Playa Del Carmen and Tulum Mexico Real Estate | 10 Ways to Make Your Vacation Home More Eco-Friendly

10 Ways to Make Your Vacation Home More Eco-Friendly

Making greener choices when it comes to your vacation home is good for the planet and your pocketbook. Whether you’re currently in the market for a Riviera Maya vacation home, or you’ve already purchased your property and are looking to make some improvements, here are 10 ways to make your vacation home more eco-friendly without sacrificing style or comfort.

Use natural building materials

When choosing natural building materials for the construction of your Riviera Maya vacation home, it’s a good idea to choose durable materials, like limestone and native woods, and avoid importing building materials that might not do well in the local climate.

Design the property to be environmentally low impact

Low impact, eco-friendly home design can include maximizing air flow and natural light, deflecting direct sun light at the hottest times of day, and constructing extra thick walls to keep the interior of the home cool, all of which can help to eliminate the need for air conditioning.

Install renewable energy sources

Solar panels and wind turbines are gaining popularity in the Riviera Maya and installing them in your vacation home can help to reduce utility costs and minimize your reliance on the city grid. You’ll find these alternative energy sources currently being used in several new eco-friendly condo developments and off-the-grid living communities.

Build a rainwater collection system

You can easily and inexpensively build a rainwater collection system and use recycled grey water to flush toilets, water lawns and gardens, and wash patios, all of which will help to save water and reduce your reliance on the local government water supply.

Landscape with native plants

Native plants tend to grow better than plants not originally from the area, and they often require fewer resources. By landscaping your home with native plants, not only will you have a lush green tropical garden, but you’ll be helping to preserve the natural plant species of the Riviera Maya.

Use natural housekeeping products and pest control

Using natural products isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for your health as well. You can buy natural, organic insect repellents at the local markets in Playa, and when it comes to cleaning up around the house, you’ll be surprised at what a little baking soda, vinegar and limes can do.

Build an elevated rooftop garden

Concrete homes tend to trap heat on the upper floors and an elevated rooftop garden is a great way to prevent rooftop heating while growing your own herbs and vegetables.

Compost

Composting is an easy way to reduce your landfill waste while creating nutrient rich food for your garden that can help reduce your reliance on harsh chemical fertilizers. It’s a win-win.

Use Energy Star rated appliances

Using Energy Star appliances can help you save money on utility bills and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions. You should consider buying only the appliances that you absolutely can’t live without. Clothes dryers in particular are incredibly inefficient and Energy Star does not rate them.

Perform regular property inspections

Did you know that something as simple as a leaky faucet can waste thousands of gallons of water per year? Fortunately, problems like these are generally simple and inexpensive to fix. That’s why it’s so important to perform regular property inspections and nip problems in the bud before they get out of control, especially if your vacation home is only being used a few times per year.

---

We’re experts in Riviera Maya real estate and we’d love to help guide you through the process of buying your dream home or rental investment in paradise. Contact us today!