How to Design a Sustainable Tiny House

One of the fundamental pillars of living small is designing a tiny sustainable home. More and more homeowners are looking for ways to minimize their carbon footprint on the earth and live more responsibly. Tiny House for Us is a leader in the tiny home community and has put together a list of options you can explore  to lessen your imprint on mother nature, and get started today. 

Solar Panels

When you think of sustainable living, the first thought that pops into your mind is likely solar panels. Most tiny homes can get all of their needs met from solar panels. The typical small home requires 15 (fifteen) 300-watt solar panels to keep its electricity up and running. On average, this would generate 4,500  watts of power from the sun. Most solar panels will be placed on the ground outside the home. However, Tesla is developing a solar tile that may soon make solar panels on tiny house roofs more attainable for all sizes of homes. 

Hemcrete

Hemcrete is made from the inside of a hemp plant. When it is mixed together with lime, it forms a concrete-like substance that is exceptionally sturdy yet lightweight. It can be used for roof insulation and flooring. The material protects your home from the usual wear and tear of weather and holds insulation well. Since the material is so light, the shipping of Hemcrete exports fewer emissions than traditional housing materials. Additionally, when a Hemcrete home is torn down, the walls can be used as fertilizer. 

Cork Floors

While it may seem crazy that the same materials as the cork in your wine bottle can be used as your floor, it is incredibly sustainable and functional. Cork floors are lightweight, so they will not weigh your home down if you need to move it cross country. There are many companies that gather hundreds of thousands of wine corks throughout the year and turn them into flooring. Cork floors are hypo-allergenic, water-resistant, and good for insulation. Plus, they are easy on your joints when walking around! 

Paper Insulation

Paper insulation is also known as cellulose insulation. It is made of recycled newspapers, leftover office stock, cardboard, and other paper materials. Using cellulose insulation is much healthier for the environment than traditional chemical foams. Plus, you are taking paper that would otherwise end up in a landfill and repurposing it. If you are using any type of raw paper for your insulation, you need to make sure the paper has been treated with borax, boric acid, and/or calcium carbonate. These treatments are natural and will protect the paper (and your home!) from combustion. 

Make Ventilation a Priority 

Working for a more sustainable future is more than just “turning your air conditioning off”. Look for ways to maximize the natural ventialization of your space in its structure. For example, building a house with two large windows across from one another will allow for a cross-breeze that can fill the home. As a result, you naturally do not need to turn the air conditioning as much as you normally would. 

Energy Efficient Appliances

As technology progresses, there are more and more opportunities to find high-quality energy-efficient appliances. Check online resources like Energy Star to see which machines prioritize pulling the minimum amount of power to function. Additionally, invest in LED lights. LED lights can retain their adequate brightness much longer than other lights. Plus, they are heat resistant, so they do not cause your home to overheat and need air conditioning. 

Rainwater Catchment

Collecting your own water can be as simple as leaving rain barrels out. Generally, collecting rainwater is a passive activity. However, a bit of upfront work can save you some time and energy down the line. We suggest purchasing some water pumps to ensure that all the water entering your tiny home is fresh and clean! 

Upcycle Furniture

The old saying "one man's trash is another man's treasure" is essentially upcycling. It is important to have quality furniture in your tiny home, but that does not mean it needs to be brand new. Instead, consider getting crafty, or hiring a crafty pal, to re-pain or refurbish a piece of furniture. This is not only a great return on investment for you but reduces that piece's carbon footprint. 

Compost Toilets

Composting toilets are widespread with tiny homeowners who live off the grid. However, they are also an excellent option for making your small home more sustainable. Composting toilets work by separating liquid and solid waste into two separate chambers. If you so desire, you will be able to use the solid waste as compost. The pros of a compost toilet are not only that they are eco-friendly, but they are also cheaper than a septic tank in the long run. So while it will require more upfront cash, you will win financially in the long run with a composting toilet. 

