If we want to live in a sustainable world, we need to make some sustainable changes in our lives too. Our homes are where we spend the most amount of time in a day. Whether you live in luxury apartments in Chennai or luxury villas in Chennai, we need to make eco-friendly changes in our immediate surroundings. Let’s start by looking at some of the sustainable features of a healthy home.
Energy Efficient lighting and appliances
If you want your home to be truly sustainable in the long run, you need to check for energy-efficient appliances and fittings. This is especially important for light fixtures, as they are the ones we change the most. LED bulbs and tubes tend to last longer than incandescent lights and also consume less energy. They don’t give off much heat either, reducing the strain on the air conditioners. Alternatively, you can amp up the home with sensor technology for automated regulation of the fixtures.
Low VOC products
VOCs or Volatile Organic Compounds are organic compounds that are released into the air from the products we use. The range includes benzene, ethylene glycol, formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, etc. These can be found in anything, right from furniture to the mattress we sleep on. They are also found in adhesives, paints, caulks, etc., used in the construction of the house.
- Don’t stock up on construction materials and leave them lying in the home.
- Check with your interior designer on low VOC paints and furnishings.
- Try to buy furniture that has been on display in the store, as they have had time and exposure to expel much of their VOCs.
- Keep all the rooms well ventilated to ensure movement of fresh air and that the stale air with the VOCs moves out of the home.
Recyclable, regenerative, and locally sourced products
When choosing your insulation materials, check for those made from recyclable and regenerative materials like cork, bamboo, rice, and seaweed. They also capture carbon, and therefore reduce the carbon footprint. Even your flooring and countertops can be made from sustainable materials instead of the usual granite, marble, etc. that have a huge impact on the environment.
Wherever possible, try to purchase locally sourced materials. Most times, the carbon footprint is created by the logistics rather than the actual procurement of the product. Not only are you supporting the local economy, but you are also reducing the carbon footprint of your home.
Recycled Water
Don’t let any of the water in your home go to waste. Luxury apartments in Chennai come with wastewater management systems, where the greywater from the building is collected, treated, and reused in the flush tanks, and watering the gardens, etc. Additionally, you can also collect the outflow water from your water filtration units and use it to water your indoor plants, terrace garden, etc.
Stock up on natural cleaners
When you buy commercial cleaners every month for washing dishes and other surfaces, you need to consider the pollution caused by them too. They come in plastic packaging and contain harsh chemicals that eventually erode the surfaces. Instead, you can mix your own natural cleaning agents and store them in reusable bottles.
An example of a natural all-purpose cleaner would be a mixture of food-grade vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio. Keep it in a spray bottle, and after spraying, wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth. Works on all kinds of tiles, ceramic, glass, and mirrored surfaces.
Natural ventilation
Take advantage of the natural light and ventilation of your home as much as possible. Keep your window and doors open to allow in fresh air and light. If you are living in luxury apartments in Chennai, the houses are vastu compliant, and their design aims for natural ventilation. This reduces the burden on your artificial lighting, fans, and air conditioning systems. You are reducing both power consumption and heat and chemical emissions.
Plants
Plants are the ultimate cleansers and can keep indoor air fresh and clean. Some of the popular indoor plant choices are Peace lilies, snake plants, English ivy, Bamboo palm, Spider plant, etc. Plants like Pothos rate high on a NASA Clean air study on plants, while the Gerbera Daisies not only add a breath of fresh air but make the place pop with their vibrant colours. If you have pets or plan on getting pets like cats and dogs, then you should check with the nursery on pet-safe plants.
Lifestyle Housing develops top-quality luxury apartments in Chennai with a lot of eco-friendly and sustainable features for our customers to lead a healthy life.
