Sustainable living is a lifestyle that seeks to reduce the use of personal and natural resources and individuals by individuals or communities. Sustainable living practitioners often try to reduce their carbon footprint by changing transportation methods, energy consumption, and diet. Proponents of a sustainable life aim to live their lives in ways that are consistent with sustainability, natural balance and respect for human symbiotic relationships with Earth's ecological and natural cycles. The general practice and philosophy of ecological life is closely linked to the overall principle of sustainable development.
Lester R. Brown, a renowned environmentalist and founder of the Worldwatch Institute and Earth Policy Institute, describes sustainable life in the 21st century as "shifting to an energy-based, recycling/recycling economy with a diversified transportation system." In addition to this philosophy, practical village-style builders such as Living Villages maintain that switching to renewable technologies will only succeed if the resulting built environment appeals to local culture and can be maintained and adjusted as necessary from generation to generation.
Derrick Jensen, a renowned American author, radical environmentalist and major critic of mainstream environmentalism (According to Democracy Now! Jensen has been referred to as an ecological movement philosopher.) It is argued that "the Industrial Civilization is not and can never be sustainable ".
Video Sustainable living
Definisi
Sustainable living is essentially the application of sustainability to lifestyle choices and decisions. One sustainable life conception reveals what it means in triple-bottom line terms to meet current ecological, social, and economic needs without sacrificing these factors for future generations. Another broader concept represents sustainable living in four interrelated areas: economic, ecological, political and cultural. In the first conception, sustainable living can be described as living in the innate innate capacity determined by these factors. In the second concept or Circle of Sustainability, sustainable living can be described as a negotiation of needs relations within boundaries across all interrelated domains of social life, including consequences for future generations of humans and non-human species.
Sustainable design and sustainable development are important factors for sustainable living. Sustainable design includes the development of appropriate technology, which is the subject of sustainable living practices. Sustainable development in turn is the use of this technology in infrastructure. Architecture and sustainable agriculture are the most common examples of this practice.
Maps Sustainable living
History
- 1954 Good Life's Publication by Helen and Scott Approaching marks the beginning of the modern sustainable living movement. This publication paved the way for "back-to-ground movement" in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
- 1962 Silent Spring publication by Rachel Carson marks another major milestone for the sustainability movement.
- 1972 Donella Meadows wrote an international bestseller The Limits to Growth , which reports on long-term global trends in population, economy and environment studies. It sold millions of copies and translated into 28 languages.
- 1973 E. F. Schumacher publishes a collection of essays about switching to sustainable living through the proper use of technology in his book Small is Beautiful .
- 1992-2002 The United Nations convenes a series of conferences, which focus on improving sustainability in society to conserve Earth's natural resources. The Earth Summit Conference was held in 1992, 1972 and 2002.
- 2007 The United Nations publishes Sustainable Maintenance and Production, Promotes a Climate-Friendly Domestic Consumption , which promotes sustainable lifestyles in communities and homes.
Sheltered
On a global scale, shelter is associated with about 25% of greenhouse gas emissions embodied in household purchases and 26% of household land use.
Sustainable homes are built using sustainable methods, materials, and facilitating green practices, allowing a more sustainable lifestyle. Their construction and maintenance have a neutral impact on Earth. Often, if necessary, they are close to important services such as grocery stores, schools, daycare, workplaces, or public transport making it possible to commit to sustainable transportation options. Sometimes, they are outdoors that do not require energy, water, or public sewage services.
If not outside the network, sustainable homes may be linked to networks supplied by power plants that use sustainable resources, buying electricity like a normal convention. In addition, sustainable homes may be connected to the power grid, but generate their own electricity through renewable means and sell any surplus to utilities. There are two common methods for approaching this option: net metering and double measurement.
Net measurements using a common meter installed in most homes, running forward when power is used from the grid, and running backwards when power is inserted into the grid (allowing them to "clean" their total energy use, putting excess energy into the network when not required, and use energy from the grid during peak hours, when you may not be able to generate enough soon). Power generating companies can quickly buy the power that is put back into the network, as it is being produced. Double measurements involve two meters of installation: one measurement of electricity consumed, and other electrical measurements made. In addition, or in place of selling their renewable energy, sustainable homeowners may choose to charge their excess energy by using it to charge the battery. This gives them the option to use power later during power generation times that are less favorable (ie nighttime, when there is no wind, etc.), and should be completely independent of the power grid.