Consider Alternative Gardening

A great way to counteract the devastating effects of the mass food industry is to plant your own gardens. Many tiny homeowners opt to turn their rooftop into a garden or invest in vertical gardening. Vertical gardening uses hydroponics to allow plants to grow throughout a sheer panel. So, in addition to being more environmentally friendly, your food will be naturally organic! 

Wind Turbine

The sun is the easiest and most common form of energy creation in sustainable housing. However, consider adding an additional energy creator like a wind turbine. A wind turbine is an accessible power source with minimal impact on the earth. 

To conclude, there are numerous ways you can design your tiny to be sustainable. You don’t need to implement all of these systems at one time. It is okay to focus on one element and expand as you go. For example, consider a cork floor and solar panels before purchasing your first wind turbine or composting toilet. As you implement these sustainable changes into your home, you will help make the world a greener place and encourage future tiny homeowners to look for sustainable options too. 

Guest Post - Pros and Cons of Solar Panels - Find Out if they're Worth it for you

 Introduction:

Solar panels are light-to-electricity conversion devices. They are termed "solar panels” because the Sun is the most powerful source of light. Some scientists refer to them as photovoltaics, which is short for "light-electricity." A solar panel is made up of several solar cells. The more light that strikes a cell, the more power it produces.

Spacecraft are typically designed with solar panels that can always be oriented at the Sun even as the rest of the spaceship moves around. Solar panels are used in homes and in businesses to generate clean and renewable energy. As its cost goes down each year. many Americans are switching towards its installation. Here we will discuss some pros and cons of the Solar Panels

Pros of solar panel:

The solar panel has many advantages which persuade others for its installation and enjoy its benefits. It generates clean energy without any greenhouse gas emissions e.g., carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants. It reduces the utility bills and allows us to invest the savings in the house which increases the value of the property. Here we will discuss some of the pros briefly.

1- Cost Saving:

It reduces the monthly utility bills.it produces electricity through solar energy which causes less use of energy from the grid. The owners were able to save money through it. The savings depend upon their size. For example, if one uses a commercial solar panel, it will reduce maximum energy bills. It also allows earning money through the surplus energy by smart export guarantee (SEG). Saving money is one of the great advantages of it. As it allows us to invest the money in other things or family.

2- Free and Renewable:

As the solar energy is free and renewable. It did not demand any cost for the energy generated by solar panels. Moreover, the sun has massive energy which cannot run out, so it allows us to take invariable benefits. With technology development, it has a massive warranty period. which saves extra expenses over its maintained. It is a one-time investment which will be rewarded in the future.

3- Environmentally Friendly:

 The installation of the solar panel saves the environment from pollution. It is much better than the generation of energy produced by the burning of oils and fossil fuels. which emit harmful gases like carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur oxide and other matters. It generates clean energy with zero emissions and does not pollute our planet.

4- Excess solar can be sold to the grid:

 Solar panels may also lead to an extra cash in case of excess energy that is not utilized on the premises. It will also be beneficial for the community as the energy supplied to the grid is clean and renewable as it is generated by solar energy. it produces free money e.g., The man sells the energy back to the government and gets the reward which is a great advantage.

5- Increased Home Value:

The house value increased by the installation of solar panels because it does not depend upon the grids but upon its own energy. one study by Lawrence Berkely national laboratory figured out that the solar panel increased the worth of the house up to $15,000.

Cons of Solar Panel:

While the numerous benefits of solar energy may lead some proponents to overlook the technology's modest shortcomings, these flaws must be acknowledged, or fixes will be stymied. We should take a hard look at the system's flaws and work to improve solar energy systems so that they are environmentally beneficial.

1- High Upfront Cost:

 The installation of solar panels is quite expensive that everyone cannot afford it. It is the downside of it. Even though it is cost saving but first investment for fixing it to the property is not easy, it demands a high budget.

2- Require Sunny Weather:

 Although it works in cloudy weather, it works best on sunny days. It really benefits those who live in sunny areas. It will not have superior performance if there is not enough sunlight in the region. It also cannot generate energy at nighttime because there is no solar energy at nightfall.

