10 tips for living and housing sustainably
Living sustainably is not something outside our reality, quite the opposite. As simple as they may be, several actions in our daily lives can make all the difference for the environment and, most importantly, for us to have a healthy life. more sustainable.
Simple actions, from recycling trash to changing the light bulb in your home, can make a big difference in your lifestyle, contributing not only to better coexistence with the community, but also to the environment itself.
In fact, several properties are already built with a structure designed to promote the use
intelligent use of resources, as is the case with coliving, for example.
But after all, what are the best actions that can be taken to live and live in a more sustainable way? If you don't know the answer, we're here to help you!
In this text, we will explain what sustainability is, the importance of thinking and taking actions that aim at these ideals today, and the 10 best tips that can be used in your daily life that will certainly help you in this more sustainable way of life.
Before we begin, check out the topics that will be covered:
● What is sustainability?
● Why is it important to live sustainably?
● What does it mean to live sustainably?
● Sustainable properties: what are they?
● Tips for living sustainably.
Let's get started!
What is sustainability?
Sustainability can be defined very simply: as a set of actions that aim to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations.
In other words, this term seeks balance between the availability of natural resources and their exploitation by society, so that the population's quality of life is maintained without affecting the environment.
For sustainability to happen, it must be based on three pillars:
● Environmental: focuses on preserving the environment and the balance between meeting society's needs and the rational use of natural resources;
● Social: active participation of the population in social development with proposals that aim at well-being and equality together with the environment;
● Economic: aims to exploit natural resources in a sustainable manner, without harming the supply of future generations.
In other words, for a society or system to be considered sustainable, it is necessary to encourage the conservation of these three elements so that the first two are not harmed.
In recent years, several discussions about actions that seek a more sustainable lifestyle have taken place around the world, as we have seen serious ecological problems that can have consequences for people's health if extreme measures are not taken.
This was proven in a report released by the UN in 2019, produced by 250 scientists from more than 70 countries, which highlighted the importance of environmental protection for preserving people's lives.
Despite the worrying scenario, the research stated that the world has the science, technology and financial resources it needs to move towards a more sustainable development path.
Why is it important to live sustainably?
With the data we mentioned above, we can state that living and residing in a sustainable manner is extremely important for the maintenance of the environment and, consequently, for the preservation of the quality of life of the entire society.
How many times have we not come across news involving problems such as lack of water, rising temperatures or even major fires like we saw in northern Brazil this year?
All of these environmental problems directly affect our quality of life, and can be combated through small actions in our daily lives.
Living sustainably is something simple that can be easily incorporated into your daily life, preventing natural resources from being depleted and future generations from being harmed, whether through individual actions such as recycling or even through joint actions in properties.
But after all, what are the best practices to ensure a more sustainable way of life?
The answer to this question is not difficult. There are several actions that, as simple as they may seem, can make all the difference and contribute to this lifestyle.
We will understand more about this in the next topic.
What is living sustainably?
Living sustainably is already a routine for many people, especially in many properties built strategically for this purpose. All you need to do is adopt a set of actions and practices that aim to preserve the environment and, consequently, the well-being of society. The people at CicloVivo gave some tips on how to live more sustainably in a metropolis in an article published in 2016.
In an interview with the Terra portal , the civil engineer and consultant at UPNOS (United Nations Project Services Office), Julio Souki, defined this proposal as something practical and collaborative.
"Living and living intelligently means thinking about the practicality and harmony of solutions. Building sustainable homes that reduce impacts on the environment; thinking and interacting collaboratively with people nearby, creating connection and development for the community itself; using technology to optimize what is possible; using resources that are really necessary, without wasting them, whether space, materials, money, time or natural resources," he said.
According to Souki, to adopt this lifestyle, it is necessary to think about a set of actions that encompass and impact the entire community, working collaboratively so that everyone benefits from the sustainable way of life.
As an example, in the same interview the engineer cites a great example that has been growing more and more in large cities: the construction of so-called sustainable properties.
Sustainable properties: what are they?
The main proposal of sustainable properties is to combine the principles of sustainability with conscious techniques in the construction or renovation process of the place, and with the family's way of life, based on a mindset of care and knowledge about their consumption and actions.
