Home renovations are inevitable. At some point, you’ll have to repair your house either to restore its appearance or fix an existing issue. In doing so, many homeowners spend so much money and cause way too much pollution. Both of which can be avoided.
In this review, we will share some tips on reducing environmental pollution and possibly saving some money during your home repairs.

1.   Use Reclaimed or Renewable Resources

Several home repairs can be done using reclaimed and renewable materials. Flooring is one such renovation.
Through the use of reclaimed woods, you can transform the appearance of your home without hurting the environment. These woods are of great quality, giving you the feel and aesthetics you desire. The majority of them are also pretty durable, meaning you’ll get value for your money.
One of the several options to choose from is bamboo. Bamboo is an excellent flooring solution. It is moisture-resistant and extremely durable.
Using bamboo is nowhere as harmful to the environment as other types of wood. These trees grow back very fast. They also don’t require lots of pesticides, as is the case with other trees.
Cork and scaffold boards are other possible alternatives. Cork is waterproof and easy to clean. Meanwhile, scaffold boards are multipurpose and readily available.

2.   Use Environmental-friendly Paint

Paints containing chemicals like VOC (volatile organic compounds) are harmful to your health and the environment. These chemicals are typically released into the atmosphere when the paint is drying. Inhaling the compounds results in various health complications, including breathing problems.
Try your best to avoid paints containing VOC and other harmful chemicals as much as possible.

3.   Choose Green Energy

If you are making home renovations to cater to new energy needs, consider switching to a renewable power source.
Energy sources like solar are more than capable of meeting your household needs. Today’s solar panels come with advanced technology that boosts efficiency. The panels are also very durable. Most of them are actually covered with 10+ years warranties.
Another benefit of using green energy is the tax incentives it attracts. Federal and state governments have programs that encourage homeowners to switch to renewable energy. These programs provide tax breaks and other incentives that can significantly reduce your renovation budget.

4.   Install Energy-efficient Items

Are you doing a renovation to install new electronics in your home? If so, prioritize energy efficiency.
There are plenty of refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, freezers, and other gadgets that can give you the service you need without hurting the environment. These electronics will also save your energy bills considerably.

5.   Donate the Items You Don’t Need

During the renovations, you’re likely to come across clothes, furniture, and other items that you no longer use. Most home homeowners would dump these items without thinking twice. Others would put them in the recycle bin, but they’ll never make it to recycling industries.
To avoid pollution, consider donating these items to goodwill organizations. This leaves your house looking neat but not at the expense of our environment. Moreover, the clothes and furniture that no longer serve you will be of great service to someone else out there.

6.   Maximize Repairs and Minimize Replacements

Home renovations come in different magnitudes. Some are minor and cause little pollution. In other cases, the repairs are too much, forcing homeowners to find a skip bin hire service to handle the mess. These services will indeed be helpful in getting rid of the dirt caused by the renovation.
However, you can minimize the mess, and by extension, the renovation costs by focusing on repairs instead of replacement. In other words, try to fix problems instead of replacing everything that appears broken. This reduces environmental pollution significantly.
Go around your home and find materials you can reuse or repurpose. Look at the cabinets, light fixtures, tiles, and everything else. Can they be used somewhere else in the home? Perhaps in the garden?

7.   Consider Using Pre-owned Materials

You don’t need to break the bank to give your home a new gorgeous look. There are plenty of retailers selling high-quality pre-owned materials. You’ll find most of these items in great shape, giving you the functionality you want while spending only a fraction of your budget. Think of it as thrifting but for home renovations and not your wardrobe.
 
We only have one planet to live on. It’s upon us to preserve the environment in every way possible. An eco-friendly home renovation goes a long way towards achieving this. It reduces pollution and the exploitation of natural resources. The financial benefits of an eco-friendly renovation are also evident.