Is your home long overdue a makeover? Renovating a property can be an enjoyable and richly rewarding design project. However, before you dive headfirst into your renovation planning, think about how you can use this as a chance to improve your green credentials.
An eco-friendly makeover won't just help you reduce your carbon footprint, it can also help you save money on energy bills throughout the year. There are countless things you can do to ensure your renovation is an eco-friendly one. Below are just a few ideas to help you on your way.
Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Before you start planning a green renovation, focus on everyday changes that can make a big difference. One of the surest ways to ensure your home is sustainable is to reassess the cleaning supplies you're using.
Whether you're planning a spring clean or keeping on top of the daily chores, consider switching to eco-friendly cleaning solutions. The average surface cleaner contains dozens of harmful chemicals that are hazardous to health. If you suffer from asthma or allergies, consider making the switch to cleaning products containing only natural ingredients.
Natural cleaning products aren't just only better for your health, they're also kinder to the environment. The toxic compounds found in things like washing detergent and dish soap can easily pollute groundwater if not disposed of correctly.
Cleaning product packaging is also something to think about. Many of us don't take the time to rinse out and recycle containers, throwing them straight in the trash instead. If you're planning on improving your green credentials, make sure you're fully embracing recycling. Things like dishcloths and dusters can't be recycled. To save them from ending up in landfills, switch to biodegradable alternatives instead.
Use Sustainable and Recycled Materials
When overhauling your interiors, it's tempting to buy materials. Reclaimed materials are a far better option if you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint. Reclaimed wood is a particularly eco-friendly material, lessening the strain on sustainable forests. What's more, reclaimed wood is rich in natural character.
Unlike many composite and man-made materials, reclaimed wood is incredibly durable and hard-wearing. If your makeover budget is on the small side, reclaimed wood is an expensive choice of material. You can use it to construct unique pieces of furniture, replace old flooring, or even in building construction.
Choose Engineered Wood Flooring
Flooring often represents a big expense when tackling a home makeover. To ensure you're getting a floor that will stand the test of time, think carefully when choosing materials.
Materials like carpet and vinyl have no place in an eco-friendly home. Hardwood tends to be the preferred choice for those looking for a premium finish. However, just because it's a natural material, doesn't mean it's particularly eco-friendly.
If you're purchasing virgin wood, make sure it's been sourced from sustainable forests. For maximum durability, it's best to go with engineered wood flooring instead. This innovative material combines a robust core with a thin hardwood veneer. The result is a particularly hard-wearing flooring material that's easy to maintain. What's more, because only new wood is required for the veneer layer, manufacturing this material results in minimal environmental impact.
Kit Out Your Home with Forever Furniture
You need to be cautious when selecting furniture for your home makeover. Although chain retailers provide inexpensive suites and room sets, making a saving on these items isn't particularly eco-friendly.
Once you've taken care of more major renovation tasks, start thinking about what furniture you can recycle for future use. If an old dining table or shelving unit has seen better days, think about upcycling it before sending it off to a landfill.
In many cases, a simple sanding job or a fresh lick of paint is all a tired piece of furniture needs. Approach restoration and upcycling projects to stamp your personality on your new space. If your rooms are still looking rather barren, be economical when sourcing new pieces.
Go online to find unwanted furniture that is being offered free to a good home. It's also worth exploring your local thrift stores to find vintage pieces being sold at bargain prices. If you have any reclaimed wood left over from your construction projects, you can also transform this surplus material into bespoke furniture pieces.
Improved Air Quality
When it comes to picking out the perfect shade for your walls, avoid selecting paint that contains volatile organic compounds. These toxic compounds are omnipresent and, when applied in the form of paint to interior walls, can significantly reduce the air quality within your home.
When shopping for paint, take the time to read the label thoroughly. Although paints containing VOCs are still commonplace, you'll find many health-friendly alternatives on the market. Organic paints are a particularly good choice as they contain little or no VOCs. Instead of volatile compounds, these paint products make use of plant and food-based ingredients to produce eye-catching colors that will bring your rooms to life.
Rethink Interior Lighting
Reconfiguring interior lighting is a key part of any makeover project. Take some time to consider your options here, as choosing the right type of lighting can help you slash your energy consumption and save you a considerable amount of money on fuel bills.
Older lighting fixtures should be replaced entirely. It can be hard to say goodbye to period features, but older fixtures are limited by energy-intensive bulbs and inefficient wiring. If your budget allows, you can always consider retooling older fixtures to bring them in line with modern standards.
When it comes to choosing new lighting, always opt for energy-efficient ceiling fixtures, lamps, and free-standing lights. You'll also need to ensure any fixture you choose is compatible with LED bulbs.
Making Sustainable Style Choices
An eco-friendly home makeover doesn't need to be restrictive. Many of the suggestions outlined above are as beneficial to your bank balance as they are for the environment.
Making use of reclaimed materials is one of the easiest ways to ensure your makeover is an environmentally friendly one. If you do need to purchase new materials, always ensure you're buying them from sustainable suppliers.
Furnishing your home is another area where you can stamp out waste and curb costs. Avoid buying brand new items and focus on restoring and upcycling older pieces instead. Looking to fill a larger floor plan? Thrift stores and online ads are bursting at the seams with free items and bargain buys.
Finally, don't overlook the little things. Choose paints that are low in VOCs if you want to breathe easy in a home with improved air quality. Need to install new flooring? Opt for engineered wood and ensure you're using non-toxic adhesives when it comes to installation.
Author Bio:
This article was written by Martin O’Callaghan of Wood Flooring Ireland. Martin has over two decades of experience designing bespoke engineered wood flooring such as herringbone flooring for households and businesses.
