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This is a collaborative post.
Did you just Google ‘eco-friendly renovations’
Well, if you did, you are in luck!
In this post, we’ll highlight some of the main things you can do to go green with your home makeover.
If you follow these tips, you’ll embrace sustainable practices that will go a long way towards helping you create a place you are proud to call your own.
1. Hire a Company that specialises in Eco-Friendly Renovations
Perhaps the easiest way to go green with your home makeover is to hire a company that specialises in carrying out eco-friendly renovations.
Throughout the country, there are companies that boast very impressive credentials when it comes to operating in a way that does not damage the planet.
Having built their brand’s core values around factors like making the most sustainable choices and carrying out construction practices that are environmentally friendly, they can advise on how best to adopt eco-friendly features into your property’s refurbishment.
To find them, look for referrals from forums that focus on environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. Be sure to read their Google customer reviews as well.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Construction Materials
In addition to hiring a company with impressive green credentials, you should also try to incorporate as many natural, sustainable, and organic materials into your home renovation as possible.
Some of the best materials to use include cork, denim, sheep’s wool, recycled steel and cob. Much of which can be inexpensively sourced from charity shops or salvage yards.
Using them can not only significantly reduce your individual carbon footprint but also enable you to create some eye-catching home decor features that can breathe new life into your living spaces.
3. Responsible Rubbish Removal
The construction industry in Australia is responsible for over 27 million tonnes of waste every year, much of which ends up in landfill. Therefore, it is important to do your bit to dispose of pipes, wires, plastics, paints, timber, cardboard and other materials you don’t use in the most responsible and ethical manner.
The easiest way to do this is to hire a company like 1300 Rubbish removalists, who will make sure these items are sent to the most appropriate facilities.
By outsourcing your rubbish removal to them, you will not only reduce the impact of your renovation on the planet but also ensure your job site is nice and tidy. This, in turn, will minimise the risk of injury or accidents occurring.
4. Harness Solar Power
Energy prices are constantly rising. At the same time, the demand is at an all-time high for power grids. For this reason, it is worth incorporating renewable energy sources into your renovation to embrace the potential savings and environmental benefits they bring.
A good starting point is installing solar panels, as this can markedly reduce how much energy is consumed from the grid by your home. Through a process that transforms sunlight into energy, these panels enable you to power heating systems and electrical devices at no cost to you. (Other than initial installation).
What is great about solar panels is that they work year-round, even on the rainiest or cloudiest of days. They also require minimal maintenance and best of all, you can even sell power back to electricity companies, which allows you to profit on your investment!
5. Upgrade Your Insulation
Upgrading your insulation is an excellent way to lower the amount of energy, and therefore cost, required to cool or heat your home.
Environmentally friendly materials like sheep’s wool, recycled denim, and cellulose provide wonderful thermal qualities without damaging the planet.
By swapping out your existing insulation materials for them, you will go a long way towards enjoying decent long-term cash savings by enhancing the overall energy efficiency of your property.
6. Pick Environmentally-Friendly Paints
If you intend to repaint your walls, make sure you use environmentally-friendly paints, such as limewash, that are either low in VOCs or VOC-free.
Short for ‘volatile organic compounds’, VOCs are known to release toxic chemicals into the airstream. This can contribute to poor air quality within your home, which in turn can lead to respiratory issues and other health risks.
These eco-friendly and natural paints are sold in several leading paint and hardware stores, including Bunnings and Mitre 10, and are available in a wide range of colours.
7. Install Energy-Efficient Appliances
Did you know that your appliances account for just under a third of the energy you consume in your home?
For this reason, in addition to solar panels, it is a good idea to install energy-efficient appliances throughout your property to minimise and lessen your carbon emissions.
These appliances include everything from TVs, fridges, and ovens to washing machines, air conditioning units, and rainwater toilets.
All of them embrace technological advances that make them much more environmentally friendly to run. So, the more of them you can install in your home, the better.