Whether it’s melting glaciers or wildfires continuing for days, tragic incidents regarding the destruction of the natural environment have become a part of daily news. It also tells us that it’s high time to be conscious of our actions and take steps to conserve our natural resources.

Having said that, it is not only essential to change our habits, but also change the environment we live in. That’s why the growing number of people living in eco-friendly homes is increasing every year as they want to decrease their carbon footprints and enjoy healthy living.

If you’re on the fence about moving into eco-friendly homes, allow us to present you with some persuasive facts. However, before taking a deep dive, let’s find out what an eco-friendly home means.

What are Eco-Friendly Homes?

If you think of a typical house, the first thing that comes to mind is a building made of bricks or stones that has a roof to protect its residents and is powered by electricity. That’s quite right, but with the entry of millennials into the housing market, the criteria for homes began to change. Since the current generation isn’t just concerned about their comfort alone, they also want living spaces that are eco-friendly.

Yes, we’re talking about eco-friendly buildings that are built with non-polluting materials and powered by solar panels installed on the roof. Moreover, it’s not only us thinking about sustainable homes, celebrities like Gul Panag. Imran Khan and Abhay Deol, all have eco-friendly homes, and the numbers are constantly rising.

Let’s find out why eco-friendly houses are on the rise and what their advantages are.

Advantages of Living in Eco-Friendly Homes

Although it’s late, the realization of the need to go green has finally dawned upon us. Hence, the question “Is it environment friendly?” is being asked more these days than it used to be before.

Before venturing further, it needs to be understood that everything we use and see is some form of energy. The current sustainable buildings aim to reduce the exploitation of energy, recycle it, and thereby reduce costs as much as possible. That’s why eco-friendly homes are built using materials that are safe for the environment and recycled to conserve natural resources.

On top of that, sustainable homes are much ahead of non-green homes when it comes to saving energy and reducing expenses. Hence, green homes are inspiring people who want to reduce their carbon footprint by offering sustainable benefits. Also, it’s a great reason why you shouldn’t shy away from investing in something that holds a promising future for the upcoming generations.

1. Enhance Energy Efficiency

Energy prices rising every year isn’t news anymore, we all know that. Moreover, this had to happen as energy resources are depleting every day. Also, with Russia waging war on Ukraine, the prices of fuels are expected to go out of hand. However, what most of us haven’t thought about is its consequences and the ways to manage our needs in such situations.

In that case, investing in an eco-friendly home helps reduce our dependency on energy from non-renewable sources like natural gas or coal. It’s one of the reasons why most sustainable buildings are powered by solar panels installed on the roof. Simultaneously, green buildings are always designed in a way that allows ample natural light in the day thereby helping you save on energy bills to a greater degree.

For instance, a family living in a cool climatic region can choose to live in a green home that allows them to stay warm during the winter. At the same time, if the home is faced in the northern direction, it allows the sunlight to enter the rooms through the large windows.

Likewise, the front doors are designed with enclosed entrances to avoid cold air flowing into the rooms. Also, when the walls are made of earth-friendly materials that have high insulation properties, it keeps the inside of the home warm when the temperature becomes cold.

Furthermore, the walls of eco-friendly buildings are built with materials like mud, lime, and other environment-friendly materials that have high insulation properties. At the same time, they have rainwater harvest tanks installed in buildings to make your home more energy-efficient. People who live in sustainable communities use this rainwater for various requirements, like doing the laundry, watering the garden, as well as for toilet usage.

Besides, environment-friendly building materials not only save energy costs in the long run but also enhance the visual appeal of the homes simultaneously.

2. Stay Connected to Nature

Imagine waking up to the twittering of birds and sun rays entering your room through the windows. When you wake up to such positive vibes, you can easily approach every situation of the day with an optimistic attitude. On the other hand, the natural ventilation of eco-friendly homes lets the breeze flow through your rooms, leaving you calmer and more peaceful all day around.

One of the major qualities that draws people to sustainable homes is their ability to connect with nature. Living in an eco-friendly home not only makes you feel good about yourself, you feel closer to nature as well. Consequently, it impacts your overall well-being.

Moreover, most sustainable homes are surrounded by nature, which makes living in such houses a comfortable experience throughout the year.

Additionally, the most sustainable buildings are designed with beautiful natural landscapes around them, such as big gardens, ponds, and trees. You can also pick up hobbies like gardening to enhance the beauty of your surroundings over time.

3. Better Indoor Air Quality

Buildings that are constructed with environment-friendly materials are also regarded as good for your health. Also, with the growing scientific evidence, it is now proven that indoor air quality is much more polluted than outdoor air. It’s mainly because building materials like chemical paints, furnishing objects, and other non-green products in a conventional building contribute to polluting the indoor air.

People who live in sustainable homes year after year have better health because their home is made of eco-friendly materials, like mud, bamboo, lime, etc. Also, most green homes are surrounded by trees and gardens which contribute to a great extent in improving the air quality both inside and outside.

Ashwin and Sylvia, who have been living in a sustainable home for many years said that “We harvest rainwater and recycle wastes as much as possible. Also, our energy bills are quite low because of the amazing insulation qualities of their building walls. Even our health has improved a lot since we’ve shifted to this eco-friendly home.”

4. It’s Not an Expensive Investment

There’s a misconception among people that buying sustainable homes is a costly proposition to reduce your carbon footprints or live a comfortable life. It needs to be understood that the features that come with eco-friendly homes help manage expenses substantially. Moreover, the 9th Griha Summit in India was based on the theme “Sustainable is Affordable”, which aimed to tell the common man that eco-friendly buildings are not costly at all.

Anyone who is thinking about investing in a sustainable home must know that it is made to survive for more than 60 years. Irrespective of the fact that the cost of a house has increased a bit, it is nothing near the price range of non-green houses and apartments in the city. What’s more, its minimal maintenance expenses along with reduced electricity bills, better air quality, and other benefits make it a more profitable investment in contemporary times.

5. Potentially better health

As previously mentioned, sustainable living is always good for your health. When you live in an eco-friendly house, there’s less dependency on heating and air conditioning due to improved insulation and ventilation in the rooms. Consequently, it decreases the possibility of mites, mould, and dust circulation. And hence, reduces the risks of any respiratory diseases for the family members living in the house.

Sustainable homes are built mostly with eco-friendly materials. Therefore, the usage of chemicals is almost minimal. As a result, the dwellers can breathe in air that is free of toxins, which otherwise could cause harmful effects in the long term.

Apart from that, the method of producing solar energy does not cause any pollution compared to the other energy-producing methods. Simultaneously, if you choose to cook on electric stoves powered by solar energy, it removes the disadvantages of cooking with gas in enclosed spaces.

Are Eco-friendly Homes the Future?

In the last few years, campaigners across the world are appealing to governments of different countries to show support in spreading awareness for sustainable homes. What’s more, many governments like that of India have expressed their support as it equally helps in achieving their environmental goals in a short time.

With increasing reports of natural disasters due to global warming and climate change, it seems even common people are now interested in reducing their carbon footprints on earth. Also, when the benefits of sustainable homes can meet our needs effectively without depleting natural resources, it paves the way for future generations to survive comfortably.

Hence, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that the demand for eco-friendly homes will continue to rise in the next few years. And with increasing interest, it could bring positive change to the environment  as well.