The sustainably designed homes (see Sustainable Design) are generally located so as to create a slight negative impact on the sun-oriented, surrounding ecosystems that create the best microclimate (typically, the long axis of the house or building should be east-west oriented), and provide natural shade or wind barriers where and when needed, among many other considerations. Continuous residential designs provide the options they have then (ie: using passive solar lighting and heating, creating a temperature buffer zone by adding a porch, deep overhangs to help create a favorable microclimate, etc.) A sustainable built house involves friendly waste management environmental materials such as recycling and composting, using non-toxic and renewable, recyclable, reclaimed, or low-impact production materials that have been created and treated on an ongoing basis (such as using organic or water-based coatings), use as much of the materials and tools as possible available locally as possible to reduce transportation needs, and use low-impact production methods (methods that minimize effects on the environment).
Much material can be considered as "green" material until the background is revealed. Any ingredients that have used toxic or carcinogenic chemicals in their processing or manufacture (such as formaldehyde in glue used in timber manufacture), have traveled extensively from sources or manufacturers, or have been cultivated or harvested in an unsustainable manner may not be considered green. In order for any material to be considered green, it must be an efficient resource, not compromising indoor air quality or water conservation, and saving energy (both in processing and when used in shelters). Resource efficiency can be achieved by using recycled content, reusable or recyclable content, materials using recycled or recycled packaging, locally available materials, salvaged or reproduced materials, materials that use efficient manufacturing sources power, and durable materials as possible.
Sustainable building materials
Some building materials can be considered "sustainable" by some definitions and in some conditions. For example, timber may be considered sustainable if planted using sustainable forest management, processed using sustainable energy. delivered by sustainable transportation, etc. However, under different conditions, this may not be considered as sustainable. The following materials may be considered sustainable under certain conditions, based on life-cycle assessment.
Sustainable home insulation is important because of the energy that is conserved throughout the life of the home. Well-insulated walls and lofts using green materials are a must as they reduce or, in combination with well-designed homes, eliminate the need for heating and cooling altogether. Insulation installation varies according to the type of insulation used. Typically, the loft is insulated by strips of insulating material placed between the rafters. Walls with cavities are done in the same way. For walls that do not have a cavity behind it, solid wall insulation is required that reduces internal space and can be expensive to install. Energy-saving windows are another important factor in isolation. Quite convincing that windows (and doors) are well sealed greatly reduces energy loss at home. Double or triple glass windows are common methods for isolating windows, trapping gas or creating a vacuum between two or three glass panels that allow heat to be trapped inside or outside. Low emissivity or Low-E glass is another option for window insulation. It is a layer on the window layer of a thin, transparent layer of metal oxide and works by reflecting heat back to its source, keeping the interior warm during winter and cool during the summer. Simply hanging heavy backed curtains in front of windows can also help their isolation. "Superwindows," mentioned in Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution, became available in the 1980s and used a combination of many available technologies, including two to three transparent low layers, multiple glass panels, and heavy gas fillings. Although more expensive, they are said to isolate four and a half times better than a typical double glass window.
Complementing the roof with highly reflective materials (such as aluminum) increases the roof albedo and will help reduce the amount of heat absorbed, therefore, the amount of energy needed to cool the building. Green roof or "living roof" is a popular choice to thermally isolate buildings. They are also popular for their ability to capture rainwater runoff and, when in the broader picture of a community, reduce the effects of hot islands (see urban hot islands) thereby reducing energy costs throughout the area. It is arguable that they are able to replace the physical "footprints" created by buildings, helping to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of building attendance.
Energy efficiency and water conservation are also key considerations in sustainable housing. If using sophisticated equipment, computers, sophisticated HVAC systems, electronics, or lighting often seek the Energy Star label, which is government-supported and holds stringent regulations on energy and water efficiency than is required by law. Ideally, sustainable dwellings should be able to fully run the equipment they use using renewable energy and should strive to have a neutral impact on Earth's water sources.
