Eco-Friendly ways to remodel your Home 

We all love to spruce up our home from time to time, but the effect on the environment might just put you off. If you’d like a change of pace at home, without the big carbon footprint, then here are some eco-friendly ways in which you can remodel your home. 

Buy used Furniture 

Used furniture doesn’t have to look mismatched or old, as you can find some great used furniture out there these days. Shopping around at car boot sales or used furniture lots can allow you to find an absolute steal. Considering most people update their décor regular, you could come across furniture in good condition that would cost you ten times the price if you bought it brand new. 

Upcycle 

If you have unwanted furniture or items, don’t throw them away. They can get a new lease of life with a little bit of upcycling. A lick of paint or some new accoutrements can transform a piece from something you hate into a great talking point for your visiting friends. There are lots of fantastic projects and ideas on the internet that you can emulate with pieces that you have just laying around the house.  

Add an Extension 

With another room or part of the house comes unlimited possibilities. If you want to do this in an eco-friendly way, then you could use metal buildings from the likes of Armstrong Steel. This can be better than the environmental costs of using wood, if you’re conscious of this then a steel structure can ease this.  

Donate What You Don’t Need 

Keeping items in circulation and going to good homes, instead of to the dump, has a massive environmental effect. We live in a wasteful culture these days, when we’re finished with items we’re much more likely to throw them away than to give them to someone else. Many charities and eager recipients will even come to pick up what you want to donate, so don’t throw items out! 

Consider Energy Efficiency 

Wasted energy costs the planet dearly, if you’re remodelling then this could be time to improve your energy efficiency too. Cut out any drafts where the heat could be escaping and consider using renewable energy sources. Solar panels are much more in vogue these days and they can really reduce your bills too. They can even be disguised to fit in with the colour of the roof, in case you don’t like the way they look. 

Use Reclaimed Surfaces 

If you’re remodelling your kitchen or bathroom, then you can use reclaimed materials to do so. Driftwood, cork and other materials can be reused to create your ideal kitchen. This is far better for the environment than buying these materials new. If possible, try to give someone else the surfaces from your old kitchen instead of throwing them away.  

Being eco-friendly doesn’t need to restrict your choices when it comes to décor. There are plenty of options out there for those that want a fancy, remodelled house without passing the cost onto the environment.  

 

** This is a collaborative post **