It can seem hard to renovate or remodel a home without using environmentally unfriendly products or methods, or without spending huge sums of money.
This is not the truth, however, and there are lots of ways that anyone can use to makeover their home without harming the environment or using unsustainable products. Your home can have all the glamor and charm you want and still help and nurture the planet without breaking the bank.
Here are ten great ideas and tricks to use to renovate your home without harming the planet, our eco-friendly home makeover tips.
Use VOC-Free or Low-VOC Paint Products
VOC are volatile organic compounds, which can cause damage to both you and the environment. High VOC paints slowly degrade over time and emit harmful and toxic molecules that can cause long-term health problems in humans and animals. Using VOC-free products helps keep you and the planet healthy.
Go Formaldehyde Free
Similar to volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde is used in many household products as varied as beauty creams and furniture and can cause long-term health problems. Many companies are now focusing on making formaldehyde-free products, so be sure to check when you a buying everything from construction materials to household furniture.
Switch to Energy-Efficient, Recycled Windows
Single-glazed windows lose a lot of heat from your home, so replacing them will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint. If you choose to replace them with energy-efficient windows made from recycled plastics, then it’s a two-for-one!
Change Your Toilet
If you are freshening up your bathroom, switch to a ‘low-flow’ toilet. These porcelain beauties use less water to do exactly the same job as any other toilet and are available in just as many styles. Water is an incredibly precious resource, and also a regular household bill. This switch saves you money and the planet.
Use Bamboo Flooring
Bamboo is incredibly durable, resists moisture, and is a renewable resource as it grows back quickly after being harvested. Growing bamboo also doesn’t require pesticides and is harvested without destroying its root, making it less labor-intensive to farm.
Not only is it a more environmentally sustainable replacement for wood, laminates or vinyl, it is also very stylish and can be laid in a number of different and intricate patterns.
Choose Energy-Efficient and Environmentally Conscious Consumer Products
When buying new electrical goods like refrigerators or televisions, you should always try and choose the most energy-efficient option. If you are giving your bedroom a makeover then take a look at the best environmentally friendly mattresses to sleep soundly and help the planet.
Use Salvaged Materials Whenever Possible
By re-using salvaged construction materials like wood and metal, you greatly reduce the demand for new materials in hardware stores, which has a massive effect on carbon emissions. It is also a great way to give your spaces a unique and interesting look!
Don’t Replace, Re-Face
Some furniture or fittings in your home may look tired and old, but all they need is a little upscaling. By re-facing old furniture with fresh paint or varnish, we can save money and the environment by not replacing them. You can add to a room’s style by painting old wooden furniture to match or contrast the walls and fixtures.
Buy Secondhand Items
It may be easy to go online and search for the things you need on big sites like Amazon, but you can find much more eco-friendly options by buying used goods from independent sellers. There can often be some great bargains online, on places like Facebook Marketplace. You should also check eBay, but search for listings close to you when browsing for furniture.
Use Solar Power
The sun shines millions of watts of energy onto the surface of the Earth every day, and we are only just beginning to harvest some for ourselves.
If you need to do some roof work or are considering extending your property and adding a space, use solar panels as a part of the project. These are the most eco-friendly addition anyone can make to a home.
With these tips, you can make a real difference to your home, the planet, and your wallet the next time you are making a home renovation.
