Eco-friendly Tiny Home Design
A design trend that has recently gained more traction is eco-friendly tiny homes. With the cost of living increasing and climate change only getting worse, many Americans are downsizing there large homes for more eco-friendly designs. Today on the blog, we walk through a tiny house – or take a step rather – and discuss what goes into the design of this type of sustainable living.
Tiny Homes Today
Tiny Home Design From Design Sponge
Although more popular among younger generations, millennials, and Gen Xers, a survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders found that over half of American adults say they would consider living in a tiny home. These small spaces are typically around 400 square feet or less!
This new wave of tiny homes has benefited both the earth and the pocketbook. A researcher from Virginia Tech found that people who downsize to a tiny home reduced their energy consumption by 45%. Along with reducing their energy consumption, the study found that people with tiny homes also decreased their amount of shopping and fuel-consumption.
Whether youâre in the market to build a tiny home or just learning, here are some ways to ensure your home is eco-friendly.
Use Solar Power
Photo By Joanne H. Lee/Santa Clara University
One of the best ways to cut down on your carbon footprint and decrease your energy consumption in your tiny home is by harnessing solar energy. Solar panels not only maximize solar efficiency, they significantly reduce the cost of your energy bill. Because of the versatility of solar panels, they can go anywhere on your tiny home, also allowing for you to maximize your space. You can place them on the ground, on the roof, or keep the portable for easy storage.Â
Windows, Windows, and More Windows
Photo Via Escape Vista
Another sustainable use of the sun is by installing lots of windows on your tiny home. Natural light not only helps to make your small space feel bigger, but itâs also a significant light source for a large part of the day. This way, you wonât need to worry about using much indoor lighting until night.
Build With Reusable and Recyclable Materials
Photo Via itinyhomes
Many resources can be substituted for unsustainable ones. Consider contracting out with a company that uses renewable materials or find your own ways of incorporating greener options, such as recycled materials. This ensures youâre reducing your carbon footprint from the very beginning, the first step to living sustainably.
Bring the Outside In
Photo Via Extra Space Storage
Incorporating plants into interior design has been rapidly growing in popularity. This is not only trendy but very eco-friendly. By bringing plants into your tiny home, youâre putting a natural air filter in place, which improves your health and the environment. To take it a step further, add herbs or vegetables to create a sustainable garden for fresh and delicious meals.
