Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction In recent years, sustainability has moved from being a passing trend to becoming a global priority in several areas including construction, fashion and design. Sustainable projects are gaining prominence due to their ability to reduce environmental impacts and promote more conscious practices. Stay to know them. Green building Green construction is one of the most notable sectors in the field of sustainability. This concept encompasses practices that aim to minimize the environmental impact of buildings, from the choice of materials to energy efficiency. Buildings with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification are examples of projects that incorporate green technologies and practices, such as solar panels, water reuse systems and advanced thermal insulation. These projects not only reduce the carbon footprint, but also provide significant savings in energy and maintenance costs over the long term. Sustainable fashion Sustainable fashion is also changing the landscape of the textile industry, with brands increasingly committed to adopting practices that reduce environmental impact. This includes the use of organic and recycled materials, water- and energy-saving production processes, and the promotion of fair trade practices . In addition, the trend of slow fashion is gaining strength, encouraging the purchase of durable and quality pieces, instead of following ephemeral and disposable fashions. Vertical agriculture Vertical farming is an innovative solution that allows you to grow food in urban environments, through vertically stacked crop layers . This technique reduces the need for large areas of land and can be performed in buildings and urban warehouses. In addition to optimizing the use of space, vertical agriculture reduces food transportation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the consumption of fresh and local products . Sustainable mobility With growing concern about carbon emissions, sustainable mobility is becoming a priority in cities. Initiatives such as the implementation of cycle paths, encouraging public transport and developing electric vehicles are transforming the way people move . In addition, many cities are exploring shared mobility solutions such as scooters and electric bikes to reduce reliance on individual cars and decrease environmental footprint. Circular economy The circular economy is a concept that aims to close the life cycle of products, promoting reuse, recycling and reducing waste . Instead of following the traditional use and discard model, the circular economy encourages the creation of durable products and the implementation of systems to recover and reuse materials. Initiatives such as upcycling (turning waste into new products) and design for dismantling are examples of how this concept is being applied to reduce environmental impact and promote a more efficient use of resources. By adopting sustainable practices, we not only contribute to protecting the environment but also help create a more balanced and fair future for all. Discover other related topics: What is ESG and how to apply it in your real estate , Greenwashing: know what it is and how to identify it and Decorate your home sustainably
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction With the end of holidays and a new school year in sight, preparing your children for their return to school can be a challenging but also exciting process . To help you in this step, here are five tips that may be useful. Organize the school materials Before classes start, check the school’s list of school supplies and make an inventory of what you already have at home . So you can avoid unnecessary purchases. Buy what you need in advance to avoid last-minute rush. Also, labeling materials with your children’s names helps to avoid losses. Readjust the routine During the holidays, it is common for children’s routine to become more flexible. One week before school starts, start adjusting sleep and feeding schedules so your children get used to waking up and sleeping early. This makes it easier to adapt to the school routine and ensures that they are rested and ready to learn. Create a space for study Having a dedicated place for home studies is critical to concentration and school performance. Choose a quiet, well-lit environment with the necessary materials within reach. Keeping the space organized and free of distractions helps children focus on their school tasks. Encourage reading Encouraging daily reading helps to regain the rhythm of learning and stimulate the taste for studies. Choose books that will arouse your children’s interest and take time to read together. This not only improves vocabulary and comprehension, but also creates a moment of connection between parents and children. Prepare yourself psychologically Returning to school can cause anxiety in both parents and children. Talk to your children about their expectations and feelings for the new school year. Being attentive to their concerns and encouraging them to share their experiences helps make the transition smoother. Take the rest of August to organize your children’s routines and materials, preparing them for a new school year full of energy and motivation
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Keeping your books up to date may seem like a daunting task, but with a little organization and some simple tricks you can turn your finances around for the better. Imagine the feeling of freedom when you see your finances under control and without stress! If you’re ready to upgrade your financial management skills, here are five tips that will help you get your bills up to date and make your pocket breathe of relief. First, establish a monthly budget and follow it with discipline , which will work as a financial diet - you need to know how much you can spend so that you don’t end up in excess. Use personal finance apps to monitor your expenses and make sure you’re not exceeding the limits you set . Also, create an emergency fund to cover contingencies and prevent an unexpected account from turning into a financial nightmare. Don’t forget to review your recurring subscriptions and services, as you may be paying for things you don’t even use or that could be replaced by cheaper alternatives. By canceling these unnecessary subscriptions, you can free up a significant amount of money. Finally, pay your bills on time to avoid fines and interest that only add headache to your balance, and you’ll see that not only will keep your bills on time, as well as you will have a clear and calm view of your financial future. Looking for other strategies? Read on: Tips to save: 52 weeks challenge and Three tips to deal with the rise in the benefit
