I'm the type of person who cares about sustainability, reducing the impact on the environment and making a positive change. Due to that, I made a few key decisions which will affect my renovation project. If any of you have any other ideas or suggestions, do comment as we're all here to learn. I don't admit to know it all and I can be wrong so do correct me if I am. :)
1. As much as possible, use only local products.
Many people don't understand why I say this. What does using local products have to do with the environment anyway? Imagine if your wallpaper was air flown from France vs transported by lorry from the manufacturing plant directly to your house. Which do you think saves more fuel and indirectly cost and the environment? Plus, if the products are not too far off from what I like, I really don't see any harm in contributing to the local economy. I will try to do this as much as I can. I have already found a few good places I can source my items from which I will share later.
2. Try to minimize renovation
I say this for all the obvious reasons. The more I destroy my current place, the more waste I will create. More waste = not environmentally friendly. I am working with my contractor and architect to ensure that there will be minimal wastage and I will try to recycle as much material as I can. I have a few ideas on how I will do this which I will share later.
3. Use less glass.
Again, many people don't understand what glass has to do with anything. Isn't glass environmentally friendly?
Well, the use of glass can indirectly cause the greenhouse effect. If anyone else might have a different take on this, do comment below.
4. Energy saving lighting
I think this is a given. Many companies like Philips and Panasonic are now producing energy saving bulbs that use so much more less energy than conventional ones. I do know that energy saving bulbs are also more harmful to the environment but look at it this way. Buying an energy saving bulbs also saves a lot of electricity which in the end also means you do your part. Plus, conventional bulbs are hot and tend to blow quite often. I've had my fair share and I don't enjoy that.
5. Energy saving appliances
Without a doubt I no longer use any other electrical appliances other than Panasonic. I like how the company dedicates itself to it's commitment of reducing it's impact on the earth. Some companies don't really take this seriously but I have worked with people from Panasonic before and someone close to me has met the president of Panasonic in Japan to talk about this issue and I am SOLD. Panasonic, I am a customer for LIFE....unless you decide to change your mind about the environment :) Plus, all my applicances use the inverter technology which I can assure you is something you NEED to have if you want to reduce your electricity bills. Currently, I use the Panasonic front load washing machine, refrigerator, and microwave oven and I am so absolutely satisfied with them.
6. Natural fabrics
No matter how much I love imported, printed and coloured fabrics, I have decided that I will not be buying them. I don't think I need to explain the imported fabrics (read above) but as for printed fabrics, it takes more water to process them as compared to plain fabrics. The best is of course to just go plain white or unbleached which I don't really have much of an issue with. Availability of other more sustainable materials in Malaysia might be an issue though. I'll work it out and post my findings.
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| Credit: Victoria Hagan Interiors |
7. Natural lighting
You might think this is contradictory to what I mentioned above about the use of glass. However, the point is not to use too much glass in your house. Plus, security might also be an issue if your whole house is made of glass. The use of natural lighting is beautiful, saves cost and electricity and I am a true advocate of it. But there is no need to have huge panels of glass in your house. Windows do just fine. Work with your architect or interior designer to talk about how many windows it will take to light up a room nicely. I will write more about this later.
8. Solar panels
The Malaysian government has just announced some great news. Under this scheme, Malaysian who use solar energy to power their house can sell energy back to the government if they produce more than is needed for their home. Even before this was announced though, I had more or less already decided I wanted to have solar panels instead of a roof. Why not? Malaysia is so lucky to have sun all year round it would be great it we could attempt to do something positive with it. Once I have spoken to some people about the solar panels and the prices, I will be sure to post it up.
9. Flooring and wall coverings
I like wooden floorings. I really do. But my current house already has a marble flooring. I have decided to just work with them the best I can instead of producing more waste. It's not the easiest thing to do and I'll be really proud of myself if I can pull it off well. I'll update more on that later. As for wall coverings, I am a huge fan of wallpaper. I think the clever use of wallpapers can create beautiful illusions for a room and give it more personality. However, most wallpapers are made of vinyl, a non biodegradable material. Can you hear me sighing? There is a company in the US selling biodegradable wallpaper but I do not want to import my wallpaper for the above reason. Hear me sighing again? I have decided to use paint in a more creative manner instead. I will update more on this later.
10. Doors
I have decided to use wooden doors for the bedrooms and the main door. The toilets and bathrooms however will have frosted glass doors. It's okay to use glass in the house, just not outside. I will not be using plastic doors. I find plastic doors in Malaysia look cheap, the locks always break and plastic is never biodegradable. I will update on more options later.
This is all I can think of for now.
Toodles,
D.
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