Greywater, including water from washing machines, sinks, showers, and baths can be reused in landscaping and toilets as a method of water conservation. Similarly, rainwater harvest from rainwater runoff is also an ongoing method of saving water use in a sustainable shelter. The Sustainable Urban Drainage System replicates a natural system that cleans water in the wild and applying it in a city drainage system so as to minimize contaminated water and unacceptable runoff levels to the environment.
See related articles at: LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Power
As mentioned under Shelter, some sustainable households may choose to produce their own renewable energy, while others may choose to purchase it through a network of power companies utilizing sustainable sources (also mentioned earlier is the method of measuring the production and consumption of electricity in household). However, buying sustainable energy may not be possible in some locations due to limited availability. 6 of the 50 states in the US do not offer green energy, for example. For those who do, the consumer usually buys a fixed amount or a percentage of their monthly consumption from the company of their choice and purchased green energy is fed across the national network. Technically, in this case, green energy is not given directly to households who buy it. In this case, it is possible that the amount of green electricity the buyer's household receives is a fraction of the total electricity coming in. This may or may not depend on the amount purchased. The purpose of buying green electricity is to support their utility efforts in generating sustainable energy. Producing sustainable energy in individual households or communities is much more flexible, but can still be limited to the richness of sources that may be affordable by location (some locations may not be rich in renewable energy sources while others may have large abundance.
When generating renewable energy and giving it back to the network (in participating countries like the US and Germany), the generating households are usually paid at least the full standard electricity tariff by their utility and are also given separate renewable energy credits which they can then sell to utilities they are, besides (the utilities are interested in purchasing these renewable energy credits because it allows them to claim that they produce renewable energy). In some special cases, the generating household can be paid up to four times the standard electricity rate, but this is not common.
Solar power utilizes solar energy to generate electricity. Two common methods for converting solar energy into electricity are photovoltaic cells arranged into concentrated panels and solar power, which use a mirror to concentrate sunlight either to heat a liquid running an electric generator through a steam turbine or a heat engine, or to simply be thrown into a photo cell -voltaic. The energy created by photo-voltaic cells is direct current and must be converted to alternating current before it can be used in a household. At this point, the user can choose to store this direct current in the battery for later use, or use an AC/DC inverter for immediate use. To get the most out of the solar panels, the angle of sun incidence should be between 20 and 50 degrees. Solar power through photo-voltaic cells is usually the most expensive method to utilize renewable energy, but it is falling in price as technological advances and public interest are increasing. It has the advantage of being portable, easy to use individually, available for government grants and incentives, and flexible about the location (although it is most efficient when used in hot and dry areas because they tend to be the brightest). For those lucky, affordable lease schemes can be found. Concentrated solar power plants are usually used on a community scale rather than the individual household scale, because of the amount of energy they can use but can be done on an individual scale with parabolic reflectors.
Solar thermal energy is utilized by collecting heat directly from the sun. One of the most common ways that this method is used by households is through solar water heaters. In a broad perspective, the system involves an isolated tank for storage and collectors, either passive or active systems (active systems having pumps continuously flowing water through collectors and storage tanks) and, in active systems, involving direct heating of water to be used or heating the non-freezing heat transfer fluid which then heats the water to be used. Passive systems are cheaper than active systems because they do not require pumping systems (on the contrary, they take advantage of the natural movement of hot water rising above cold water to drain the water used through collectors and storage tanks).
Other methods of utilizing solar power are solar space heating (for heating internal building space), sun drying (for drying wood chips, fruits, grains, etc.), solar cookers, solar refiners and other passive solar technologies (enough, utilizing sunlight without mechanical means).
Wind power is utilized through turbines, installed in tall minarets (typically 20 'or 6m with 10' or 3m diameter blades for individual household needs) that drive generators that produce electricity. They typically require an average wind speed of 9 mi/h (14 km/h) to be worth their investment (as determined by the US Department of Energy), and be able to pay for themselves in their lifetime. Wind turbines in urban areas typically need to be installed at least 30 '(10m) in the air to receive sufficient wind and become empty from nearby obstructions (such as neighboring buildings). Installing a wind turbine may also require permission from the authorities. Wind turbines are criticized for the noise they produce, their appearance, and the argument that they can influence bird migration patterns (their blades are blocking the way in the sky). Wind turbines are much more viable for those living in rural areas and are one of the most cost-effective forms of renewable energy per kilowatt, close to the cost of fossil fuels, and have rapid refunds.
