Though ‘zero-waste lifestyle’ has become a fancy word now, it wasn’t the case earlier. Our grandparents and the generations before that practiced it without labelling it, or even realizing that they were doing anything special. Food wastage would be minimal, clothes handed down to younger family members, and no plastic or disposable items at all.
With changing times, our habits have changed, and a lot of waste started coming out of homes, and more chemicals are being used. This went on to increase pollution all over – ground, water, and air. Fortunately, people started becoming more environmentally conscious, wanting to be more responsible and contribute to protecting the environment.
This factor is driving real estate market trends in Trivandrum towards apartments rather than individual homes.
The Importance of Zero waste living in Flats
Flats are compact, and if you are not a mindful consumer, you can accumulate waste. This can lead to several health problems for everyone, not to mention that it will completely spoil the looks of your flat. Waste collection and disposal is harder in flats, and if not executed properly, can lead to big problems.
But with these easy waste management tips, you can ensure that you can reduce the amount of trash you generate, and properly dispose of whatever has to be discarded.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
This is the first rule of sustainability. How will you put this in process?
Reduce
Consciously reduce the amount of waste you generate. Be a mindful consumer; buy local rather than online, and buy in bulk to reduce packaging materials. Avoid purchasing unnecessary items, and cut down on disposable items like water bottles, restaurant takeaway containers and plastic bags.
Avoid paper napkins and tissue paper, and use cloth instead. Similarly, replace sanitary napkins with reusable menstrual cups and disposable baby diapers with cloth nappies.
Limit ordering restaurant food and cook at home more often; for takeaways, go with your own containers.
Reuse
Look for ways to reuse items; repurpose containers, donate clothes, switch to refillable water bottles, use metal and glass containers, and your own shopping bags to avoid plastic bags.
Recycle
When you can no longer use an item, recycle or upcycle it, so that it doesn’t end up in the landfills. This helps to conserve resources too.
Save Electricity
Install LED lights, BLDS fans, inverter fridges and A/Cs, and appliances with high energy star ratings to reduce your electricity consumption. Switch off all lights, fans, and devices when not in use. Install motion sensing lights which only switch off when someone comes in its line, and switches off automatically after a while. Operate the A/C at 1-2 degrees below the ambient temperature for optimal consumption. Using dimmers for chandeliers and other high watt lights is helpful to avoid using excessive electricity. This can also help you save on your bills.
Conserve Water
All taps must be closed tight after use to limit wastage, and all leaks must be immediately fixed. Installing low-flow shower heads and faucets can help you avoid wasting water unnecessarily.
Compost Kitchen Waste
Buy a DIY compost kit and follow the instructions to compost your kitchen waste like peels and leftovers. You can use the compost for your apartment plants to make them healthier. This will go a long way in creating a sustainable apartment.
Segregate Waste Properly
Proper waste segregation begins with having separate bins for different types of waste like food, medical, recyclable waste, and so on, with proper labelling. Educate everyone in the family about its importance and where each waste item should be deposited.
Conclusion
It is not impossible to lead a zero waste lifestyle in your flat in Trivandrum, if you are determined to achieve it. Varma Homes is a reputed builder in Trivandrum who is conscious about the need for protecting the environment. We follow all the environmental regulations as directed and implement rainwater harvesting, waste composting, and solar panels for lighting the common areas. Our projects are RERA certified, have all necessary permits, and feature superlative amenities that make living comfortable, convenient, and luxurious.
Live smarter, waste less. Discover how Flats in Trivandrum can support your journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle. Learn more now.
FAQs
Is it really possible to follow a zero-waste lifestyle in flats in Trivandrum?
Absolutely. With a bit of planning and commitment, residents of flats in Trivandrum can significantly reduce their waste. Simple steps like composting kitchen scraps, reducing plastic use, reusing containers, and segregating waste properly can go a long way in creating a sustainable lifestyle even in apartment settings.
What facilities should I look for in eco-friendly flats in Trivandrum?
Look for features like rainwater harvesting, composting units, solar panels, waste segregation systems, and energy-efficient appliances. Reputed builders in Trivandrum, like Varma Homes, offer flats with such sustainable features that support a zero-waste lifestyle.
Why is waste management more important in flats compared to individual houses in Trivandrum?
Flats in Trivandrum often have shared waste collection points and limited space, making waste buildup a bigger issue if not managed properly. Improper waste disposal can lead to health hazards and pest problems. A zero-waste approach helps keep the living environment clean, healthy, and sustainable for all residents.
Leave a Reply