Today, there are few topics quite as hot as global warming. Some people claim that it’s unfounded scare-mongering, while others swear by it…In any case, we’re better safe than sorry, right? If you don’t want to leave anything to chance and would like to do your part, reduce your carbon footprint, and lead a cleaner, greener lifestyle, then this is the article for you. We’re going to talk about some eco-friendly home improvement ideas for you to consider.
- Start composting at home
It’s not so much a ‘home improvement’ tip as it is a green life hack, but it will certainly contribute toward reducing your carbon footprint. There are a number of different electric composters that are small and discreet enough to fit on your kitchen counter and can be used to turn your food waste and scraps into fertiliser for your plants! That way, you can not only reduce the amount of waste that you are contributing to landfills, but you can easily grow your own plants at home and nourish them with plenty of upcycled goodness!
- Upgrade your lighting
Have you switched to LED lightbulbs throughout your property yet? If not, it’s a great way of reducing your energy bills, while also improving the aesthetic charm of your home. You can choose from a wide variety of colour temperatures and really add a unique ambiance to the different rooms throughout your property.
- Install eco-friendly flooring
If you are due some new flooring, go for the eco-friendly option! Bamboo floors for example, are some of the most sustainable. This is because bamboo grows rapidly in comparison to most wood materials used for flooring. In fact, contrary to popular belief, bamboo isn’t actually a wood, but a type of grass, hence its rapid and sustainable growth.
The best part? It looks and feels like wood, thus providing you with an aesthetically charming flooring option with plenty of resilience, without putting any unnecessary strain on the planet.
- Invest in solar roof panels
Harness the endless and bountiful power of the sun! If you want clean energy that can significantly reduce your energy bills (and greenhouse gas emissions while you’re at it), then we recommend having a solar power system installed on your property. Even better if your life in a particularly hot country like Bangkok: having solar panels installed on your single storey house in Bangna, for example, will produce enough energy to power your home, while making an attractive return on your investment!
- Invest in dual-paned windows or UV protection films
While living in a country that sees plenty of sunlight during the day has its advantages, it can make your home sweltering hot – thus driving your AC bills through the roof. However, by investing in dual-paned windows or UV protection films, you can reduce the impact of the UV rays from the sun and help to properly regulate the temperature in your home. That way, you won’t need to keep the AC running quite as much during the summer. Your wallet will thank you – as will the planet.
Conclusion – Be conscious
These are just a handful of the things that you can do at home to lead a greener, cleaner lifestyle. As you can see, you don’t need to transform the entire look of your house to make a big impact.
From renovating your home with low-VOC paint, to swapping out your AC’s for energy-efficient ceiling fans, all it takes is a little research and dedication.
In most cases, not only is the greener option the best thing for our environment, but you will likely be able to save money on your utilities in the long run. Everybody wins!
