Part of owning a home is always wanting to make improvements. Maybe you wake up one day and realize you hate the color of your bedroom walls. Or maybe you go to make lunch and realize that everything in your kitchen is all wrong. It happens.
Owning a home means constantly renovating. Even when you think you’re finally done and you’ve perfected your space, there’s bound to be something you will want to change soon. But if you’re in the mood to change your home, you should make the improvement eco-friendly.
Being eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to change your entire life. You can make simple adjustments to your home that make your space look better, help the environment, and will save you money in the long run. Here are 5 home improvements tips to be more eco-friendly:
- Get Eco-Friendly Flooring
If you’re itching to redo the floors in your home, opt for an eco-friendly option. There are a myriad of eco-friendly flooring options, such as green bamboo flooring and natural linoleum flooring. Green bamboo flooring is widely available, durable, and budget-friendly. Natural linoleum flooring is made with renewable components and is biodegradable. Both are great options for your home and the environment.
- Change Your Lighting
A simple home improvement you can make to be more eco-friendly is just to change your lighting. Getting LED lighting installation will make your home more energy efficient and save you money on your electric bills. LED lighting gives off more light and lasts up to 25 times longer than a regular light bulb. Using energy efficient lighting is a simple switch that will help the environment and your bank account.
- Buy Pre-Owned
Renovating means having to buy a bunch of new stuff for your space. You have to get a new desk for your bedroom, a dining room table, a couch… the list goes on. While it’s tempting to buy new furniture every time you want to redecorate, a much more sustainable option is to buy pre-owned. Buying pre-owned items give the furniture a second chance at life. Plus, you can find really unique pieces that you wouldn’t find at a regular store.
- Get a Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat is ideal for saving energy as you can set the heating/cooling to your own schedule. For example, you can lower it while you sleep so that energy isn’t pointlessly being used. This will also save you a lot of money on your electricity bill. You can set the heating/cooling to turn on at certain times so you don’t have to come home to an uncomfortable temperature ever again.
- Use Low-VOC Paint
In the mood to repaint your bedroom but want to be eco-friendly while doing so? Easy, just use a low-VOC paint. Low-VOC paint is better for the environment and your own health. Traditional paint contributes to air pollution and the strong smell can damage your eyes, nose, and throat. Low-VOC paint may cost a bit more, but it comes with the benefit of knowing you’re painting in a way that is safe for you and the environment.
Making eco-friendly improvements to your home is a simple way you can help the environment while still renovating. Being more eco-friendly certainly doesn’t mean you have to completely redo your house, making easy adjustments like buying pre-owned furniture and changing your lighting is more than enough. If you’re someone who likes to renovate often, make sure those renovations are safe for the environment. It will make you feel a lot better knowing that your home improvements are good for the planet and your bank account.