In other words, these properties are built and designed based on various technologies and innovations to provide a sustainable lifestyle, with differentiated proposals that encourage actions for collective use and consumption by residents, such as: shared leisure and living areas, coworking, community organic garden, self-sufficiency in drinking water, and underground electricity grid, for example.
In this way, in addition to generating greater efficiency in the use of condominium resources and a reduction in the amount of materials used, the quality of life of residents is much greater, providing greater economic, social and environmental performance.
However, in order to be considered a sustainable property, the property must receive a certification that proves its ideals. Among these, one that has been gaining popularity in the real estate market is the EDGE Certification (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency).
Developed by IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, this system aims to make real estate more resource-efficient. In other words, it allows property owners to evaluate the most cost-effective ways to incorporate energy and water-saving options into their buildings.
Used in more than 120 countries, it is arriving in Brazil for the first time and is considered a reference for its great environmental results and practicality.
Aiming to be an accessible certification, EDGE provides easy and efficient calculation of benefits and, in just a few minutes, a designer can determine the ideal combination of design strategies to obtain the best return on investment.
"We need to create and seek out real estate projects that connect with this purpose in life. That are good for people, nature and the region. Where the development of a sustainable local economy driven by the people who produce and live in the region prevails," Souki argues in the same interview.
Nowadays, adopting a sustainable lifestyle is something accessible and practical. That’s why we’ve put together the 10 best tips for all our citizens who want to start adopting these practices. Check them out!
Tips for living sustainably
Throughout this text, we have seen that living sustainably is something that we can apply in our daily lives through simple and practical actions. Therefore, we have separated some tips that will certainly help you in this mission! They are:
● Have plants at home
● Reduce waste
● Separate and recycle waste
● Save water
● Change the bulbs
● Use renewable resources
● Upcycling
● Have a compost bin
● Calculate the reform
● Invest in Ecofriendly
Many of these terms may seem unfamiliar and new, especially to those who are moving for the first time. But don’t worry, we will cover and explain each of them separately so that you have no doubts when adopting this sustainable lifestyle.
Let's go!
Have plants at home
Much more than serving as decorative items, having plants at home can bring incredible results for the environment and especially for people's health!
In an interview with Minha Casa magazine , botanist Ricardo Cardim states that plants provide benefits such as: reducing noise pollution; improving air quality by holding back dust; recycling toxic gases and releasing humidity when they are irrigated, all of which contribute to making the air fresher.
Who has never come across the famous vertical gardens in downtown São Paulo? They are a great example of properties that care about a sustainable lifestyle and actions that promote well-being and an improved quality of life.
But for those who want to adopt this practice at home, start by planting small pots or flower boxes, for example. They are great for those who have no gardening experience and want to create a garden in their apartment , and they will certainly help improve the air quality in your home.
Reduce waste
Did you know that in 2019, Brazil was considered the 4th country that produces the most waste in the world?
According to data from the World Bank, more than 2.4 million tons of plastic are discarded irregularly, without treatment and, in many cases, in open-air landfills.
But do you know how much damage this large amount of waste causes? According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), plastic pollution causes more than US$8 billion in losses to the global economy, in addition to directly affecting several sectors of commerce, such as maritime and tourism.
To avoid this waste and wear and tear, there are several practices that can be adopted, such as using returnable bags and packaging; avoiding buying food wrapped in super packaging; and avoiding products made from plastic, for example.
Separate and recycle waste
In addition to reducing waste, another fundamental measure to ensure a sustainable lifestyle is to recycle discarded materials. Separating waste into organic and recyclable waste helps to reduce landfill overload and can even generate income for thousands of people.
To do this, simply separate dry waste by type of material and dispose of it correctly at recycling points, via selective collection or directly to recyclable material collectors. Many properties already have waste separated into these categories as a way to encourage and facilitate recycling by tenants.
Save water
Did you know that for every 100 liters of water collected from nature and treated to become drinkable, almost 40 liters are lost due to leaks in the networks, fraud, “cats” and other problems?
This was revealed in a study carried out by Instituto Trata Brasil in partnership with Water.org. According to the research, water waste has been increasing more and more over the years, which harms its supply to the entire population.
To avoid running out, take small actions such as turning off the tap when brushing your teeth, taking shorter showers and only using the washing machine and dishwasher when they are fully loaded, for example.
Change the bulbs
Replacing incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs is one of the most famous sustainable actions taken at home.
