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Renovating your home is a great way to make it more comfortable and livable, and generally increase its overall value. It also offers the opportunity to make it more environmentally friendly, which in turn can improve energy efficiency and make it a healthier place to live.
If you fancy an eco-friendly renovation that's good for the planet and leaves you with a stylish property you can be proud of, here are a few things you should consider.
Read on to learn more in our ultimate guide to eco-friendly home renovations!
Sustainable Development Plan
Environmental protection is about choosing sustainable choices. Therefore, before starting a renovation project, you should always consider how you can adapt your plans to incorporate as many sustainable practices as possible.
One of the main steps you should take is to dispose of construction waste, which if handled irresponsibly can lead to damage to the environment.
Use a company like this 1300 garbage Ensure you dispose of waste in a way that is not only clean and environmentally safe, but also reduces the need for new materials through recycling.
If you don't, you could create contamination and health problems. For example, dumping hazardous solutions such as paint, fiberglass or chemicals can cause damage to soil and waterways.
How to make your decor greener
If you want to make your home renovations more environmentally friendly, here are some best practices you should adopt.
1. Choose sustainable building materials
Generally speaking, sustainable materials require less energy to produce and are biodegradable or have a long life cycle. Therefore, you should choose them for home decoration whenever possible.
One of the best sustainable materials to use is bamboo, which is the fastest growing plant on earth. It's perfect for cabinets or floors.
Additionally, reclaimed wood and metals, such as aluminum and steel, can help you save money and resources that might otherwise go to waste.
2. Energy-saving doors and windows
A large portion of energy loss in any given home comes from inefficient doors and windows.
Therefore, it's a good idea to replace them with more energy-efficient options, such as double glazing and good insulation. Not only does this reduce heating and cooling costs, it also reduces your home’s carbon footprint.
This means you’ll have a home that’s cool and pleasant in the summer and warm and comfortable in the winter.
3. Environmentally friendly thermal insulation
It's not just your doors that can benefit from good insulation. So can your roof and walls.
Materials such as wool, recycled denim and cork all offer excellent insulating properties while being sustainable and having minimal impact on the environment.
Consider using these greener options in your renovation.
4. Use low-VOC paints
If you plan on repainting during your home remodel, you should avoid traditional paints that may contain harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Since these types of paints can be toxic and contribute to air pollution, you're better off choosing low-VOC or zero-VOC paints, which will help you create a healthier environment.
Natural paints made from ingredients like clay, vegetable oils and chalk are non-toxic alternatives to standard paints, while water-based paints tend to contain fewer volatile organic compounds and dry faster.
5. Install water-saving devices
Another way to make your home renovation more environmentally friendly is to upgrade to water-saving fixtures and systems.
Low-flow toilets use significantly less water per flush than traditional toilets. Additionally, low-flow, water-saving faucets and shower heads reduce water usage without sacrificing performance.
Not only do these two options help conserve water, they can also save money on your water bill. There are There are other ways you can That.
6. Use solar energy
As one of the cleanest and most efficient renewable energy sources, solar energy reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, thereby saving money on your electricity bill. Therefore, if your budget allows, it is always a good idea to add solar panels to your renovation plans.
Solar panels can reduce your electricity bill by generating electricity for your home. Accordingly, solar water heaters use solar energy to heat water, which can also significantly reduce energy consumption levels.
7. Switch to energy-saving appliances
Renovating your bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen gives you the perfect opportunity to replace your old appliances with more energy-efficient models.
The Energy Star label certifies that a device meets energy efficiency standards set by the Australian Government. So try to choose refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and induction cookers with the highest possible star rating.
The higher the star rating, the less energy and water they use, which will reduce your utility bills and future environmental footprint.
8. Add more greenery
Introducing more greenery into your home can breathe new life into it. At the same time, it can also significantly improve your indoor air quality, Good for your mental health.
Lavender, jasmine, rosemary and chrysanthemums, among others, are all great choices for houseplants and vertical gardens because they bring color and vibrancy to any living space.
