As the world becomes more concerned about environmental issues, the demand for greener facilities continues to grow. Retirement communities, nursing homes, and other senior communities are no exception. People of all ages want to do their part to protect the world they live in, and they know that true change starts at home. Fortunately, you don’t need a massive budget to create a more environmentally responsible building and community. Start taking steps in the right direction with this guide on how to make your senior community more eco-friendly.
Focus on Sustainable Energy
If you want to reduce your community’s carbon footprint, a good way to start is by looking at your energy usage. Look into installing solar panels for your building. While this is certainly an investment, it can save you in the long run as you cut energy costs and even receive potential rebates or payments from your local government or energy companies. However, even without alternative power sources, you can still cut energy costs and usage by switching to more energy-efficient appliances and utilities. You can also implement LED bulbs, high-efficiency showerheads, and smart devices to reduce the amount of energy and water your facility uses each day.
Go Green Inside and Out
In the fight against climate change, no idea or solution is too small. There are plenty of things you can do both inside and outside of your senior community. Try to come up with eco-friendly interior design solutions, such as using sustainable construction materials or purchasing your décor from a secondhand or antique shop. You can establish some outdoor eco-friendly solutions as well. For example, a community garden is a great way to plant more trees and preserve native plant life in your community.
Get Residents Involved
When it comes to how to make your senior community more eco-friendly, the most effective solutions are a team effort. Get your community involved by starting green committees, implementing recycling programs, and encouraging other initiatives. The more people you have working toward these projects, the better your ideas, efforts, and results will be. This is also a fantastic way to bring residents together and create a tight-knit, enriching community within your facility.