Sustainable Home Improvement: Remodeling for the Environment
We all want our homes and businesses to look good and be in top condition. Remodeling is a great way to do this, but unfortunately, it can be detrimental to the environment. Fortunately, there are a number of sustainable home improvement tips you can use when remodeling your home or business.
Reducing Waste
The first step in sustainable home improvement is to reduce waste. Here are a few tips:
Reuse existing materials: Before buying new materials, look around your home to see what you already have available. You can often reuse materials and furniture, saving the cost and resources it would take to produce new items.
Donate materials: Donate extra materials or furniture to thrift stores, non-profits, or online marketplaces like Craigslist, so that they can be reused and find a new home.
Hire professionals to remove materials: When replacing large items like appliances, hire professionals to disassemble and haul them away, so that they can be recycled or disposed of properly.
Compost: Don’t let your compostable materials end up in the garbage. Compost materials like food or yard waste so that they can be used as fertilizer.
Choosing Sustainable Materials
When shopping for building materials, look for items that are sustainably produced, as well as efficient ones. Look for materials that are:
Energy-efficient: Energy-efficient products save money in the long run and reduce your carbon footprint by using less energy.
Eco-friendly: Choose materials that are made from renewable resources like bamboo, cork, and polypropylene, or are harvested from managed forests.
Recycled: Look for recycled materials like steel, glass, and plastic. These materials can be re-used in construction, and will help reduce new materials from being manufactured.
Choosing the Right Contractor
Hiring the right contractor is one of the most important steps in sustainable home improvement. Make sure the contractor you hire is certified by the U.S. Green Building Council or Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. Ask questions about their work and materials to make sure they understand your goal of sustainable improvement.
When it’s time to hire a contractor, it’s important to do your research. Ask around for recommendations, and look for contractors that are experienced in green construction and sustainable building materials.
Focus on the Living Environment
Construction and remodeling aren’t just about improving the look of your home. They are also about improving the quality of life inside your home. Focus on adding features that will make your home more comfortable, such as air-filtering systems, sustainable insulation, and ventilation.
The more comfortable your home is, the less you’ll need to use your air conditioner, which will make a huge difference on your utility bills. You can also reduce your energy consumption by adding energy-efficient windows and appliances.
Don’t Forget Maintenance
Carrying out regular maintenance of your home is an important part of sustainable home improvement. Simple tasks like checking and cleaning air filters, ensuring appliances are operating efficiently, and reducing water consumption can help keep your home in tip-top shape while reducing waste.
Conclusion
Sustainable home improvement isn’t just about reducing our impact on the environment; it’s about improving the quality of our lives. By using the tips above, you can remodel your property in a sustainable way, and create a great space for living and working that will have lower environmental impact.
