Log in

How Warmer Climates Make for a Cheaper and a More Sustainable Living

Posted

During the summer, people keep the indoors cool by cranking up their air conditioning units and using a lot of electricity that's produced by burning fossil fuels. Most of us think warmer climates push people towards unsustainability and increase the cost of living. On the contrary, research studies suggest warm climates favor sustainability and decreased cost of living when compared to cold climates. In this piece, we will be reviewing the reasons why a warm climate favors sustainability, affordable living costs, and a healthy lifestyle. 

Energy consumption

According to traditional views, hot climates and humid places are expected to utilize more energy than colder regions. However, a scientific study compared the energy demands of two cities, Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Miami, Florida. Minneapolis has the coldest climate in the region whereas Miami remains warm and humid. The study revealed the energy consumption in the Minnesota region to be 3.5 times higher than in Florida.

The study also evaluated the number of days per year that corresponded with the energy demand required to cool down or heat up the indoors. Heating or cooling days per year were calculated by comparing the average daily outdoor temperature to 18 degrees Celsius. Therefore, a 12-degree day would equate to 6 heating degree days whereas a 27 degrees Celsius day corresponds to 9 cooling degree rates. Despite the rising GDP growth of Florida that's influenced an increase in energy consumption, Minneapolis was found to have 4376 degree days whereas Miami had 2423 cooling days per year. 

In conclusion, the study confirmed that living in warm climates requires less energy to maintain indoor temperatures when compared to similar regions having cold climates. Still, there are a lot of factors that need to be taken into account to completely deduce that warmer climates are more sustainable than colder regions. However, in the end, it all comes down to the extent to which you are practicing sustainable living. 

Easy navigation

When living in a warm climate, you don't need to worry about shoveling ice from your driveway or driving on a slippery road. These regions have very mild winters that don't require much preparation beforehand. For example, you won't need to change your vehicle's tires for winter or fill up your closet with winter clothes. The daily commute to the workplace, schools, and moving around the city is much easier than in cities with cold climates. 

Healthier living

Numerous studies have already concluded warmer regions promote healthy population growth. Clear and sunny days not only provide the body with Vitamin D, but also regulate the sleep cycle, promote alertness, and improve productivity by many folds. However, it does not mean people living in colder regions are not productive or alert. Healthier living, in general, promotes economic growth and development. Economic growth directly translates to lower unemployment rates and better opportunities for businesses. 

Maintenance costs

The amount of money spent on a home’s upkeep in cold climates is much greater than in warm regions. Each winter season requires preparation beforehand like checking the insulation, inspecting the roof, and making necessary repairs. On the other hand, homes and buildings in regions with warm climates require less maintenance. Besides low utilities and maintenance costs, the cost of buying properties in warm regions is also lower.

For these reasons, states like Florida are already seeing a population increase and a thriving economy. This GDP growth has also influenced an increase in properties for sale in Florida and a skyrocketing real estate market. When buying a property, it is crucial to do some research, compare the prices of different properties, review the facilities you will get, and most importantly, evaluate your budget and requirements to make the best possible decision. 

Promoting nature

Warm climates favor the growth of plants and trees more than cold regions. There are tons of examples around the globe where planting trees has significantly assisted in reducing global warming and improving sustainability. Besides helping the trees to grow and thrive, warm climates also influence how we build our homes. Natural and sustainable options (like hardwood) are the material of choice for most homeowners. Furthermore, the cost of constructing a home in a warm region would be less than compared in a cold climate region. You won’t be paying to reinforce the roof, insulate the indoors, and use energy to run the heating system for long hours. The reduced utility and maintenance costs make these regions a cheaper and more sustainable option for living.

Easy gardening

Growing fruits, crops, and vegetables is much more feasible in a warm climate than in cold areas. Whether you're seeking farmland or simply want to maintain your kitchen garden, warm climates and sunny skies promote the growth of greens and allow them to thrive. These favorable climate conditions are best suited for people who want to live sustainably and reduce their cost of living. 

Besides the influence of a warm climate on sustainability and reduced cost of living, it is also the responsibility of people to incorporate sustainable practices to achieve the best outcomes. Here are some eco-friendly ways to live that will surely assist you in practicing sustainable living. 

Think before you buy

Most of us emphasize recycling but don’t see how much we are contributing to polluting the environment by buying unnecessary items. Each product we purchase leaves a carbon footprint. Therefore, consider buying items that can be reused and look for sustainable options to make the most out of them. 

Constructing homes

The way you construct your home can contribute to sustainable living. Using environment-friendly materials like hardwood and maximizing the natural airflow through indoors are a few important steps that can be taken when aiming for sustainable housing. However, if you are not interested in constructing a home on your own, consider reviewing the listings thoroughly so you can make the best decision. Lastly, remember to never rush any decision and thoroughly evaluate each option before choosing. 

Limiting the use of plastics

Plastic is a material that does not degrade on its own. Limit the use of plastic products and play your part in living sustainably. Using refillable water bottles and reusable bags, not using straws, and avoiding packaged products are some ways you can limit the use of plastics thereby playing your part in protecting the environment.   

Other ways to live sustainably include limiting the use of vehicles, boycotting products that endanger marine life, and harnessing natural sources of energy like solar and wind. Warm climates indeed promote cheaper and sustainable living but in the end, it all comes down to the individual steps we take and decisions we make on a daily basis. So, be prepared to put in some work to identify ways to practice sustainable living.

Sustainable living, Is it easier to live sustainably in cold or warm climates? Environment, Weather, Gardening, Health, GDP, Green Living, Ways to live with less use of energy

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here