For those who have bodies of water flowing at adequate speed (or falling from adequate heights) on their property, hydroelectric power can be an option. On a large scale, hydroelectric power, in the form of dams, has adverse environmental and social impacts. When on a small scale, however, in the form of a single turbine, hydroelectric power is highly sustainable. A single water turbine or even a group of single turbines does not interfere with the environment or social. On an individual household basis, a single turbine may be the only economically viable route (but can have high returns and is one of the most efficient methods in renewable energy production). More common for village environments using this method than single households.
The production of geothermal energy involves the utilization of hot water or steam below the surface of the earth, in the reservoir, to generate energy. Because the hot water or steam used is flowed back to the reservoir, this source is considered sustainable. However, those who plan to get their electricity from these sources should be aware that there is controversy over the lifetime of each of the geothermal reservoirs because some believe that their life span is naturally limited (they cool over time, making the production of geothermal energy in there finally is not possible). This method is often large-scale because the systems needed to harness geothermal energy can be complex and require deep drilling equipment. Indeed there are individual small-scale geothermal operations, however, that utilize reservoirs very close to the Earth's surface, avoiding the need for extensive drilling and sometimes even taking advantage of lakes or ponds where there is already depression. In this case, heat is captured and sent to a geothermal heat pump system located within the shelter or facility that needs it (often, this heat is used directly to warm the greenhouse during the colder months). Although geothermal energy is available everywhere on Earth, its practicality and cost-effectiveness vary, directly related to the depth required to reach the reservoir. Places like the Philippines, Hawaii, Alaska, Iceland, California, and Nevada have geothermal reservoirs closer to Earth's surface, making their production cost-effective.
Biomass power is created when biological matter is burned as fuel. As with any green material in the household, it is best to use as much of the local material as possible so as to reduce the carbon footprint made by the transport. Although the burning of biomass for fuels releases carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, and nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere, the main concern in sustainable lifestyles, the amount released is sustainable (it will not contribute to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels). This is because the biological matter burned releases the same amount of carbon dioxide consumed during its lifetime. However, the burning of biodiesel and bioethanol (see biofuels) when made from virgin material, is increasingly controversial and may or may not be considered sustainable as it unintentionally increases global poverty, clearing more land for new farms (biofuel sources are also the same food source ), and can use unsustainable growth methods (such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers that are harmful to the environment).
List of organic materials from which can be burned for fuel
The digestion of organic matter to produce methane is becoming an increasingly popular method of biomass energy production. Materials such as mud waste can be digested to release methane gas which can then be burned to generate electricity. Methane gas is also a natural byproduct of a landfill, full of decomposing waste, and can be utilized here to generate electricity as well. The advantage in combusting methane gas is to prevent methane gas from releasing into the atmosphere, exacerbating the greenhouse effect. Although these biomass energy production methods are usually large-scale (done in landfills), this can be done on a smaller individual or community scale as well.
Food
Globally, food accounts for 48% and 70% of the household's environmental impact on soil and water resources, with consumption of meat, dairy and processed foods rising rapidly with revenues.
Environmental impact of industrial agriculture
Industrial agricultural production is in dire need of resources and energy. Industrial agriculture systems typically require heavy irrigation, extensive application of pesticides and fertilizers, intensive processing, concentrated monoculture production, and other sustainable inputs. As a result of this industry's agricultural conditions, increasing environmental pressures are exacerbated. These pressures include: water depletion, chemical leaching, chemical runoff, soil erosion, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and other ecological problems.
Distribution of conventional food and long distance transport
The distribution of conventional food and long-distance transport is also a complete resource and energy. Carbon emissions that disrupt climate, driven by the transport of food from a distance, are of concern as the world faces global crises such as natural resource depletion, peak oil and climate change. "The average American food currently costs about 1,500 miles, and it takes about 10 calories of oil and other fossil fuels to produce one calorie of food."
