Houses in the U.S. are among the biggest in the world, with research by real estate firms Zillow and Redfern showing that the median size of a single family home is between 1,600 and 1,650 square feet. Around 60% of homes are detached, and around 81% have a yard. In the UK, one in seven households has a garden – an even more impressive figure – and in Australia, around 77% of residents prefer detached homes with gardens to apartment living. If you have a family that loves nothing more than spending time on your outdoor patio or poolside, or taking part in outdoor activities in your yard, there are many ways to ensure you do so in an eco-friendly fashion. From your flooring to your sun shades, your choice of accessories to your gardening choices, you can do your share for the planet by following a few handy tips.
Choosing Eco-Friendly Décor And Dining Accessories
Americans love a good barbecue, and many families host small parties in their backyard, inviting friends and family for a hearty meal. To keep your outdoor décor green, choose sustainable materials such as bamboo for cutlery, flasks or glasses, drinking straws, and other utensils and receptacles for guests. Fill the air with a glorious scent by using natural candles made of beeswax, scented with essential oils. If you have a large patio, offer guests an excellent place to do a few yoga poses or simply sit on the floor while enjoying coffee or tea from a low-lying table; choose recycled outdoor rugs made of recycled plastic and other green materials. For lanterns, opt for those made from sustainable ceramic or recycled porcelain.
Embracing Green Cleaning Methods
If you live in a home that doubles as commercial premises, then you are probably already investing in professional cleaning. Most companies, however, use harsh cleaning products that can expose people and plants to dangerous chemicals. Green cleaning services use eco alternatives that are free of ingredients like bleach and ammonia. These ingredients actually emit high numbers of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can aggravate respiratory problems and harm the health of several organs. If your home is only used for residential purposes, keep the same tips in mind, using power water jets, steam vacuums, and other effective means of cleaning that do not require the use of chemicals.
Opting For Environmentally Friendly Shade Systems
If you enjoy sitting on your porch or relaxing by the pool, choose eco-friendly shades that are free of plastics and other unsustainable materials. Good choices for outdoor dining areas include stainless steel gazebos, bamboo gazebos, or wooden gazebos made with responsibly sourced wood. You can also use shade sails made with sustainable fabrics like cotton or High Density Poly Ethylene (HDPE), which is completely recyclable. Shade sails provide shade to vast areas without requiring water and fertilizer, protecting homeowners from the hot sun.
In many countries across the globe, a backyard is considered a prized possession. In order to enjoy this outdoor spot in an environmentally responsible manner, it is important to make responsible decisions in everything from your chosen décor and cutlery to your shade system. Green cleaning is also key to ensure that dwellers and visitors are not exposed to volatile organic compounds and other toxic substances.
Please also check a guide that explains what to look for when ensuring the safety of your home, structural integrity and the importance of honest engineering practices.
Photo by Robin Wersich on Unsplash.