This has been happening because these models have several sustainable benefits compared to the previous ones, offering greater savings, durability, reduced radiation emissions and the use of materials that are easy to dispose of.
As an example, one of its main features is the fact that the energy generated is transformed into lighting instead of heat, which does not cause waste and makes it a more economical option for tenants.
Furthermore, a great curiosity about these lamps is that they do not pose any type of health risk. This is because their main characteristic is that they do not emit IR/UV radiation, which causes damage to the skin, plants, animals, objects and products that are exposed to them.
So, if you want to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle, installing LED lights is a great first step!
Use renewable resources
Renewable resources are those that can somehow be replaced or reused after use, such as rain, sunlight or water. Nature has several resources that, if used well, we can take advantage of without them being exhausted.
As an example, there are several properties that have rainwater collection systems used for non-potable purposes such as watering gardens and flushing toilets.
Other systems, for example, can capture solar energy through panels and provide natural lighting, ensuring healthier environments with fewer bacteria and fungi.
There are endless possibilities that, if well thought out and planned, can guarantee a better quality of life.
Upcycling
Upcycling is a practice that has been gaining momentum in recent years with the increased discussion of the importance of sustainability.
Its objective is to give a new purpose to materials that would otherwise be discarded, that is, to give new meaning to the original product with creativity and based on sustainable design.
With this practice, the amount of waste in landfills and dumps is significantly reduced, in addition to reducing the need for exploration of raw materials to generate new products.
In your everyday life, this can be done with your home furniture, for example. Instead of throwing away a nightstand or an old table, for example, transform it so that it has a new purpose! Your home will certainly gain a new decorative item that will completely transform the place.
A great example of this concept that has been growing a lot in the city are the so-called retrofitted buildings, old buildings that, through technology and architecture, have been revitalized with more updated facades and areas.
Very characteristic in the center of São Paulo, this trend emerged as a solution to the large number of abandoned or poorly maintained historic buildings and structures, preserving these heritage sites and giving adequate life to old spaces.
In addition to helping to preserve these buildings, retrofitting reduces waste by maximizing the use of existing materials and infrastructure. In other words, when reused and repurposed, these resources can generate huge energy savings for cities.
This has led to this trend gaining strength in recent years, as despite its cost being practically the same as that of a new construction, it has several advantages, such as:
● More sustainable with less waste generation;
● Greater energy savings;
● Less use of materials;
● Preservation of the identity of the neighborhood in which the property is located;
● Generation of unique and exclusive projects.
Have a compost bin
Composting is a biological process that transforms organic waste, such as fruit peels and food scraps, into organic fertilizer. This entire system takes place in a compost bin, which is nothing more than a structure for storing this material that will be transformed into fertilizer.
All of this works very naturally: through worms and soil. That's right! When you throw the organic material into the compost bin, the worms will digest it, making the work of the microorganisms easier.
But after all, what is the benefit of this process?
Its main advantage is the non-formation of methane gas, normally generated in the waste decomposition process and which is highly aggressive to the environment, as it is a greenhouse gas around 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
There are different sizes of compost bins that can be easily installed in any property.
Calculate the reform
Every renovation generates a huge amount of waste in landfills. Therefore, if you want to make any changes to your property, think about measures that generate the least amount of rubble, such as flooring over flooring, for example.
In addition, try to use materials that are more ecological, such as bricks and coverings that do not require firing in high-temperature ovens, or paints made with natural compounds.
Nowadays, there are several products available on the market with the same qualities at affordable prices, which will help to renovate your home and make it sustainable.
Invest in Ecofriendly
Finally, the term Ecofriendly can be understood as something “friendly to the environment”.
In other words, it covers any practice that does not cause socio-environmental damage or that has reduced impacts compared to an equivalent product, event, situation or posture.
Whether it's food, purchasing a product or disposing of waste, such as through composting, this practice encompasses a series of actions that contribute to a sustainable lifestyle.
Conclusion
Having a sustainable lifestyle is not difficult, much less far from our daily lives. There are several actions that can be adopted and put into practice in our daily lives that will contribute to this goal.
If you want to adopt this lifestyle, remember all the tips we have given throughout this text. On our blog you can also find texts about sustainability, renting, culture, tips and much more.
And remember: we are always available to help you find your perfect property. Click here and get to know our community!