The increased awareness of the fragility of the planet and the damage that humans are doing to the planet has led to a huge increase in the use of recycled and environmentally friendly products to renovate and refurbish your home. There is a huge range of possibilities which can be incorporated into your home:
Recycled Glass
There is an abundance of glass available to be reused as windows are replaced with environmentally friendly and energy efficiency windows. It is possible to pick up discarded glass from a variety of places or you can simply choose to buy the size you need direct from a supplier of 100% recycled glass. Glass can be used to divide a space, as a counter top or even to create an interesting art piece for your wall.
Salvaged Wood & Metal
Depending upon the level of your DIY skills you can make almost anything from recycled and reclaimed wood. Old logs can be used to create interior walls or roof lining, whilst salvaged wood can be used to create a cupboard, stairs or even a wall; it will create a stunning effect in your home. Reclaimed wood is also an excellent material for making shelves, picture frames or even furniture; such as a bed. Perhaps the best thing about wood is that it can be painted and this can create a stunning effect within your home. Bright colors will make you feel good even on a dull day!
Reclaimed metal can be used in the same way and can add a stunning effect to your house; if it is rusty it will simply add to the effect; as long as it is not corroded through with sharp edges!
Ideas for an eco-friendly floor
There are several options when it comes to having an environmentally friendly floor. Carpet is not generally a recycled product but you can replace it with cork flooring. Cork is sourced from the bark of the cork oak tree and is a sustainable, naturally harvested product. It can make beautiful, warm floors.
Alternatively you may wish to replace your carpet or hardwood floor with bamboo. Bamboo looks every bit as good as hardwood but it is sustainably harvested as the roots are not damaged and the plant grows incredibly quickly. It is hard wearing and moisture resistant. Rubber can also be used as a flooring option. It is environmentally-friendly, elastic and water-proof. It comes with a varied palette of models and it can go really well inside all your home’s rooms, including the living area, bedroom or hallway.
Paint
Everyone loves to have some color on their wall and the easiest way to achieve this is to paint your walls. However, regular paints let off toxic fumes which harm the environment. When painting use low- VOC, or if possible, VOC free paint. Not only is it better for the environment, it is better for your health and does not smell like regular paint does.
Insulation
The better insulated your home is the less energy it will take to keep it warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Consuming less energy means your energy bills will reduce and your impact on the environment will also diminish as the production of energy usually causes damage to the environment.
An additional way to save money and reduce your impact on the environment is to harness the power of the sun to power your home. Alternatively you may wish to try using wind power; providing you live in a windy place!
Water
To save water and conserve the environment you can fit a low flush toilet. It is also possible to capture rain water and use this in the washing machine and for the toilets in your house. This will reduce your need for water from the mains and reduce your impact on the environment. It can also move you a step closer to having a self-sufficient house.
There so many smart ideas you can use to make your home eco-friendly and versatile. All you need to do is choose your materials properly. Don’t throw anything away and recycle old wooden furniture pieces, stick to toxic free paint, and incorporate more plants into the design. You home won’t just look lovely; it will also scream freshness and cleanness.
By Alfred Stallion and CobaEurope.com!