Conclusion:

The solar panel generates clean, renewable, and free energy. It has many benefits as we discussed above. It allows us to save money and invest it in other things or family. It is also environmentally friendly but along with the advantages it has some disadvantages like its installation is expensive and satisfactory working depends upon the regions with good sunlight. There is a need to improve solar energy systems to overcome the flaws.

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How Do Solar-Powered Home Work on Cloudy Days?

If you have recently become interested in solar power for your home, then you might be wondering how that type of system is going to work on cloudy days. While clouds could have a big impact on the amount of energy that is generated, there are quite a few steps that you can take to ensure that your solar electric system remains viable throughout the year.

An Overview of Solar Electric Systems

This type of green energy is more popular than ever, and thousands of homeowners are having solar panels installed every year. The primary purpose of a photovoltaic system is to turn the sun’s energy into usable electricity. Your system is going to accomplish that by capturing the energy with solar panels and then redirecting it toward your home’s existing electrical panel.

Solar Power on Cloudy Days

Even though direct sunlight is ideal, photovoltaic panels will continue to collect energy through indirect sunlight. That includes the minor sunlight that is going to make its way through thick clouds that are passing over a home. You are probably going to see a dip in your system’s energy production on extremely cloudy days, but the energy production shouldn’t stop entirely.

Understanding Solar Efficiency

In some cases, rain clouds can even be beneficial to solar electric systems because the water is going to rinse away dust and other grime that might have collected on the solar panels. There are also a few things that you can do as a homeowner to improve the overall efficiency of your new solar panels. That includes trimming any trees that are nearby, keeping the panels clean, and regularly inspecting them for any signs of damage.

Power Storage Options

Installing a battery storage system is another step that you can take to make the most out of your new solar panels. A solar battery storage installation company should be able to carry out that upgrade within just a few hours, and those devices last for years with the proper maintenance. After they are in place, you will be able to continue using all of the power generated by your panels throughout the night and on extremely cloudy days.

There are many different online calculators that can be used to determine how much power a solar electric system on your home will produce each year. Once you have used one of those calculators, you will then need to contact a reputable solar company in your area like Harmon Solar who can further explain the pros and cons of those residential power systems.

Guest Post - How to Overhaul Your Home with a Sustainable Style Makeover

Is your home long overdue a makeover? Renovating a property can be an enjoyable and richly rewarding design project. However, before you dive headfirst into your renovation planning, think about how you can use this as a chance to improve your green credentials.

An eco-friendly makeover won't just help you reduce your carbon footprint, it can also help you save money on energy bills throughout the year. There are countless things you can do to ensure your renovation is an eco-friendly one. Below are just a few ideas to help you on your way.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies

Before you start planning a green renovation, focus on everyday changes that can make a big difference. One of the surest ways to ensure your home is sustainable is to reassess the cleaning supplies you're using.

Whether you're planning a spring clean or keeping on top of the daily chores, consider switching to eco-friendly cleaning solutions. The average surface cleaner contains dozens of harmful chemicals that are hazardous to health. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, consider making the switch to cleaning products containing only natural ingredients.

Natural cleaning products aren't just only better for your health, they're also kinder to the environment. The toxic compounds found in things like washing detergent and dish soap can easily pollute groundwater if not disposed of correctly.

Cleaning product packaging is also something to think about. Many of us don't take the time to rinse out and recycle containers, throwing them straight in the trash instead. If you're planning on improving your green credentials, make sure you're fully embracing recycling. Things like dishcloths and dusters can't be recycled. To save them from ending up in landfills, switch to biodegradable alternatives instead.

Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials

When overhauling your interiors, it's tempting to buy materials. Reclaimed materials are a far better option if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Reclaimed wood is a particularly eco-friendly material, lessening the strain on sustainable forests. What's more, reclaimed wood is rich in natural character.

