There are several eco-friendly changes that home owners can opt for, without giving up on basic comforts.

Merely making a few small changes in your daily routine, can have considerable positive repercussions on the environment.

For example
- Home owners can urge their housing society, complex or building officials to opt for solar-powered units. These units can be either used to supply hot water to residents or to supply electricity to the common area lighting fixtures. Not only will this help in substantially lowering electricity and maintenance bills but it also reduces the emission of carbon dioxide into the environment.

- Avoid throwing oil or any type of chemicals down the drain, since it will contaminate the water table and eventually end up polluting the very sources that supply water to our homes.

- When installing your air-conditioner, make sure that it is located away from direct sunlight. If that is not possible, have a wooden shelter built around the air-conditioner, which provides it with some shade and helps it to run more efficiently.

- Include more indoor plants in your decor. It not only refreshes and revitalises a room's decor but also acts as an air filter. Remember that you should water your plants only when the top layer of soil seems dry.

- Opt for reusable water containers to carry your water when you go outdoors, instead of buying bottled water. Besides saving on expense, you're also reducing the use of plastic bottles that are harmful to the environment.

Source: Times of India

BDST: 1709 HRS, JULY 05, 2015
Edited by: Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor