
Environmental considerations for new construction
Ideally, new buildings should show consideration for the environment from the very beginning of the construction process. According to Hafsa Burt, seasoned architect and founder of hb+a Architects, one of the first things to be considered is the site itself.
“Strategically orienting the project site maximizes the use of natural elements such as wind patterns and solar exposure to enhance efficiency,” Burt says. “I also usually prioritize a compact footprint to decrease long-term energy demands.”
In addition, Burt carefully selects construction materials for their sustainability. “I keep an eye on their embodied carbon impact,” she explains. “This refers to the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of the construction materials. While traditional building materials like concrete warm the planet, biogenic materials like bamboo and wood do not.”
Burt’s carbon-neutral approach also prioritizes clean indoor air, which brings us to an important consideration for buildings of any age: preventing air pollution.
Ensuring clean air in your home
The worst form of air pollution a home can suffer from is radon, a poisonous gas that human senses fail to detect and can even cause lung cancer. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates radon is responsible for over 21,000 deaths in the US every year.
Radon is also surprisingly common. One study has found that nearly 22 percent of homes in Massachusetts have elevated radon levels, and other states are even worse.
The good news is that there’s a cost-effective way to test for radon: Ecosense radon monitors. These unobtrusive machines identify and report even minor changes in radon levels, so owners always know their home’s air quality and can take measures if necessary.
Spare the landfill
Landfills in the US bulge with 10 million tons of discarded household linens every year. According to Parima Ijaz, founder of Certified Egyptian cotton sheets company Pure Parima, part of the problem is that typical bed sheets only last about two to five years.
“Some fabrics like linen and polyester do not keep very well after multiple washes and can start to deteriorate quickly,” Ijaz explains. “They start to develop pills and fray.”
The solution is to choose bedding like verified 100 percent Egyptian cotton, which lasts much longer. “The rare cotton fibers used to weave these sheets help create a strong, durable fabric,” Ijaz says. “When cared for properly — using cold water, drying on low, and avoiding harsh detergents and softeners — you can make Egyptian cotton sheets last for over a decade. High-quality linen like Egyptian cotton will get softer after each wash and maintain their lustrous look and feel.”
Poor-quality sheets aren’t just bad for the environment — they’re also bad for you. “Sleeping on damaged bedding can hinder sleep quality due to increased allergens, irritated skin, and overall discomfort,” Ijaz says.
Make your floor a friend to the environment
Even your home’s flooring can have an environmental impact. According to Rotem Eylor, CEO of custom flooring design company Republic Floor, the most eco-friendly floors are made out of sustainable materials like bamboo, hardwood, recycled wood, ceramic tile, or natural stone.
“Choose durable materials like these, so you don’t have to replace materials as often, which will reduce waste,” Eylor says. He advises looking for labels or certifications that show the product meets environmental standards and has low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions. “Harmful chemicals are terrible for indoor air quality,” he adds.
In addition, if you are considering wood floors, prioritize products that guarantee responsible harvesting practices. Finally, Eylor reminds people to think before throwing their old flooring away. “You may be able to reuse or recycle it,” he says.
Switch to LED lights
The less energy a household consumes, the more sustainable it is. That’s why lighting is particularly important. “LED light bulbs consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, reducing electricity bills and carbon emissions,” says Dara Greaney, CEO and founder of e-commerce lighting company LEDLightExpert.com. “They also have a much longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements and waste. According to the US Department of Energy, residential LEDs — especially ENERGY STAR-rated products — use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.”
Moreover, Greaney points out that “many LED bulbs are dimmable, allowing users to adjust lighting levels according to their needs and further conserve energy.” He also explains that since LED bulbs emit “very little heat compared to incandescents,” they contribute to a “cooler indoor environment” and reduce the energy required for cooling.”
Heating and cooling considerations
“Make sure the air conditioner you purchase is properly sized for your home,” advises Melanie Powers, President of Goodberlet Home Services. “An undersized air conditioner will cause high humidity in your home, leading many homeowners to turn the thermostat down to compensate for the higher humidity. They spend more on utilities in the process.”
In addition, Powers recommends purchasing equipment with the ENERGY STAR label. Ashley Tison, CEO and Founder of OZPros, agrees. “By choosing appliances that use less energy and materials that offer better insulation, you don’t just benefit the environment — you can also save a lot of money on bills,” Tison says.
Importantly, Powers also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment is properly installed. “Improper installation can mean an up to 30 percent reduction of efficiency,” she warns.
Renewable power
For Tison, an expert on sustainable development, the “cornerstone” of an eco-friendly home is incorporating solar power. “Installing a solar system decreases fossil fuel usage and opens up the possibility of net-zero energy consumption,” he says. “These homes can power themselves and even have energy left over to feed back into the grid. Moreover, the government provides tax incentives for households transitioning to solar.”
Tison’s company builds eco-friendly projects in Opportunity Zones — historically marginalized communities in the US where the government provides incentives for development. “We foster economic growth and the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable living solutions at the same time,” he explains.
Start somewhere
The experts agree that there are numerous ways to make your home greener without painting it. If this list seems overwhelming, keep in mind that implementing even just one of these strategies will move the needle. For this reason, it’s important just to start somewhere, whether it be as small as replacing your old light bulbs with LEDs or as big as constructing a whole new eco-friendly building.
