Simple Ways To Be More Eco-Friendly When Changing Your Home Interior
There are many reasons to want to make your home more eco-friendly. Maybe you’re concerned about the environment, or maybe you’re just looking for ways to save money on your energy bills. No matter what your motivation is, there are plenty of simple things you can do to make your home green. This blog post will discuss some of the easiest ways to go green when remodelling your home interior.
Be selective of your light bulbs
One of the quickest and easiest ways to be more eco-friendly in your home is to simply switch out your light bulbs. Traditional incandescent light bulbs are very inefficient, wasting a lot of energy as heat. They also don’t last very long, so you’ll end up spending more money in the long run. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are a much better option. They use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last up to ten times longer. CFLs can cost a bit more upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run on both your energy bills and your light bulb budget. Otherwise, you can also opt for a LED bulb that will use even less energy than a CFL. Statistics show that these bulbs can save the average household $80 per year on their energy bill.
Use paint wisely
When it comes time to repaint your walls, choose eco-friendly paint options. Look for paints that are low or zero VOC (volatile organic compounds). These types of paint don’t release harmful chemicals into the air, making them safer for you and the environment. They also tend to be just as effective as regular paint, so you don’t have to sacrifice quality for sustainability. Fortunately, many major paint brands now offer low or zero VOC paint lines, so it should be easy to find a color and finish that you love.
Choose sustainable materials
If you’re doing a more significant home renovation, take the opportunity to choose sustainable materials. For example, bamboo is an excellent eco-friendly flooring option. It’s durable and attractive, plus, it grows very quickly, so it’s a sustainable resource. Some other sustainable materials to consider for your home renovation include wool insulation and FSC-certified wood. Wool insulation is a natural and biodegradable option that will help keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer. FSC-certified wood comes from responsibly managed forests, so you can feel good about using it in your home.
You can also look for recycled materials to use in your renovation. Recycled glass countertops, for example, are both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Otherwise, you can also consider using recycled metal or plastic for your home renovation. Both of these options are durable and eco-friendly. There are many sustainable options available nowadays, so there’s no need to sacrifice style when you’re trying to be green.
Reuse or donate old furniture and décor
If you’re redecorating your home, chances are you’ll have some old furniture and décor that you no longer want. Instead of throwing it away, try to find a new home for it. You can donate it to a local charity or thrift store. Local charity shops are always in need of furniture and home décor items. If you don’t want to donate it, see if there’s someone you know who could use it. Maybe a friend is moving and could use some extra furniture. Or maybe your old couch would be perfect for your college-aged child’s first apartment.
If you can’t find a new home for it, see if there’s anything you can reuse. For example, an old dresser could be repainted and used as a bathroom vanity. A coffee table with a broken leg could be turned into a plant stand. Get creative, and you might be surprised at how much life you can breathe into old furniture. Or, you could also try to sell it online or at a garage sale. There are now various websites and apps that make it easy to sell your used furniture and décor. This is a great option if you want to make a bit of extra money to put towards your home renovation. Meanwhile, a garage sale can help fund your renovation or redecoration if you have a lot of items to sell.
These are just a few of the many ways you can make your home more eco-friendly. With a little effort, you can create a green space that’s both beautiful and sustainable. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today, and you’ll be one step closer to a greener home.