Unlike many composite and man-made materials, reclaimed wood is incredibly durable and hard-wearing. If your makeover budget is on the small side, reclaimed wood is an expensive choice of material. You can use it to construct unique pieces of furniture, replace old flooring, or even in building construction.

Choose Engineered Wood Flooring

Flooring often represents a big expense when tackling a home makeover. To ensure you're getting a floor that will stand the test of time, think carefully when choosing materials.

Materials like carpet and vinyl have no place in an eco-friendly home. Hardwood tends to be the preferred choice for those looking for a premium finish. However, just because it's a natural material, doesn't mean it's particularly eco-friendly.

If you're purchasing virgin wood, make sure it's been sourced from sustainable forests. For maximum durability, it's best to go with engineered wood flooring instead. This innovative material combines a robust core with a thin hardwood veneer. The result is a particularly hard-wearing flooring material that's easy to maintain. What's more, because only new wood is required for the veneer layer, manufacturing this material results in minimal environmental impact.

Kit Out Your Home with Forever Furniture

You need to be cautious when selecting furniture for your home makeover. Although chain retailers provide inexpensive suites and room sets, making a saving on these items isn't particularly eco-friendly.

Once you've taken care of more major renovation tasks, start thinking about what furniture you can recycle for future use. If an old dining table or shelving unit has seen better days, think about upcycling it before sending it off to a landfill.

In many cases, a simple sanding job or a fresh lick of paint is all a tired piece of furniture needs. Approach restoration and upcycling projects to stamp your personality on your new space. If your rooms are still looking rather barren, be economical when sourcing new pieces.

Go online to find unwanted furniture that is being offered free to a good home. It's also worth exploring your local thrift stores to find vintage pieces being sold at bargain prices. If you have any reclaimed wood left over from your construction projects, you can also transform this surplus material into bespoke furniture pieces.

Improved Air Quality

When it comes to picking out the perfect shade for your walls, avoid selecting paint that contains volatile organic compounds. These toxic compounds are omnipresent and, when applied in the form of paint to interior walls, can significantly reduce the air quality within your home.

When shopping for paint, take the time to read the label thoroughly. Although paints containing VOCs are still commonplace, you'll find many health-friendly alternatives on the market. Organic paints are a particularly good choice as they contain little or no VOCs. Instead of volatile compounds, these paint products make use of plant and food-based ingredients to produce eye-catching colors that will bring your rooms to life.

Rethink Interior Lighting

Reconfiguring interior lighting is a key part of any makeover project. Take some time to consider your options here, as choosing the right type of lighting can help you slash your energy consumption and save you a considerable amount of money on fuel bills.

Older lighting fixtures should be replaced entirely. It can be hard to say goodbye to period features, but older fixtures are limited by energy-intensive bulbs and inefficient wiring. If your budget allows, you can always consider retooling older fixtures to bring them in line with modern standards.

When it comes to choosing new lighting, always opt for energy-efficient ceiling fixtures, lamps, and free-standing lights. You'll also need to ensure any fixture you choose is compatible with LED bulbs. 

Making Sustainable Style Choices

An eco-friendly home makeover doesn't need to be restrictive. Many of the suggestions outlined above are as beneficial to your bank balance as they are for the environment.

Making use of reclaimed materials is one of the easiest ways to ensure your makeover is an environmentally friendly one. If you do need to purchase new materials, always ensure you're buying them from sustainable suppliers.

Furnishing your home is another area where you can stamp out waste and curb costs. Avoid buying brand new items and focus on restoring and upcycling older pieces instead. Looking to fill a larger floor plan? Thrift stores and online ads are bursting at the seams with free items and bargain buys.

Finally, don't overlook the little things. Choose paints that are low in VOCs if you want to breathe easy in a home with improved air quality. Need to install new flooring? Opt for engineered wood and ensure you're using non-toxic adhesives when it comes to installation. 

Author Bio:

This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin has over two decades of experience designing bespoke engineered wood flooring such as herringbone flooring for households and businesses.