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Did you know that your shopping list can be the key to a brighter financial future? Yes, that’s right! Turning your trips to the supermarket into a strategic mission can save you a lot of money and ensure efficient management of your time . Get ready for practical tricks, because here are 5 foolproof tips to make smart purchases and keep your pocket happy. First, plan your meals in advance. Make a list of essential ingredients and don’t fall for the mistake of buying ingredients or products just because. After this list is created, go hunting for offers and discounts - check out applications and brochures to find the best bargains. Do not forget that supermarket brands are like those friends who appear when you least expect them, and they are always the most reliable and economical. And to make sure you become the master of smart shopping, here are 5 tips that will transform your grocery store experience: 1. Plan your meals for the week and create a shopping list based on that; 2. Check offers and discounts on applications and brochures before leaving home; 3. Avoid taking children shopping as they may add unplanned products to the cart; 4. Avoid shopping hungry to avoid the temptation of impulsive purchases; 5. Choose seasonal products, which are fresher and cheaper. With these strategies you will save time and money, feel a positive change in your budget! Implement these strategies and make sustainable choices.
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Water is an essential resource, precious to life on earth, and saving it doesnt mean stopping using it, but it does mean using it conscientiously. Everyday attitudes can make a difference . For example, when you fill up your pool, you should bear in mind that the water should be 15 centimetres below the edge, thus avoiding wasting water when a bather jumps into the pool. In addition, before the hibernation period, you should apply a product to prevent the proliferation of algae, drain all the pipes and reduce the water level to 50 centimetres below the edge. But theres a lot more you can do, which well explain below: Maintain maintenance and frequent cleaning Opt for more frequent cleaning, as your pool is subject to various types of dirt. There are already hoovers on the market that filter the water, and this way of cleaning will help you save financial and environmental resources. Your pool should therefore be regularly maintained , as this is the only way to avoid wasting water. And keep an eye on it, because if the water reduces its volume easily, it could mean that there are cracks in the pool walls. Reusing rainwater Roof gutters are a way of recovering and reusing rainwater. If you have a swimming pool and want to make it more sustainable and ecological, you can use the water that naturally falls to fill your pool. The most economical disinfection system Chlorine is the best known and most common disinfectant for swimming pool water, but from an environmental point of view it doesnt offer the most advantages. You can use active oxygen or a saline chlorinator, which will keep the water clean for longer, without having to replace the water every three to five years. There are also a number of plants that purify and filter the water, as well as providing shelter for the possible surrounding fauna. Reusing pool water If you have a garden or plants to water, depending on the amount of chlorine you put in your pool water, you can - before discarding it completely to clean it, for example - use that water for irrigation. Adequate cover Covering your pool is essential both in periods when youre not using it in the summer, to prevent evaporation, and in periods of hibernation to avoid replacing the water the following season. Protecting your pool properly can be equivalent to saving 70 per cent of water through evaporation, which is a lot! Follow these and other money-saving tips in SUPERCASA Notícias
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction It is not so difficult to transform your home to achieve maximum energy efficiency, because with small tips and changes, it is possible to keep all the comfort while saving on your electricity bills. Start with an energy analysis - it will be like putting a magnifying glass to analyze your home to find out where the diversion of energy is. Identify and seal leaks in windows and doors, and replace old glazing with ultra-strong insulation to put an end to unwanted drafts. These little arrangements will make your home more comfortable and even make your energy bills shrink! Now comes the part that will make your home shine even more: upgrade your appliances and systems! Say goodbye to old appliances and hello to energy-efficient models that will change the dynamics of your consumption! You can start by replacing incandescent lamps with LEDs and installing a smart thermostat that adjusts the temperature of your home, making it more comfortable. To ensure that your home will be fully sustainable, consider investing in renewable energy with the installation of solar panels. Through this investment, you will be giving your home the power to generate its own energy. And if you really want to add a touch of efficiency, adopt technologies like remote power control and monitoring systems. With these changes, your home will thank you and the energy bill too! Read: Sustainability in construction: build green , Regulated market vs. free market: the differences , Technology at home: make your life easier
