Over the past few decades, eco-friendly initiatives have been increasing to reduce carbon emissions and waste. Large communities, like retirement homes, are hotspots for this type of waste due to the number of people they house and, in turn, the number of resources they require.
However, many retirement homes have begun introducing more sustainable practices into their communities, from how they construct their buildings to how they manage day-to-day tasks. For example, communities like Seasons Retirement have retrofitted their buildings with LED lighting and water valve installations to decrease hydro usage.
There are several eco-friendly trends that retirement communities have begun implementing into their operations.
Let’s briefly examine the different green initiatives in these communities as a whole, along with practices that individual retirees can implement into their day-to-day routines to promote a more sustainable living environment!
Ways That Retirement Homes are Going Green
Many retirement homes are moving toward newer, more sustainable operations to protect the environment from the harmful effects of carbon emissions and non-biodegradable waste.
If you’re an environmentally-conscious person looking for a retirement home for your loved ones, you’re likely focused on selecting a retirement that is in the process of going green.
To help you determine what to look for when selecting an eco-conscious retirement community for your parents or grandparents, familiarize yourself with some of the standard sustainable practices many retirement communities are beginning to adopt.
Reducing Carbon Footprints with Sustainable Energy
One of the main focuses of environmentally-conscious retirement homes is reducing their carbon footprint by replacing fossil fuels with sustainable energy.
Solar energy is a common choice for these circumstances, and commercial installations are becoming increasingly more affordable.
Another common energy source is geothermal energy, which is typically used to replace HVAC heating systems, and like solar power, is becoming much more affordable and accessible for commercial use.
By using more sustainable energy sources, these forward-thinking retirement homes are reducing the release of carbon dioxide into the air and, in turn, taking a step towards creating a healthier, greener planet for future generations!
Recycled Construction Materials
While many retirement homes want to implement green initiatives in small ways, many new communities are built on a green foundation. These communities promote sustainability from the ground up by using recyclable construction materials for new buildings and renovations.
Eco-friendly building materials for these builds include concrete slabs, shallow foundations, and insulated concrete.
By enforcing sustainability in the construction stage, retirement homes can better ensure energy conservation, as materials like concrete naturally adjust to the temperature in a room throughout the seasons, reducing the need to turn up the heat or use an air conditioner.
Going Paperless
Many retirement homes are taking small steps toward green initiatives by reducing the paper they use. Investing in high-quality software systems that can be used for finances and operations, such as processing payments, organizing files, and other clerical tasks, can significantly reduce paper usage.
These systems can be connected to a cloud-based interface, which can transfer information by connecting to multiple devices, allowing staff to share documents online instead of with sheets of paper.
Introducing Recycling Programs
Another excellent way for retirement homes to reduce their carbon footprint is by introducing recycling programs. Many retirement homes now have recycling bins installed in common areas for glass, plastic, cardboard, and other recyclable materials.
This program can be enhanced by adding individual recycling bins to residents’ rooms and requiring certain materials to be disposed of accordingly.
How Retirement Home Residents can be More Environmentally Conscious
Many retirement homes are making a concerted effort to be more environmentally conscious in their operations and business practices. However, the owners and on-site staff of retirement homes aren’t the only ones who can make a difference.
There are many things retirees can do on their own accord to help conserve the environment. Let’s consider the ideas below!
Take the Bus
To help reduce the emission of fossil fuels, older persons should consider purchasing a bus pass and taking advantage of the public transit in their area.
Or, if your loved one prefers to use a car, they can utilize ridesharing and carpooling programs to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road at a time.
Finally, if public transit isn’t viable for the area, retirees and their loved ones can reduce their time behind the wheel by riding a bike or walking to and from the retirement home.
Reduce Waste
While many retirement homes are in charge of making and preparing meals for residents, retirees who have apartments with kitchens or kitchenettes can help reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by reducing their food waste.
To reduce this type of waste, older persons should only purchase food items they plan to consume within a few days to prevent throwing out rotting perishables. Those who end up with food waste should consider turning it into compost, which can be used for community gardens or other green spaces.
Purchase Sustainable Products
Finally, retirees can contribute to a more sustainable future by purchasing products that will last rather than buying items that must be regularly thrown out.
For instance, instead of purchasing plastic wrap for leftover meals, which has to be tossed out after one use, older persons can invest in wax paper food coverings, which can be washed and reused several times.
These small changes can significantly impact the environment over time and are straightforward and easy to implement into your daily life!
Conclusion
More and more retirement homes are investing in eco-friendly operations and business practices, paving the way for other large commercial properties to adopt similar tactics.
As retirement communities in Canada continue to integrate environmental solutions into their practices, others are bound to follow in their footsteps and contribute to a more sustainable future for the next generation.
Also read: How to Find the Best Retirement Community for Your Elderly Parents
