From time to time, the house needs updating. Just like their owners, the interior of the home can get old and dated! Trying to renovate and upgrade a house is hard enough, but trying to do it without harming the Earth is incredibly difficult. If you are reading this blog, you probably think along the same lines as us and believe we have a duty to look after the planet. Of course, it is easier to take the short-term solution, but where does that leave us in the future?
So, here are a couple of eco-friendly renovation tips for the home. Hopefully, your home will look spectacular and not damage the Earth in the process.
Buy Reclaimed Goods
Everyone wants the newest and shiniest materials in their homes. The problem with new and shiny is the fact that you have to cut down trees at the rate of demand. And, with millions of homes across the world, the demand is high. Not only is reclaimed wood and furniture good for the environment, but it also looks good, too. Just because it is old doesn’t mean it is useless!
Build Your Own
If you have the materials to hand, you can build your own furniture and reduce the demand to destroy the world’s rainforests. How is cutting down a tree for your home any different to what manufacturers do, though? The difference, apart from lowering the supply, is that you can replant after you have used it and put another in its place. Plus, you can extract the wood without harming the Earth, such as burning the ground and soil. Logging companies say they do everything in their power to help the planet, but the evidence suggests differently.
Use Low Impact Building Materials
Some materials are better for the planet than others. One such material is adhesives or glue, and one you should consider using if you are building furniture. Adhesives don’t contain carcinogenic or toxic materials that get into the air and damage the environment. A substance such as glue is essential if you are putting together pieces of material, so you are going to want a lot of the stuff. Bulk adhesives are good for the bank balance as well as the environment. When you buy in bulk, you save a lot of money because it works out at a discounted price. Also, you can store adhesives for the next renovation project.
Evolution, Not Revolution!
Homeowners have a desire to tear down every part of their home when they are renovating. It is like you cannot do a proper job without tearing down walls and smashing in the floors. Granted, some smashing and tearing is needed to transform your home. But, you don’t need to tear down every structure in your property and throw it away. Recycle what materials you can when you start the renovation process. If there is a piece of wood or furniture you are discarding, check it for important materials. Again, you can save a lot of cash as well as the environment with this method.
In the end, your home will stand as a reminder that it can look good and help the planet, too.