Renovating for Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness

Renovating for sustainability is a popular way to finish a home or room these days. With the goal to minimize the environmental impact all around, here are some tips to get you started using eco-friendly materials.

Use Eco-Friendly Materials

One of the most effective ways of reducing your contribution to carbon emissions and a negative environmental impact is to reuse materials. You can reuse many materials that look stunning as an overall design aesthetic. For example, gorgeous slabs of wood coupled with hairpin legs are a fantastic addition to any room going for the industrial look. Or you can build a handsome fireplace using bricks from construction or demolition sites. There are eco-friendly materials all over the place if you look. Just ask before you take anything, or it’s nothing more than theft.

Buy Organic and Low VOC Paint 

Paint obviously plays a huge role when redecorating. But almost all paints in DIY stores are highly toxic with harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds. These are especially dangerous to children who might ingest dried paint chips. Fortunately, you can buy non-toxic decorating paint. Non-VOC paint is widely available. And you can also purchase paint made from natural and organic chemicals such as wood oils. Not only are these far healthier for your family, but they’re manufactured in sustainable and environmentally responsible ways.

Buy Eco when Renovating for Sustainability

For too long, the world has relied on non-renewable materials and harmful manufacturing practices. Fortunately, today, we are seeing a shift towards an industrial and commercial renaissance that is better for the planet. You can help by installing sustainable home products:

• Bamboo kitchen and bathroom fittings.
• Sustainable hemp wall and loft insulation.
• Renewable energy home and water heating systems. 

Bamboo grows so fast that it’s almost impossible for it to run out. But more than grass, it has many applications, including processing as a replacement for plastic. Hemp can be woven for insulation as good as anything. And solar panels and geothermal methods can provide heat.

Check Out Charity Stores for Artwork

Adding the finishing touches is an exciting part of renovating a home. Choosing the lampshades, carpeting, and artwork allows you to add a personal touch. Yet mass-produced and generic artwork doesn’t really let you do this. And then there’s the added problem of pieces that already exist. Fortunately, you can do a good thing on many levels by checking out charity stores for artwork. You can find excellent value for money and unique items with some time and patience. Additionally, any money you spend goes to the good causes supported by the charity.

Invest in Long-Lasting Materials

Sustainability goals extend to using materials in the right way. And one of those ways is investing in durable and eco-friendly materials with minimal environmental impact. Buying high-quality designs that will last rather than cheaply made things that break easily is a great way to make the most of some materials. For example, consider buying a sustainable oak dining table that will last hundreds of years if you look after it. These items might cost more initially, but they save money once paid for. Think of whether it’s something you could leave for your children and theirs.

Summary

Renovating for sustainability isn’t an easy thing to do. But you can try using reclaimed materials, using eco-friendly materials and energy, and investing in designs that will last much longer.