Local and seasonal food
A more sustainable way to get food is to buy locally and seasonally. Buying food from local farmers reduces carbon yields, caused by long-distance food transport, and stimulates the local economy. Local, small-scale farm operations also typically use more sustainable farming methods than conventional industrial farming systems such as reduced soil cultivation, nutrient cycles, biodiversity cultivation and reduced use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. Adapting a more regional and seasonal diet is more sustainable because it involves purchasing less energy and resources that demand results that naturally grow within the local area and require no long-distance transport. These vegetables and fruits are also grown and harvested in the appropriate growing season. Thus, seasonal food agriculture does not require energy-intensive greenhouse production, extensive irrigation, plastic packaging and long-distance transport from importing non-regional foods, and other environmental pressures. Local seasonal products are usually fresher, unprocessed and debatable to be more nutritious. Local products also contain fewer or no chemical residues than the applications required for shipping and handling remotely. Farmers' markets, public events where small local farmers collect and sell their produce, are a good source of local food and knowledge about local agricultural production. In addition to promoting the localization of food, farmers' markets are a central gathering place for community interaction. Another way to engage in regional food distribution is to join local community-supported agriculture (CSA). CSA is comprised of farmer and consumer communities that promise to support agricultural operations while sharing the risks and benefits of food production. CSA usually involves a weekly pickling system of local vegetables and fruits, sometimes including dairy products, meat and specialty foods such as baked goods. Considering the environmental crisis noted earlier, the United States and most of the world are facing a major vulnerability to hunger. Local food production ensures food security if potential transport disruptions and climate, economic, and socio-political disasters occur.
Reduce meat consumption
Industrial meat production also involves high environmental costs such as soil degradation, soil erosion and depletion of natural resources, especially with regard to water and food. Mass meat production increases the amount of methane in the atmosphere. For more information on the environmental impact of meat production and consumption, see meat eating ethics. Reducing meat consumption, perhaps for several times a week, or adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet, reduces the demand for industrial meat production that destroys the environment. Buying and eating organically raised meats, eating grass or eating grass for free is another alternative to more sustainable meat consumption.
Organic farming
Buying and supporting organic products is another fundamental contribution to sustainable living. Organic farming is a rapidly growing trend in the food industry and on the web of sustainability. According to the USDA Board's Organic National Standards (NOSB), organic farming is defined as "an ecological production management system that promotes and enhances biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activities, based on minimal use of off-farm input and restoring management practices, maintaining or promoting ecological harmony The main objective of organic agriculture is to optimize the health and productivity of interdependent communities from soil, plant, animal and human life. "Having maintained this goal, organic agriculture uses techniques such as crop rotation, permaculture, compost, green manure and biological pest control. In addition, organic agriculture prohibits or strictly limits the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth regulators such as hormones, cattle antibiotics, food additives and genetically modified organisms. Organic farm products include vegetables, fruit, grains, herbs, meat, milk, eggs, fiber, and flowers. See organic certification for more information.
Urban Gardening
In addition to small-scale local farming, there has been a recent emergence in urban agriculture that flourished from community gardens to private home gardens. With this trend, farmers and ordinary people become involved in food production. The network of urban agriculture systems helps to better ensure regional food security and encourages self-sufficiency and cooperative interdependence within communities. With every bite of food raised from city gardens, negative environmental impacts are reduced in various ways. For example, vegetables and fruits grown in small-scale gardens and farms do not grow with the remarkable application of nitrogen fertilizer required for industrial farming operations. Nitrogen fertilizers cause toxic chemicals and runoff into our water table. Nitrogen fertilizers also produce nitrous oxide, a more destructive greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Local food, grown by people also does not require imports, long distance transport that further depletes our fossil fuel reserves. In developing more efficiencies per hectare of land, urban gardens can begin in various areas: on vacant land, public parks, private yards, church and school yard, on roofs (rooftops), and many other places. Communities can work together to change zoning boundaries for public and private parks to be allowed. Aesthetically edible landscape plants can also be incorporated into urban landscapes such as blueberry bushes, grapes trained in an arbor, pecan trees, etc. With a small scale like home agriculture or community, sustainable and organic farming methods can be easily used. Such sustainable organic farming techniques include: composting, biological pest control, crop rotation, mulch, drip irrigation, nutrient cycling and permaculture. For more information on sustainable agriculture systems, see sustainable agriculture.
