It’s a great thing that people are caring so much about the environment and the planet. There are great efforts made by people to take care of the planet in all aspects. With more environmental awareness, people have started to focus on reducing the carbon footprint that really ruins the environment.
An important way to reduce your carbon footprint and take care of the Earth is through recycling. There are many materials that can be recycled such as paper, glass, metals, and plastic. When it comes to the construction industry, using shipping containers for construction is the best way to save the environment.
Numerous abandoned cargo ship containers can be found in shipyards, but they can still be used excellently. Many people have opted for this growing trend as it is possible to recycle these containers and transform them into great looking houses. Well here is a guide detailing the environmental benefits of shipping container enclosures.
Recycling of intermodal shipping containers
Shipping containers are designed to be durable and long lasting. And, during their lifespan, these containers travel several thousand miles around the world. When the shipping container owner maintains them well, they can last as long as a decade. But since we live in a disposable society, people tend to replace old things when they buy new ones. This also applies to shipping containers.
As there are numerous shipping containers for sale, they can be recycled and used for various purposes. A better way to bring them to life is by building container homes. These homes offer several benefits such as,
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Environment friendly
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Unique looks
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Functional and flexible
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Affordable
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Sustainable
Shipping container enclosures are like building blocks
Designing an environmentally friendly home is possible with the use of shipping containers. These container enclosures are considered building blocks that are stacked together similar to the building blocks that children play with. These can be stacked side by side or on top of each other as per requirement. It is possible to build a custom living space by creating large open rooms. This can be achieved by placing the containers side by side and peeling off the inner walls.
In addition to being restricted to homes, shipping containers can also be used for container site office structures. Containers can be welded together to create a sturdy multi-story structure. People can create custom homes that are unique and eco-friendly with shipping containers.
Container closures use less cement and concrete
The cement and concrete manufacturing process is harmful to the environment. Therefore, using recycled shipping containers to build a structure is definitely environmentally friendly. It is still important to use concrete, but it will only be used to lay the foundation, causing less damage. The amount of concrete depends on the size and structure of the building. If it is a taller building, it will need more foundation to support its total weight.
Reducing your carbon footprint is no longer a dream
In addition to building shipping container enclosures using recycled containers, it is also possible to reduce your carbon footprint by incorporating other recycled products. In tropical climates, wood shingles made from sustainably sourced or recycled materials can be used to cover the exterior of the building. Even plants with large shrubs or trees can be used to shade the building from sunny weather.
Adding an external roof to provide shade is also a feasible option. This can be done by installing solar panels to reduce energy consumption. Although solar panels are not enough to generate all the energy that is needed, they can be used to power some appliances, which will reduce electricity use to at least a specific level. Some of the notable things that can help you achieve a green home are,
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Rainwater collection
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Recycling containers
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Compost heap
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Fruit and vegetable garden
Get enough space for a garden
Green houses built from recycled shipping containers help create enough space for a garden that can grow vegetables and fruits. The organic waste that is removed can be deposited in the compost pile, which fertilizes the garden. It is also possible to collect rainwater and use it to water the garden. If everyone strives to create a garden in their home, a greener Earth is possible.
Affordable Homes
An eco-friendly container enclosure made from recycled shipping containers will definitely be great. In addition to being environmentally friendly, these houses are also affordable as they are built with recycled and reused materials. And, the overall carbon footprint is also reduced, as these homes will be installed with high-quality solar panels and insulation.
Faster and easier to build
When it comes to the construction of container enclosures, time will not be a major concern as such structures are easier and faster to build. It would not take long to build shipping container houses and office structures on the container site, as minimal effort is needed to erect such structures.
Although there are many environmental benefits associated with these homes, they are not perfect. A major disadvantage is that many people consider these houses to be temporary shelters. As the containers are not too spacious, the free space for the occupants will be reduced. The remarkable aspect is that these container houses need expensive steel reinforcement when stacked together.
