5 Simple Ways to Make Your Island Eco-Friendly
When it comes to island living, making your home “green” is not only good for the environment, but its also good for the wallet. Here are five tips greener living tips that will not only make your island home more environmentally friendly, but will also save you money.
Tip 1: Buy and Build Local
If you live in a tropical area consider building a mud walled hut with a thatched roof. Granted it may not look exactly like your home on the mainland, but there are advantages to building this type of home. Even if this type of construction is too extreme the point is, using local materials means that you do not have to ship in materials, which ultimately saves a great deal of diesel. The economic advantage comes from not having to pay for the high shipping costs associated with international construction.
Tip 2: Switch Lightbulbs
Recently compact flurescent bulbs have been getting a lot of attention, and for a good reason. High efficiency light bulbs use up to 80 percent less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs. In addition efficient light bulbs last up to 15 times longer than their counterparts. Although they typically cost more than incandescent bulbs, the money you save on energy easily makes up the difference. For island owners this means less time having to worry about changing light bulbs and more time on the beach!
Tip 3: Rain Barrels
Set up rain barrels on your island and/or collect any grey water runoff. This water is useful for watering gardens and even flushing your toilets. This type of system is especially ideal for island owners who spend a great deal of money and energy on water filtration systems.
Tip 4: Insulate your Home
Many island cottages and homes have been around for decades and as a result are often not insulated. The fact of the matter is a third of all building heat is lost through walls. Insulation is relatively easy and cheap and in addition to saving the environment it will also save you money.
Tip 5: Compost
Composting is a cheap and easy way to reduce the amount of trash you are sending to the landfill. And since most island owners have to take their garbage to the mainland for disposal, composting helps reduce the frequency of trips. In addition, compost eventually become nutrient rich soil which is ideal for gardening on your island.