Food preservation and storage
Conserving and storing food reduces dependence on long-haul food and industrial markets. Home-grown food can be stored and stored outside of their growing season and continuously consumed throughout the year, increasing the independence and independence of the supermarkets. Foods can be preserved and stored with dehydration, freezing, vacuum packing, canning, bottling, pickling and jellying. For more information, see food preservation.
Transportation
With rising peak oil concerns, climate warming is exacerbated by carbon emissions and high energy prices, the conventional car industry is becoming increasingly unfit for sustainability conversations. Revisions to urban transport systems that encourage mobility, low cost transport and a healthy urban environment are needed. Such an urban transport system should consist of a combination of rail transport, bus transportation, bike lanes and pedestrian walkways. Public transport systems such as subway systems and bus transit systems shift large numbers of people away from dependence on car mobilization and dramatically reduce the level of carbon emissions caused by car transport. Carpooling is another alternative to reducing oil consumption and carbon emissions by transit.
Compared to cars, bikes are exemplary of energy efficient private transportation with bikes approximately 50 times more energy efficient than driving. Bicycles increase mobility while reducing congestion, decrease air pollution and noise, and increase physical exercise. Most importantly, they do not emit carbon dioxide that disrupts the climate. The bike-sharing program began booming around the world and was modeled in leading cities like Paris, Amsterdam and London. The bike-sharing program offers kiosks and docking stations that supply hundreds to thousands of bikes for rent across the city through small deposits or affordable memberships.
Recent explosions have occurred in electric bicycles especially in China and other Asian countries. Electric bikes are similar to plug-in hybrid vehicles because they are battery powered and can be plugged into the provincial power grid to be recharged as needed. Unlike plug-in hybrid cars, electric bikes do not directly use fossil fuels. Adequate sustainable urban transportation depends on appropriate urban infrastructure and planning that combines efficient public transit along with friendly bike and pedestrian paths. Patrick Maria Johnson is this founder.
Water
The main factor of a sustainable life involves what humans can not bear, water. The use of unsustainable water has far-reaching implications for mankind. Currently, humans use a quarter of Earth's total fresh water in the natural circulation, and more than half of accessible runoff. In addition, population growth and water demand continue to increase. Thus, it is necessary to use the available water more efficiently. In a sustainable life, one can use water more sustainably through a series of simple daily actions. These measures involve taking into account the efficiency of indoor home appliances, outdoor water use, and the awareness of daily water use.
Home appliances in the room
Residential and commercial buildings account for 12 percent of American freshwater withdrawals. A typical American family home uses about 70 US gallons (260Ã,L) per person per day in the room. This use can be reduced by simple changes in behavior and upgrades to the quality of the tool.
Toilet
Toilets accounted for nearly 30% of home water use in homes in the United States in 1999. One of the US standard toilets requires more water than most individuals, and many families, in the world are used for all their needs in a full day. The preservation of home toilet water can be increased in one of two ways: repairing current toilets or installing toilets more efficiently. To repair the current toilet, one possible method is to place a weighted plastic bottle in the toilet tank. Also, there are cheap tank banks or float boosters available for purchase. Bank tank is a plastic bag to be filled with water and hung in a toilet tank. Booster booster stuck beneath the pre-1986 floating ball three and a half capacity of the toilet capacity. This allows the toilets to operate on the same valve and float settings but significantly reduces their water level, saving between one and one and one-third gallons of water per flush. The main water waste in the toilet is leakage. The slow leakage of the toilet is undetectable to the eye, but can cost hundreds of gallons every month. One way to check this is to put food coloring into the tank, and to see if the water in the toilet bowl is the same color. If there is a leaky flapper, you can replace it with a customizable flapper toilet, allowing adjustments to the amount of water per flush.
