We all need to be a lot more eco-friendly in all aspects of our lives, but that can sometimes be difficult to achieve. It will depend on what our lives entail, but if we have to commute to work or drop kids off at school and can’t walk or cycle there, for example, using a car might be the only option, and if an electric car is out of the question due to cost, what else can we do?
However, there are some changes that can be made at home that will make a difference and that will help you save (or even make) money. This might seem like a dream come true, perhaps too good to be true, but it’s not; it’s a way of life you could adopt. With that in mind, here are the top eco-friendly home improvement trends to look into if you want to make a positive difference to the world.
Solar Energy
Energy usage is a major issue, and it could be one of the biggest reasons why the environment is so polluted. However, as bad as this is, the good news is that it’s also one of the easiest changes you can make to help protect the planet yourself. The less energy you use, the better it will be, and you’ll save money at the same time.
Solar energy from a reputable company such as Custom Solar and Leisure is an ideal solution. Although it will cost money to have this work done, it might not be as expensive as you think, and it will save you money on your energy bills as well as ensuring you use renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. Many people say that solar panels can even increase your home’s value. When it comes to top home improvements trends that can help the planet, this is a great one to consider.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Solar panels are ideal, but it’s a big job and you may need to wait until the installers can do the work. In the meantime, there are smaller changes you can make around the home that are equally as useful for the planet because, after all, even the smallest change can make a big difference. One change that can work well is to use energy-efficient lighting.
No matter how much we might try to remember and instil the information into the people we live with, the fact is that we often forget to turn off lights when we leave the room. When we do, they use energy and cost more than they should. This is also bad for the planet. By switching your current standard bulbs to energy-efficient ones, you can ensure that, even if you leave the lights on by mistake, you actually use less energy than before. Plus, these bulbs last for many years, and that means you’ll save money by not having to replace them as often.
Use Recycled Items
No matter what kind of style you like best, you’re going to need furniture and décor in your home. It might be minimal or maybe you want to have lots of comforting, lovely objects around you. It’s your choice. However, why not make it a rule to only use recycled items?
If you only ever buy items that are made with recycled material, or even if you buy second-hand goods, you’ll be preventing waste from entering a landfill and that’s good for the planet. Not only that, but it’s likely you’ll have unique items in your home that you’ll love much more than the standard ones that anyone can buy off the shelf.