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Selling items you no longer use can be an exciting and profitable adventure! The first step to ensure success is to treat your things as true treasures, separating objects by categories such as clothes, appliances, books, etc. After this rigorous selection, where you will be sure of which objects you want to keep and those that can be sold, you will be speeding up the process andof everything that has no sentimental value or usefulness for you. Before you put the items on sale, make sure they are cleaned and if any of them have potential to be valued, you can make small adjustments and repairs . After all that embellishment, take pictures to put in the ads, trying to capture images that make people fall in love with your products! Clear photos and catchy descriptions are the key to making your items stand out, and can attract the attention of potential buyers. Once you have the photos, you can move on to the exciting part, which involves placing your items for sale! Nowadays, you find a number of online platforms where you can display your products - from sales apps, social networks and even local fairs. Explore all these opportunities for dissemination with creativity, publishing on second-hand sites, in sales groups on Facebook and even, if possible, through a stylish garage sale. Each platform is an opportunity to connect your belongings with new opportunities. And to ensure that your sales are truly spectacular, take a vibrant and accessible approach. Answer questions with contagious enthusiasm, offer irresistible prices and be ready to trade with a smile. And to make sure everyone sees your ads, share your offers on all of your social networks, use engaging hashtags and create descriptions that make your goods look like must-see objects . With these tips, you will free up space in your home and turn what you no longer use into an opportunity to generate money and new opportunities! Read other tips like this in SUPERCASA Notícias !
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Get ready for a luminous revolution that will transform your home and your pocket! Replacing traditional light bulbs with energy-efficient ones is like taking a quantum leap towards energy efficiency . With energy tariffs rising, the search for ways to save is imperative. LED and compact fluorescent lamps are true superheroes of lighting, consuming up to 80% less energy, and the duration is much longer than incandescent. With a simple change of lamps will drastically reduce your light bill. Visualize your home illuminated with a light that is both efficient and charming. Energy-saving lamps reduce energy consumption and also produce less heat, which helps keep your home cooler during the summer . Available in a wide range of shades, from warm white to cool vibrant white, they allow you to create the perfect atmosphere for any room. You will have the joy of knowing that every time you turn on the light, you are making a smart and sustainable choice, and contributing to a better world. And the magic continues! Adopting energy-efficient lamps benefits you and the planet . By reducing energy consumption, we reduce the pressure on electrical infrastructure and the need for new power plants, which helps to preserve the environment. Think big: by changing your bulbs, you join a global movement for more conscious and sustainable consumption. Make the exchange now and start improving your electricity bill, together with the health of our planet. With the tips of SUPERCASA , you will be able to light up a brighter and greener future!
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction In a period of increasing environmental concern, water reuse is not only essential but also a conscious and rewarding measure . Imagine turning your home into a shining example of sustainability, which saves money and helps the planet at the same time. From rainwater harvesting to reusing water used for household tasks, there are countless creative and effective ways to give this precious resource a second life. One of the most creative ways to reuse water is through rainwater storage. Installing systems like cisterns or barrels to collect water that falls from the sky is a fantastic way to get free water for watering plants, washing your car and even for sanitary drains! It’s amazing to think that you can reduce your water bill and at the same time help minimize urban runoff that causes flooding. And what about reusing the water from washing fruits and vegetables ? Simply place a basin in the sink during washing and then pour that water into your plants, ensuring that every drop is used in the best way. But the magic doesn’t stop here! The water coming out of washing machines, known as grey water, can be a real treasure. With a simple filtration system, this water can be used to clean floors, sidewalks and outdoor areas, or even redirected to the toilets. Imagine the significant savings and positive impact on the environment! Turning your home into a sanctuary of water reuse is a smart, efficient and inspiring way to contribute to a greener and healthier future. Adopt these practices and make a difference! And read also: Restore furniture: advantages and tips or Bioarchitecture: the trend that came to stay
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Avoiding unnecessary purchases can be a challenge, especially for those who tend to be impulsive, however, it is necessary if you do not want to get to the end of the month with almost none of your budget saved. Summer, especially, is a season prone to this type of spending, due to the influence of promotions and sales typical of the season. Still, there are ways to control yourself, which we will show you. One of the most effective ways to avoid impulse purchases is to create a shopping list before you leave home . Having a detailed list of what is needed helps to keep focus and avoid distractions in the stores. In addition, it is important to establish a monthly budget for personal expenses and create the commitment to respect it . This helps to prioritize needs and avoid unnecessary expenses. Another valuable tip is to always question the real need of the object you are about to buy. Ask yourself if that product is really necessary or if it’s just a momentary craving. Wait a few days before making the final purchase decision; often, the desire to acquire the item diminishes over time, showing that the purchase was not essential. Finally, it is useful to avoid situations that trigger impulse purchases, such as browsing online shopping sites without a specific purpose or visiting stores just for leisure. Instead, spend your time on activities that don’t involve spending money, such as outdoor walks, reading or hobbies. By developing a more conscious consumer behavior , you will significantly reduce impulsive purchases and save a lot of money! We also suggest: Financial education for children: how to help them understand , Organize the garage: how to be productive in cleaning? and Consumer rights: do you know yours?
