1. Buy Reclaimed Items

There’s no need for the newest materials when there are alternatives available such as reclaimed wood. This will not only cut cost but is also an environmentally-friendly material suitable for home renovation projects. Reclaimed wood can be used for countertops, walls, and flooring. Recently, a certified kitchen designer used reclaimed wood for the kitchen hood. In the end, you’ll be saving much more time, money, and effort compared to buying new materials.

2. Deconstruction Instead of Demolition

Here’s another eco-friendly and cost-effective method. If you intend on tearing down walls or knocking down entire rooms, take a walk around your home first to see what you can restore and reuse. You’ll be surprised by how much you’re able to save from it. At the same time, do consider everything from light fixtures to flooring such as tile, bricks, cabinets and even moulding. If you happen to have a chandelier in the dining room, use it in another room instead of throwing it away.

3. Give Unwanted Items to Charity

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. If there are unwanted items that are still usable lying around your home, bring it to Goodwill or a consignment store instead of tossing it out. If you have a crafty friend, they can either repaint or repurpose it. This will work for your unwanted items such as appliances and cabinets. These materials can then be sold as donations and 100% of the proceeds from these materials are used to build new homes for the underprivileged. With this in mind, not only are you being environmentally friendly but you’re also giving back to the community.

4. Energy Efficiency is Just as Important

When you’re shopping for new appliances such as refrigerators and ovens, check out the energy-efficient section. These products are usually labelled with an Energy Star logo, which includes information you’ll need to know about its efficiency. Large appliances, especially upscale refrigerators, generate a lot of electricity. For many people, these high-end appliances aren’t just costly but they will end up costing a lot more in the long run.