1. Ways to Conserve the Environment by Constructing Green Homes
Oceans’ dry up, the o-zone layer diminishes, conflagrations spread and Mother Nature on
the verge of collapse. Could this be the near future? It can be, if mankind does not address the
current environmental issues that we face now in the present day. Earths’ natural resources such as
oil and gas, coal, gold, and etc. that are near depletion have already made it clear how humans
abuse these limited resources. Therefore, homosapiens’ have devised several ideas and proposals
to conserve the environment. One of which is building green homes that use eco-friendly methods
of conserving the environment such as rainwater harvesting and the use of solar panels.
Firstly, rainwater harvesting is a common practice in Australia and in other countries. This
form of eco-friendly practice is the collection of rain water on rainy days. One of the most common
methods of rainwater harvesting is through rain barrels. As literate as it sounds, barrels collect water
from the roof of a house and flows through a downspout into rain barrels. The collected water, can
then be used for daily household activities such as washing dishes, doing the laundry, hosing down
the garden, and even perhaps for taking a bathe. In addition to that, rain barrels are cheap to buy or
it can also be constructed by yourself (DIY). Rainwater harvesting is commonly practiced, not only for
its benefit of reducing water resource consumption but it also prevents soil erosion by reducing the
flow of storm water that can possibly cause urban flooding.
Besides, solar panels have become one of the conventional methods of conserving the
environment. It is the most natural resource that is found abundant on Mother Earth. Sunlight
harvesting through solar panels are strategically located in areas with the highest sunlight intensity
such roofs of houses. World leaders such as China, Japan and the United States have incorporated
the use of solar energy in their respective countries in the recent “green movement” in the past
decade. Solar panels are also painted black to achieve maximum attraction of solar energy radiation.
Moreover, solar energy is converted into electric or heat energy for the use of the domestic users
and is considered the cleanest source of energy. Hence, the conventional resources needed to
produce electricity or heating is dramatically reduced.
In conclusion, rainwater harvesting and solar panels effectively saves the environment.
Furthermore, these methods are not just eco-friendly, but they are also economically friendly as it
saves money on water, electric and heating utilities. Therefore, these methods must be
implemented into the homes of the everyday users now for a brighter future. As the saying goes
“There’s no time like the present”.
References:
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/methods-of-rainwater-harvesting.php
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/green-building.php