Today more than ever before, people are environmentally conscious in nearly every aspect of life. From choosing products to use around the house that contain fewer chemicals and pollutants to recycling materials into new and exciting projects, everyone can find some way to be more environmentally responsible. How many ways can you find to make your next home improvement project as eco-friendly as possible?

Repurpose Items You Already Own

When it comes to DIY home improvement projects, there are a number of ways to incorporate materials you already have either lying around or that are part of other things. Reducing waste and giving new purpose to materials and supplies is an excellent way to save money and do something that is great for the environment.

A great material to recycle is wood, something most homes have in abundance. Various types of popular woods can be repurposed for a number of home projects. When your home improvement project involves using wood in an area where moisture will be present—the bathroom, for example—you will want to be sure to choose a waterproof type of wood, one that won’t be affected by the temperature or moisture in the air. This is also true for projects such as outdoor decks, patios, gazebos, etc.

Use Local Materials

No matter where you live, there are very likely some natural materials nearby that can be used in DIY home improvement projects. Keeping it local is good for the economy and the environment. Using locally sourced materials minimizes the need for transportation , which reduces pollutants. Whether it's renewable resources like trees or abundant resources like rocks, there is something everywhere that can be incorporated into do-it-yourself home projects. Using locally sourced materials also helps your home to maintain the feel and the “vibe” of the locale. Beach/tropical areas are represented well when seashells, sand, driftwood, etc, are used in projects in or around your home. It's like carrying a theme or color scheme throughout a space.

Use Natural Resources

Naturally occurring resources tend to give the area they are used in a unique look and feel since items like rocks, wood, and seashells all have their own unique color, texture, and appearance. This will prevent your home from looking like everyone else’s, which can happen if you chose to buy new materials from a department store. Choosing natural materials also cuts down on the number of pollutants and toxins that are very often present in commercially produced materials.

When planning your next eco-friendly DIY home-improvement project, consider each and every item you will use, ranging from the largest piece of material to the smallest setting, fastener, or adhesive product. Consider whether these things will have an effect on the environment as time passes and they break down. A little forethought and planning can go a long way in protecting the environment for many years to come.

If you want to remodel your home, contact us for a consultation!