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sustainable living

Everything our newsroom has reported on sustainable living, drawn from 2 original stories.

2 articles2 SectionsUpdated · July 14, 2026

What to know

Key numbers

Cultivating fresh herbs at home is a step towards greater food independence and a tangible way to reduce your ecological footprint.
7 Best Smart Hydroponic Gardens for Year-Round Herbs

Common questions

What is a smart indoor hydroponic garden?

A smart indoor hydroponic garden is an automated system that grows plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water and artificial light. It often includes features like app control, self-watering, and nutrient reminders for ease of use.

Source: 7 Best Smart Hydroponic Gardens for Year-Round Herbs
Are hydroponic herbs organic?

Hydroponically grown herbs can be considered organic if they use organic-certified nutrients and non-GMO seeds, and avoid synthetic pesticides. The 'organic' label typically pertains to soil-based farming, so 'hydroponically grown' is a distinct, often equally or more natural and pesticide-free, quality assurance.

Source: 7 Best Smart Hydroponic Gardens for Year-Round Herbs
How much electricity do indoor hydroponic gardens use?

Electricity consumption varies by model, primarily due to LED grow light wattage and pump usage. Smaller units might use 20-50 watts, while larger systems with more powerful lights could use 100-200 watts or more, incurring a modest increase in your electricity bill.

Source: 7 Best Smart Hydroponic Gardens for Year-Round Herbs
What is the best smart home battery for carbon reduction?

The SonnenCore+ is widely considered the best for carbon reduction because its software prioritizes Virtual Power Plant participation, helping to stabilize the grid with renewable energy.

Source: 7 Best Smart Home Battery Storage Systems of 2026
How long can a 13kWh battery power a house?

A 13kWh battery can typically power essential loads (refrigerator, lights, internet, and some cooling) for 12-24 hours, depending on conservative usage.

Source: 7 Best Smart Home Battery Storage Systems of 2026
Is Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) better than standard Lithium-ion?

Yes, LFP is superior for home storage as it offers a longer cycle life (up to 10,000 cycles) and significantly higher thermal stability, reducing fire risks.

Source: 7 Best Smart Home Battery Storage Systems of 2026

How coverage developed

  1. July 14, 2026 · Food & Living
    7 Best Smart Hydroponic Gardens for Year-Round Herbs

    Elevate your kitchen and palate with fresh herbs, year-round, thanks to these innovative indoor hydroponic systems.

  2. July 2, 2026 · Planet & Climate
    7 Best Smart Home Battery Storage Systems of 2026

    Harnessing the sun shouldn't stop at sunset: here is how the next generation of domestic energy storage is slashing carbon footprints.

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