Today it is important to get on board and make your home environmentally friendly. This is not only good for the environment and the world around you, but it is also good for your wallet. Environmentally friendly homes are more energy efficient which means that they cost you less to heat and cool.
There are many easy changes that you can make in your home to help you have a more environmentally friendly space. If you are building a new home then you can actually choose to build a green home from the ground up.
Environmentally Friendly Renovation Tips
Buy Gently Used Furniture – Buying gently used furniture helps keep these pieces from ending up in landfills.
Choose Green Furniture – Today there are also a number of green furniture companies that make furnishings with glues, stains, fabrics, and paints that do not cause harm to the environment.
Pick Out Natural Rugs – There are a lot of great benefits to choosing a rug that is made with natural fibers. One big benefit is that many of these are allergen free which makes them perfect for children who have allergies or sensitive skin.
Replace Insulation – When you replace your inefficient insulation you are making it cheaper to heat and cool your home.
Choose Eco-Friendly Insulation – Today there are a number of alternative insulation choices that will allow for you to have insulation that is less damaging to the environment.
Install a Water Aerator – A water aerator is a great addition to your faucet. It allows for you to use less water when washing dishes or cleaning because it inserts air into the water.
Pick Energy Efficient Appliances – Make sure that you pick appliances that have the Energy Star rating for efficiency.
Add a Compost Bin – A compost bin is the perfect addition to the kitchen to help you reduce overall waste. Plus it will give you fresh compost for your garden so you do not have to pick up fertilizer as you will be making your own.
Use Recycling Bins – Recycling bins are also a great addition to your home. Recycling can help you reduce the amount of garbage that you have.
Re-purpose Old Furniture – Another great tip is to take old furnishings and create something new out of them. This is a great way to save money and help the environment at the same time.
Choose the Right Paint – Make sure that you choose paints that do not contain harmful toxins or chemicals that can be damaging to the environment.
Choose Eco-Friendly Refinishing Materials – Choosing water based paint strippers or using heat guns can help you to reduce your eco-footprint by not using harmful chemicals.
Use Ceiling Fans All Year Long – Most people realize that using a ceiling fan during the summer is a great way to cut back on energy costs. What most people do not realize is that using a fan in reverse on low in the winter can help reduce heating costs as it helps the hot air to circulate.
Use the Right Window Treatments – There are some great window blinds and curtains available today that help to trap or block heat throughout the year. Using these can reduce the amount of energy that it costs to heat or cool your home.
Pick Decor that is Organic – There are a nice wide range of organic cotton and bamboo bedding and linen choices. You can also find throw pillows and decor that is eco-friendly.
Just because you want an environmentally friendly home does not mean that you have to cut back on key style elements. Real Simple gives some great tips for choosing to be environmentally friendly throughout your home while still having the style that you desire.
