Article by:
Ashley Henshaw
Feb 26, 2013
10 Ways to Make Eco-Friendly Renovations at Home
We all want to make less of an impact on the environment, but it often seems like the little things we do aren't making a significant difference. Don't feel discouraged — every little bit counts! Additionally, making some eco-friendly renovations in your home is another way to create even more of a difference on a day-to-day basis.
Added bonus? Those renovation decisions that are beneficial for the environment also tend to be good for your wallet, since they reduce energy and water use and subsequent costs. Read on for our top 10 ways to make eco-friendly renovations at home
1. Install Solar Panels
There’s no more eco-friendly way to renovate than adding solar panels to your home. These additions can make a huge impact on your monthly energy bills and are a great step to creating a more eco-friendly home. It’s a big investment up front, but the reductions in energy costs will pay off for years to come.
2. Switch to Low-Flow Toilets
Did you know that most toilets use over 3 gallons of water per flush? That’s a huge amount when you consider how often you and your family use a toilet over the course of the day. One of the most effective things you can do to conserve water in your home is to install a low-flow toilet so that your water use decreases dramatically.
2. Switch to Low-Flow Toilets
Did you know that most toilets use over 3 gallons of water per flush? That’s a huge amount when you consider how often you and your family use a toilet over the course of the day. One of the most effective things you can do to conserve water in your home is to install a low-flow toilet so that your water use decreases dramatically.
3. Utilize Eco-Friendly Materials
There are plenty of choices for materials to use in your renovations that are better for the environment – you just have to know which ones to select. Take your flooring, for example. While hardwood and carpet have been the traditional flooring choices for years, bamboo and cork are much better choices because they regrow quickly and don’t emit any harsh chemicals. In addition, linoleum is a far better option than vinyl, which is considered the most environmentally harmful plastic.
4. Choose Pre-Owned Materials
Pre-owned materials are another option that you can use in addition to eco-friendly materials. Any renovation can be much more affordable if you factor in buying pre-owned cabinets, flooring, refrigerators or other items instead of brand new ones. You can also find great, inexpensive treasures at local thrift stores. In addition to saving money, you’re creating less waste
5. Purchase Energy Efficient Appliances
One of the latest trends in modern appliances is energy-efficiency. Many of us don’t think about how much electricity our major appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and ovens use up every day. This eco-friendly change in your home is easy to accomplish since none of your appliances are going to last forever and will eventually need to be replaced. As you shop for replacement appliances, make sure to look for the Energy Star logo to get new appliances that have a smaller impact on the environment.
6. Paint with Low-VOC Products
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are bad for the environment and for your health. As we’ve discovered the harmful effects of VOCs, more paint companies have strived to make products with lower VOC content. If you’re doing any painting or lacquering around the house, look for a brand that offers low-VOC paint to reduce the impact on the environment and on your family.
7. Use Natural Light
When you’re renovating, take the amount of natural light in a room into consideration. If possible, it’s best to let lots of natural light in through windows, glass doors and skylights. This makes it possible to use less energy when heating and lighting your home.
8. Insulate Thoroughly
Don’t skimp when it comes to your home’s insulation. Choosing high-quality insulation when you renovate is a great way to reduce the amount of energy you use heating and cooling your home.
9. Donate Old Items
Are you upgrading to new features or appliances? Don’t throw away those old items. Instead, donate to a worthy organization, such as a consignment shop, thrift store or Habitat for Humanity. Even items that no longer function may be able to be repurposed or repaired. Allowing those old products to be reused in new ways is much more eco-friendly than sending them to the dump.
10. Hire Eco-Friendly Pros
When looking for professionals to help renovate your home, ask about their experience creating eco-friendly spaces. Everyone from the architect to the engineer to the contractor may have expertise in this aream, which will help make your home more efficient.