Green living starts at home: Tips for creating an eco-friendly neighbourhood

With a growing awareness of the impact our actions have on the environment, green living has become not only a popular choice but a necessary one. 

"As the country faces challenges in meeting its energy demands and combating climate change, individuals and communities have a significant role to play in adopting sustainable lifestyles," says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group. "By making conscious choices and implementing eco-friendly practices in our daily lives, we can establish greener neighbourhoods that have a significant impact on our country as a whole."

In this blog, we explore 5 practical tips for living green in your neighbourhood. 

1. Embrace energy efficiency: Improving energy efficiency is a powerful way to reduce your environmental footprint. Start by replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving alternatives like LED bulbs. Solar-powered outside lights are another great way to keep your garden and neighbourhood lit up without the cost. This can also inspire your neighbours to invest in their own solar lights. 

2. Rewild your garden: Whether you have a spacious garden or simply a balcony, making this space more inviting to wildlife is a great way to support the natural biodiversity of your area. From choosing indigenous plants that provide food and shelter for local wildlife to eliminating the use of harmful chemicals, there are a number of ways you can create an environment that fosters insects, birds and critters. You can also invite the outside in by embracing biophilic home design. 

3. Clean up your neighbourhood: Keeping your neighbourhood clean and free of litter not only enhances its appearance but also contributes to a healthier environment. Consider picking up litter on your street and pavement. Who knows, you just might inspire your neighbours to do the same. 

4. Join a carpool: Reach out to your neighbours to see who works close to you or has a child in the same school. That way you can arrange a carpool where you take turns driving and travel together to save on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint. 

5. Cultivate a community garden: Underused communal spaces can be transformed into thriving community gardens that are not just useful for cultivating fruits and vegetables, but also a sense of community spirit. Additionally, these spaces can be used for composting and implementing rainwater harvesting devices. 

These efforts are not only a great way to become more environmentally conscious but will also work wonders in creating a sense of unity and belonging within your community.