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction With energy prices constantly fluctuating, saving on gas consumption can make a big difference to your household budget . To help reduce gas consumption and consequently save money, there are several effective strategies that can be adopted. One of the most efficient ways of saving gas is by improving the thermal insulation of the house. A well-insulated home keeps the internal temperature stable, reducing the need for heating. Check that windows and doors are well sealed and consider investing in insulation for the loft and walls . Thick curtains and carpets can also help retain heat, keeping the house warmer in winter and reducing the need to use the heater. Another useful tip is to use smart thermostats, which allow you to control the temperature of your home efficiently. Programme the thermostat to lower the temperature when youre not at home or during the night. Keeping your home at a constant, moderate temperature can result in significant savings on gas consumption . In addition, regular maintenance of the boiler is essential to ensure that it works efficiently. A technician should inspect the boiler annually to clean components and adjust pressure, which can extend the life of the equipment and reduce gas consumption. In the kitchen, small adjustments can result in big savings. Use pressure cookers and cover the pans while cooking to reduce cooking time, and use the right size cooker top for each pan and avoid preheating the oven for too long. Finally, setting the thermostat on your water heater to a lower but still comfortable temperature , usually around 50 °C, can make a big difference. Consider installing a timer for the water heater so that it only switches on during times of greatest need. Implement some of the strategies weve suggested and significantly reduce your homes gas consumption! Read also: Buying a ‘green house’: discover the advantages , Are you paying rent? Discover saving strategies and Economic tips for cooling your home on hot days
Source: Adobe Stock Author: Redaction Keeping a home economy organized is essential to ensure financial health and avoid unpleasant surprises at the end of the month. Keep your budget under control and maximize your income . One of the most effective ways to organize the home economy is by keeping a strict control on daily expenses . Write down all expenses, from the big ones to the small ones, and categorize them. There are several personal finance applications that can facilitate this task, allowing a clear view of where the money is being spent. With this habit, it’s easier to identify unnecessary expenses and adjust the budget as needed. Before you go to the grocery store, make a shopping list based on what you need and what you already have at home. Planning meals for the week can also help avoid impulse shopping and food waste. Also, take advantage of promotions and buy in greater quantity non-perishable products when they are discounted. Small daily savings can result in significant monthly savings. Define your financial priorities and set short-and long-term goals. Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for a trip or setting up an emergency fund, having clear goals helps keep focus and motivation . Reassess these goals periodically and adjust them as necessary to ensure they are aligned with your current financial situation. Review your fixed expenses, such as electricity bills, water, telephone and internet. Look for cheaper alternatives and negotiate with suppliers to get better conditions. Adopting conscious consumption habits, such as turning off electronic devices when not in use, and reducing shower time can make a big difference to the bills at the end of the month. Organizing the home economy requires discipline and planning, but the long-term benefits are worth the effort. By implementing these daily tips, you can create a healthy financial routine, avoid debt and increase the chances of reaching your financial goals. Start putting some of these strategies into practice today, and see the difference small changes can make on your budget. Also read: Are you saving for your holidays? Tips that can help , Avoid food waste with these 5 tips and Reduce your environmental footprint: 3 changes to do at home