7 Eco-Friendly Home Renovation Ideas

Home renovations can be super fun and help you end up with the house of your dreams. However, since our environment is suffering greatly, it’s time to consider taking a green road during your renovation! These eco-friendly reno ideas will not only help save energy and water, but also reduce pollution AND minimize your bills!

Don’t run to Ikea  Many people today are obsessed with everything new and shiny! However, you don’t really have to run to big stores every time an element of your home needs some attention. For instance, you can check out some thrift stores and antique shops for used furniture that oftentimes looks much better than new products. Also, you can check out architectural salvage yards or reclaimed lumber dealers when you need some building materials. There you can find cheap and quality reclaimed wood for floors, counters and other accent details. You’ll save money, energy and a lot of trees!

Fix instead of replace A simple re-facing of your cabinets and splashing some fresh paint to them can achieve the same effect as new cabinets. However, fixing them will save you significant money, minimize the pollution and help keep the landfills empty! And if you add some new hardware to the mix, you’ll end up with beautiful and (practically) new cabinets.

Conserve energy and water If your appliances and fixtures are the main problems in your home, you should keep your eyes open for Energy Star labels! For instance, modern Energy Star rated fridges, stoves, dishwashers and washing machines are much more energy-efficient than your old ones. Similarly, new fixtures like faucets with aerators, low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets will help you conserve water, which is very important, especially in drought-prone areas like Australia.

Invest in clean energy If you really want to go green and sustainable, there’s no better way than to harness the sun! Solar panels are more affordable and efficient than ever before and they can be installed on practically every roof! You’ll get clean and renewable energy and give your home an attractive decorative element that looks very elegant and modern!

Opt for energy-efficient lighting You can also boost natural lighting in your home with skylights and sky tubes. These additions will bring sunlight into every corner of your home and reduce the need for artificial lighting. Unfortunately, you can’t really have a practical home without lighting fixtures, but what you can do is opt for energy-efficient LEDs. These are getting very popular all over the world, especially in Australia, and they are praised for their longevity, good illumination and low energy requirements. Just make sure your home is properly wired and safe. As soon as you notice any electrical issues, don’t hesitate to call your faithful Sydney electrician to take care of your wiring and broken fixtures. Only a well-wired home can be completely energy-efficient!

Reduce air pollution If you want to give your home a fresh coat of paint, opt for low- or zero-VOC paints. These new paints still come in all colors imaginable, but they produce no air pollution. This makes your interior air quality better and reduces overall air pollution!

Be generous If you’re really tired of your old chandelier or you can’t fit your armchair in your new furniture arrangement, don’t toss them! Instead, donate them to your local Goodwill or consignment shop or give them to your crafty friend who will refurbish them and give them a new purpose. The same goes for your construction materials and other unwanted items. They can be used for building and decorating new homes instead of rotting somewhere in a landfill! With green renovation ideas such as these, you’ll end up with a refreshed and beautiful home without bringing more harm to our already aching environment!