If installing new toilets there are a number of options to get the most water-efficient models. Toilet flush is low using one to two gallons per flush. Traditionally, toilets use three to five gallons per flush. If eighteen liters per toilet flush is removed and a six liter toilet per flush is put in place, 70% of the water will be stored while the overall use of water in the room will be reduced by 30%. It is possible to have a toilet that does not use water. Composting toilets cultivate human waste through composting and dehydration, resulting in valuable soil additives. This toilet has two bowls of compartment to separate urine from the dirt. Urine can be collected or sold as fertilizer. Dirt can be dried and bagged or composted. These toilets cost almost nothing more than toilets that are installed regularly and do not require sewer connections. In addition to providing valuable fertilizers, these toilets are very sustainable because they store waste collection and processing, and reduce agricultural costs and increase humus.
In addition, a person can reduce the sustainability of toilet water by limiting the total flushing of the toilet. For example, instead of watering small waste, such as tissues, one can throw these items in a trash or compost.
Rain Showers
On average, rain was 18% of US indoor water usage in 1999, at 6-8 US gallons (23-30 Â ° L) per minute traditionally in America. A simple method to reduce this usage is to switch to a high-performing, low-flow shower. This shower uses only 1.0-1.5 gpm or less. An alternative to replacing a shower is to install a converter. This device withholds rain when it reaches the desired temperature. Solar water heaters can be used to obtain optimal water temperatures, and are more sustainable because they reduce dependence on fossil fuels. To reduce the use of excess water, the water pipe can be isolated by insulation of pre-slit foam pipe. This isolation decreases the generation time of hot water. A simple and straightforward method to conserve water while taking a bath is to shower faster. One method to achieve this is to turn off the water when it is not needed (like when watering) and continue to shower when water is needed. This can be facilitated when the pipe or shower allows to turn off the water without disturbing the desired temperature setting (common in the UK but not the United States).
Dishwashers and sink
On average, drowning was 15% of US indoor water usage in 1999. However, there are some easy methods to correct excess water loss. Available for purchase is screw aerator. This device works by combining water with air to produce foaming substances with a larger volume, reducing the use of water by half. In addition, there is a flip-valve available that allows the flow to be switched off and back to previously achieved temperatures. Finally, the laminar flow device creates a 1.5-2.4 gpm flow of water that reduces water use by half, but can be converted to normal water levels when optimal.
In addition to purchasing the above device, one can live more sustainably by checking sinks for leaks, and fixing these links if they exist. According to the EPA, "Little drops from worn-out faucet washers can spend 20 gallons of water per day, while larger leaks can cost hundreds of gallons". When washing dishes by hand, there is no need to let the water run to rinse, and more efficiently to wash dishes simultaneously.
On average, dishwashers consume 1% of indoor water usage. When using a dishwasher, water can be preserved by simply running the engine when it is full. Some have "low flow" settings to use less water per wash cycle. Detergent enzymes cleanse dishes more efficiently and more successfully with less water amounts at lower temperatures.
Washing Machine
On average, 23% of US indoor water usage in 1999 was for washing clothes. In contrast to other machines, American washing machines have turned slightly more sustainable. The typical washing machine has a vertical axis design, where the clothing is restless inside a tube filled with water. The horizontal-axis machine, on the contrary, puts less water down to the bottom of the rub and turns the clothes through it. This machine is more efficient in terms of use of soap and clothing stability.
Outdoor water use
There are a number of ways people can combine personal pages, roofs, and parks in a more sustainable life. Preserving water is a key element of sustainability, as well as water absorption.
Water saving
In planning the courtyard and garden space, it is most sustainable to consider the plants, soil, and water available. Dust-resistant shrubs, plants, and grasses require less water than the more traditional species. In addition, native plants (compared to herbaceous plants) will use less water supply and have high resistance to plant diseases in the area. Xeriscaping is a technique that selects drought tolerant plants and contributes endemic features such as slope, soil type, and native plant ranges. This can reduce the use of landscaping water by 50 - 70%, while providing habitat space for wildlife. Plants on the slopes help reduce runoff by slowing down and absorbing accumulated precipitation. Grouping plants with watering needs further reduces waste water.
