Seven Eco-Friendly Ways to Renovate Your Home
Environmental pollution is a matter of global concern requiring attention. However, while there is no denying that home renovations can have a significant impact on the environment, there are different ways you can adopt to limit harmful pollution in the environment. Below are some eco-friendly tips you can use while renovating your home.
Use Bio-Glass
One eco-friendly way to renovate your home is by using recycled glass, also called bio-glass. Bio-glasses are eco-friendly glass made from recycled glass and designed to look like normal glasses. They are shinier and are an excellent addition to the bedroom or kitchen. Bio-glass windows also help brighten the whole space by allowing morning sunshine and natural lighting to give your home the needed ambiance. Many depots currently sell recycled glasses, and there are different types of recycled glasses to purchase, like recycled ornaments and glassware.
Go Solar
The sun is a rich and powerful source of renewable energy that can be converted into solar energy. Collecting power from the sun via solar boards or panels offers you cheap electricity. The electricity produced by a solar system is a clean form of energy with no harmful by-products that can negatively affect the environment. Solar energy helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and saves you lots of money during home renovations. For instance, most utility companies offer credits and rebates, and the IRS offers incentives to homeowners looking to switch to solar energy.
Solar energy can also enhance your property’s resale value. You can construct your solar and wind power system for as little as $200. Before installing the systems, ensure your home is designed to accommodate the panels and boards. You need to search for a community solar garden or ground-mount system if many trees or plantations surround your home. Investing in solar systems will save money and preserve your immediate environment and the world.
Renovate with Sustainable Materials
While renovating your home, it is important to utilize sustainable building materials. Utilizing sustainable materials during home remodeling makes your apartment stand out. Materials like precast concrete, cork, marble, and bamboo are all excellent choices. Bamboo is highly coveted for wood flooring installations. Bamboo is environmentally friendly and is easy to grow without requiring pesticides. They grow faster than most trees and in abundance and can be harvested without damaging the root. Therefore, you need not worry about soil degradation. Aside from being affordable, bamboos are also shiny and can be designed in different styles. For instance, bamboo chairs are ideal for outdoor spaces and living rooms.
Marble is another eco-friendly material. Marble countertops give your kitchen a modern and sleek appearance. They are free from chemicals and toxins and boost air quality within your space.
Use Eco-Friendly Paints
Another essential part of home renovation is painting, and your choice of paint can negatively or positively impact the environment. Most traditional paints are produced with volatile organic chemicals (VOCS). VOCs are mostly used in solvent-based paints and help to maintain the paint in the container. These chemicals are dangerous once released into the air and can cause respiratory illnesses, indoor air pollution, and headaches. They also harm the environment because they create smog when combined with airborne pollutants. Most companies now offer low VOC and VOC-free paints devoid of dangerous chemicals to avoid such scenarios. This brand of paint is odorless and breathable. They also perform better than conventional paints, providing excellent durability and color coverage.
Go for Reclaimed Materials
While renovating your home, purchasing the latest items on the market is not always beneficial. Sometimes, it is better to opt for reclaimed or recycled materials that are environmentally sound and aesthetically appealing. Reclaimed materials are increasingly becoming popular among homeowners. For instance, reclaimed wood is a more effective alternative, saving you time and energy that would otherwise be spent on newer products. Additionally, you can reuse your flooring, cabinets, or light fixtures instead of buying new ones. Recycling these materials helps keep them from overcrowding landfills, where they contribute to global warming by emitting harmful chemicals like methane.
Be Energy Effective
An important aspect of home renovation is shopping for new appliances. While replacing old appliances, it is important to go for brands and products that are energy effective. Energy-effective brands and products are known for the energy logo star placed right on them. Many large appliances, like upscale refrigerators, air conditioners, ovens, and dishwashers, generate a lot of electricity and emissions that can harm the environment. However, improvements in technology have made it easier for companies to produce appliances that are more energy effective and with lower emission rates. Check the energy star logo to get all the necessary information before purchasing them.
Add Insulation
Another eco-friendly way to renovate your home is to add insulation systems. Insulating your home is an effective way to conserve energy and reduce utility bills. Insulation keeps your home warm during the winter months and keeps it cool during the summer months without needing to overwork your heating system. While an electric furnace can utilize over $20,000 watts for heating, insulation systems are cheaper and more effective. The less you use your HVAC unit, the less electricity you spend. While renovating your home, you can add insulation to your basement, crawl spaces, and attic. Only go for high-quality insulation systems because the better insulated your apartment, the more energy you can save.
Going green is a more effective alternative suitable for homeowners and our planet. Adopting eco-friendly techniques during a home renovation helps preserve our planet for future generations. That involves adopting sustainable means of renovations that reduce our carbon footprints. If you need assistance in renovating your apartment in an eco-friendly way, we can help with that. We offer eco-friendly renovation services to the five boroughs of New York City and Bergen County, in New Jersey. Contact us today for your free quote!
