If you have decided to remodel your house, you probably know that a shift is taking place in the remodelling industry. Eco-friendly renovations were too expensive in the past, for homeowners to consider them an option, but nowadays they come at a more affordable price, so they’ve become a trend.

Green remodelling is not a trend only because the cost of the project is more affordable, but also because nowadays homeowners are more concerned with the way they affect the planet. By deciding to remodel your house, you have already chosen the sustainable solution. Building a house from scratch would require using new resources, but remodelling implies reusing some of the materials you already have in your house.

So your big question may be how do you make an eco-friendly house happen? Here are our suggestions.

Reuse as much as possible

An essential part of living sustainably recycling. The entire purpose of the remodelling project is to purchase as few things as possible, and to repurpose the materials and items you already have. It will serve the planet by reducing the emissions during the manufacturing and transportation processes, and it will save natural resources from being used to create new items. If you have to buy some new items, make sure you purchase eco-friendly ones because they are more effective and durable in contrast with the standard ones.   

Choose sustainable materials

If this is your first remodelling project, you may find challengeable to choose materials. You need to know what you are looking for before visiting the local store. Because there are no regulations around the terms sustainable, organic or natural, you may have difficulties in identifying the right material. Also, you should keep in mind that not all green products are designed equally, certain certifications state the level of sustainability every material and item has.

The golden rule when choosing materials is to buy the ones that don’t emit toxic chemicals into the air. Stay away from the ones that contain voltaic organic compounds because they are causing long-term health issues. Natural products have a longer life than synthetic ones. Let’s take the example of a rug, the same model made from wool will last 50 years longer than the ones made from synthetic fibres. Granite is a top choice when remodelling kitchens, it can last for generations.

Update to environmentally-safe windows

When the windows are taking a toll on your air and heating systems, it’s the moment to replace them with new ones. Search the market for energy-efficient ones made from sustainably sourced materials. For example, UPVC is a popular choice because it’s an energy efficient material, and it’s obtained during a process that doesn’t cause toxins release. Here are some pieces of advice if you don’t know how to choose high-quality windows.

-          Steel and aluminium windows are inefficient even if they are made from recyclable materials.

-          Double and triple-pane glass windows are more expensive than other models but they provide better insulation.

-          Fiberglass window frames are a green choice because they are made from sand, a limitless resource.

-          Wooden frames are also a green solution if you buy them from a manufacturer that harvests the material from a sustainable forest.

Go solar

You should use the power of the sun in your advantage, it’s one of the few renewable sources of energy humans can use to transform their homes into green sanctuaries. You can install solar panels to collect the power of the sun and to generate electricity. By making this choice, you will have lower electricity bills and you will help the planet save energy. It will also reduce your carbon footprint because there’s nothing in the power of the sun that can pollute the environment. Your energy system will not release greenhouse gases, it will only need a source of clean water to operate.

Install bamboo flooring

Many people ask themselves what makes bamboo a better choice than other types of materials. Well, it’s more durable, it grows faster than other types of wood, it’s moisture resistant, and fewer pesticides are required to grow it. Bamboo can be harvested without harming or destroying its roots, it’s a greener option in comparison with wood.

By installing bamboo flooring you save the trees that can grow into forests that provide oxygen for people to breathe cleaner air.

Buy used household items

Just because you want to change the way your house looks, it doesn’t mean you have to buy only new and shiny things. Pre-owned items can make your house as stylish and comfortable as new ones. You should visit second-hand and antique shops, and check the items that seem to have a good condition. Many of them have a rustic look that makes your house feel cosier and welcoming. And where do you count that you can save money this way?