Did you know that the U.S. is the only developed country that still has a suburban home style of living as the modus operandi? That’s right; our whole continent mostly lives in their cars to and from work, homes, and school!
They’re built with materials that are not eco-friendly. They’re usually located far from urban areas. And, they often have large yards that require a lot of resources to maintain.
Are you living the suburban dream? If so, how to make your home environmentally friendly? We have the answers for you in this article.
Suburban Home Agriculture
Suburban homes are typically built on large plots of land that are isolated from other homes and businesses.
This isolation means that residents must drive to get to the places they need to go. It increases their reliance on cars and contributes to air pollution and climate change.
Growing food in suburban yards can help to offset this environmental impact by reducing the need to drive to the store for groceries. Homegrown food is also typically fresher. It’s more nutritious than food that has been transported long distances.
To get started, suburbanites can begin by growing some of their favorite fruits and vegetables in their yards.
Multi-modal Transportation
Most suburban homes are designed for the use of a car as the primary mode of transportation. This is bad for the environment for a number of reasons. Cars produce emissions that pollute the air and contribute to climate change.
They also require a lot of resources to build and maintain. There are a number of ways to make suburban homes more environmentally friendly.
One is to design them for multi-modal transportation, which means making it easy to use a variety of transportation modes.
Including walking, biking, and public transit. This can be done through things like creating pedestrian-friendly streets and providing bike storage.
Proximity Instead of Density
The average suburban home is detrimental to the environment in a number of ways. They are generally located far from essential amenities, meaning more cars on the road and more sprawl.
They also tend to have large yards that require a lot of water and chemicals to maintain. Finally, they tend to have less energy-efficient construction and appliances. There are a number of ways to make suburban homes more environmentally friendly.
One is to encourage proximity instead of density. This means creating incentives for people to live closer together, such as by providing good public transportation and walkable neighborhoods.
Another way is to require or encourage green construction practices, such as using sustainable materials and solar panels. With solar installation, we can offset our energy use. Finally, promoting water conservation and energy efficiency can also go a long way.
Community Involvement
There are many ways to make suburban homes more sustainable and friendly to the environment, but it starts with community involvement.
Getting people involved in the planning and development process is essential to ensuring that these communities are designed with sustainability in mind.
This includes things like community gardens, green spaces, and walkable neighborhoods. Community gardens not only provide fresh produce for families, but also promote a sense of community involvement and pride.
When people are involved in the planning process, they are more likely to care about the community and the environment.
Energy Efficient Home Upgrades
Some new suburban homes are built to be energy efficient; the vast majority are not. There are many things that homeowners can do to make their suburban homes more energy efficient and reduce their environmental impact.
Energy-efficient light bulbs, appliances, and windows can save money and conserve energy. Adding insulation and weather-stripping can reduce heating and cooling costs. Solar panels can also provide renewable energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Homeowners can also take steps to reduce water consumption, such as using drought-tolerant landscaping, low-flow plumbing fixtures, and rain barrels. By making simple upgrades, homeowners can make a big difference to the environment.
Teach Your Kids About Nature
Teach your kids about nature. It is a great way to instill in them the importance of protecting the environment. You can take them on hikes. Have them help you in the garden and teach them about the wildlife in your area.
Show them the beauty of the outdoors and instill in them a respect for all living things.
Help them understand the importance of conserving resources and protecting our natural heritage. Raise environmentally conscious kids so you can help create a greener future for all.
Take The Zero-Waste Challenge
Taking the Zero Waste Challenge is a great way to start making your home more sustainable. The challenge provides tips and resources on how to live a waste-free lifestyle.
Additionally, there are many other ways to make your suburban home more environmentally friendly.
Some simple tips include composting, using green cleaning products, investing in energy-efficient appliances, and using green transportation options.
Patronize Seasonal Local and Organic Food
From the pesticides and herbicides used on our lawns to the emissions from our cars, it’s no wonder that our suburban homes are bad for the environment. But there are ways to make them better. One way is to patronize seasonal, local, and organic food.
Support local and organic farmers. Seasonal produce is more flavorful and nutritious than out-of-season produce that has been shipped from far away. When we buy local, we reduce our carbon footprint and support sustainable agriculture.
Make Suburban Homes More Environmentally Friendly
A suburban home is bad for the environment, but there are ways to make them better. Homeowners can start by making small changes, like planting trees and shrubs, to help offset their carbon footprint.
They can also install solar panels and install low-flow fixtures to conserve water. By working together, we can make our suburban neighborhoods more sustainable. Protect our planet for future generations.
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