After planting, placing the circumference of the mulch that surrounds the plant serves to reduce evaporation. To do this, press firmly two to four inches of organic material along the plant's dripline. This prevents water runoff. When watering, consider various sprinklers; flush paved areas are not needed. In addition, to save the maximum amount of water, watering should be done in the morning on a non-windy day to reduce water loss until evaporation. Drip and rain hose irrigation systems are a more sustainable alternative to traditional sprinkler systems. The drip irrigation system uses a small gap at standard distances in the hose, leading to droplets of slow water droplets that permeate the soil for a protracted period. This system uses 30 - 50% less water than conventional methods. The suction hose helps reduce water use by up to 90%. They are connected to a garden hose and lie along a row of plants under a layer of mulch. Layers of organic material added to the soil help increase its absorption and water retention; previously planted areas can be covered with compost.
In caring for grass, there are a number of steps that can improve the sustainability of lawn maintenance techniques. The main aspect of garden care is watering. To conserve water, it is important to just water if necessary, and soak in deeply when watering. In addition, the grass may be left inactive, updating after the dry season to its original vitality.
Discharging water
A common method of water sequestration is the rainwater harvest, which combines rain collection and storage. Especially, rain is obtained from the roof, and stored on the ground in the infiltration tank. Water absorption varies by area, cost, and complexity. The simple method involves one barrel at the bottom of the downspout, while a more complex method involves multiple tanks. It is highly sustainable to use water stored in purified water for activities such as irrigation and flushing toilets. In addition, using stored rainwater reduces the amount of runoff pollution, taken from roofs and sidewalks that would normally enter the stream through a storm channel. The following equations can be used to estimate the annual water supply:
Area of ​​collection (square feet) ÃÆ'â € "Rainfall (inches/year)/12 (inches/feet) = Cubic feet Water/Year
Cubic Feet/Year ÃÆ'â € "7.43 (Galon/Cubic Feet) = Galon/year
Note, however, this calculation does not take into account losses such as evaporation or leakage.
The function of the greywater system in alienating the indoor water used, such as laundry, bath and sink water, and filtering it for reuse. Greywater can be reused in irrigation and flushing toilets. There are two types of greywater systems: gravity manual systems and package systems. The manual system does not require electricity but may require a larger page space. The package system needs electricity but it can stand on its own and can be installed indoors.
Waste
As population and resource demand increase, waste production contributes to carbon dioxide emissions, leaching of hazardous materials to soil and waterways, and methane emissions. In America alone, for a decade, 500 trillion pounds of American resources will turn into waste and unproductive gas. Thus, an important component of sustainable living is wasting awareness. One can do this by reducing waste, reusing commodities, and recycling.
There are a number of ways to reduce waste in sustainable living. Two methods to reduce paper waste are to cancel junk mail such as credit cards and direct mail insurance and direct mail offers and convert monthly paper reports into paperless email. Junk mail itself accounted for 1.72 million tons of TPA waste in 2009. Another method of reducing waste is to buy large quantities, reducing packaging materials. Preventing food waste can limit the amount of organic waste sent to landfills to produce strong greenhouse gas methane. Another example of waste reduction involves being conscious of buying redundant when purchasing materials with limited use such as paint cans. Non-hazardous or less dangerous alternatives may also limit waste toxicity.
By reusing materials, a person lives more sustainably by not contributing to the addition of waste to landfills. Reuse saves natural resources by reducing the need for raw material extraction. For example, reusable bags can reduce the amount of waste generated by grocery shopping that eliminates the need to make and send plastic bags and the need to manage the disposal and recycling or pollution effects.
Recycling, a process that breaks used goods into raw materials for making new materials, is a very useful tool to contribute to renewal of goods. Recycling incorporates three main processes; collection and processing, manufacture and purchase of recycled products. A natural example of recycling involves the use of food scraps as compost to enrich the soil quality, which can be done at home or locally by community composting. A recycling branch, upcycling, seeks to transform matter into something of equal or greater value in the lives of both. By integrating the steps of reuse, reduction and recycling, one can effectively reduce personal waste and use materials in a more sustainable way.
See also
References
External links
- INHERIT Project, Horizon Project 2020 to identify lifestyles, moves and consumptions that protect the environment and promote health and wellness equality.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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