Sustainability has already become a trend in home renovation, and there is no wonder why. As more people become enthusiastic about the eco-friendly way of life, sustainable innovations upsurge and become even more accessible for those in need to create a more sustainable home for themselves.

When thinking about sustainability, trending items aren’t just about what is trendy; it’s also about which are doing the most for the environment.

With that in mind, when we renovate or build our home, we determine the consumption pattern of that structure for the rest of its life. It’s a unique occasion to make such structural improvements to the efficiency of our homes and minimize their continuous drain on the environment. Investing energy, time and money at this point will only give financial and environmental rewards for years to come in terms of reduced water and energy use and increased wellbeing.

 Buy reclaimed

No matter where you want to start, the golden rule in a sustainable renovation is to buy reclaimed. Even though it might be tempting, try as much as possible not to get caught up with having the shiniest and newest. Take some time and think about other materials such as reclaimed wood which isn’t only a green sound choice, but sublimely striking and growing in popularity in all kinds of home makeover projects.

Reclaimed wood can be an exceptional choice for walls, counter-tops and flooring. Often certified kitchen designers rely on reclaimed materials such as wood around the kitchen area as it can save a lot of energy, time and money that would be necessary to produce likewise and newer products.

Deconstruct – don’t demolish

If you plan on knocking down entire rooms or demolishing, try to walk around your house first to decide on what you can actually reuse and salvage beforehand. This isn’t only environmentally friendly, but it will also save money in the end.

Consider everything from tiles, light fixtures, flooring, molding and cabinets. For instance, if you plan on replacing the windows in your dining room, instead of throwing it, think about using them in another room- maybe in your dorm, in your son’s room, even a bathroom will do.

Donate your unwanted items

So you really had enough of that living-room chandelier and don’t want to see it in any of your rooms. Don’t throw it out, instead consider a consignment shop, there are plenty.

Maybe you have a crafty family member or friend who most likely will enjoy repurposing or repainting it. Another great option for your unwanted couch or chandelier, as well as other items such as cabinets or appliances, is a donation station. Not only they will happily welcome your old kitchen cabinet, but they will sell every donation, and 100% of the profits from your materials are used to build new homes for those in need. With that in mind, not only are you helping the environment, but you’re actually giving back to the community.

Think energy-efficient

Shopping sometimes is unavoidable, especially when you’re renovating. That said, when you’re looking around for new appliances like dishwashers, ovens or refrigerators try to look for those that are the most energy-efficient.

Why? Energy-efficient appliances are simply meant to utilize minimum energy to complete a required task. An example of energy-saving appliances would be the energy saver bulbs, solar water heaters and booster water heater. Many of these appliances will operate under lower energy and temperature settings which sustain their efficiency until the achievement of tasks. Why should you opt for energy-saving appliances?

• To save energy Such appliances are built to spend a minimum amount of energy on operating. That said, they enhance energy conservation, energy that can be used for another purpose at home.

• To save money 

Bills and bills again. Using energy-saving appliances will reduce your spending at home, money that can be used for other purposes. For instance, from $5,550 you spend annually on energy, you can reduce by $2,500 through using energy-efficient appliances.

• To conserve our environment 

It goes without saying that using energy-efficient appliances can only minimize the exploration of natural resources such as oil, water, gas and coal. Not only that but such appliances are imperative in controlling pollution. Energy generation industry today relies a lot on oil, fuels and natural gas that lead to soil, air and water pollution through emission and effluents, but using energy-efficient appliances helps in controlling pollution.

Invest in pre-owned materials

A very cost-effective and easy way to redo your home is to consider investing in pre-owned materials. This won’t be a problem as you can easily find retailers across the country, some even dedicated to high-end products. That said, if that energy-efficient and the fancy fridge is an absolute must-have, you could save a lot purchasing one that has been used for a few years.

Moreover, kitchen cabinets can actually be the largest expense when it comes to kitchen renovation, but these salvage retailers regularly have high-quality furniture in great condition. It’s an outstanding idea that is honestly worth investing.

Visit yard-sales and antique shops

Consignment and antique shops are all excellent places to visit for items such as light fixtures, mantels or even doorknobs. Doing so, not only helps you save your budget for something more important, but these charming repurposed items will definitely add a new air to your homes that basically cannot be imitated by their newer counterparts.

With that in mind, choosing to makeover your home through an eco-friendly approach not only helps and encourages the environmental movement but also allows you to do it while helping your community and saving serious cash. Being green-minded does not have to cost you a fortune. 

A well-designed and thoughtful living space that uses repurposed materials, energy-efficient appliances and lights to bring them into sympathy with our environment is the recipe for a fabulous home. Renovating your home in a way that avoids pollution and does not facilitate the decline of our environment will honestly make you smile for years to come.