Eco-Friendly Home Updates We Should All Implement

*This is a collaborative post

Living in harmony with the environment is critical. If we don’t learn how to do it fast, our children will have to live in a world very different to the one that we have now.

The great thing about the environment, though, is that we can all play a part in improving it. There are so many things that we can do to contribute to the overall wellbeing of the planet. 

Upgrade The Garage Door

Garage doors don’t usually feature in discussions of the environment. But it turns out that they have a critical role to play. Doors let in and out a huge amount of cold air throughout the year. In the winter, they’re responsible for draughts and increasing your heating bill. And in the summer, they sabotage your air conditioning systems (if you have one). 

It turns out, though, that companies are getting savvy to this problem. Many are selling whole garage doors that create a seal with the walls, preventing so much air from moving in and out. Other brands are selling aftermarket solutions which attach to existing garage doors, having a similar effect. 

Install A Rainwater Collector

Piping water to your home takes a lot of energy and can, in some situations, contribute to depletion of water reserves. It’s a good idea, therefore, to install systems to harvest rainwater. These essentially capture water before it goes into the ground and joins local watercourses. It reduces your long-term utility bills and gives you free water you can use for a variety of purposes, particularly in the garden. 

Use A Solar Water Heater

From a distance, solar water heaters look similar to solar panels, but they actually rely on very different technologies. Solar water heaters use the power of the sun’s rays to heat water contained in small tubes in a roof-mounted device. 

These systems can be useful because they provide your home with warm water in the evening. They also help to save a lot of energy versus standard water heating systems. 

Stop Air From Escaping

You need some draught in your home so that you get a changeover of air over time. You don’t want to live in a hermetically sealed box. However, many homes lose way too much air passively through gaps under doors and cracks around window frames. 

It’s impossible to get rid of all air leaks – and you shouldn’t try. But if there are obvious issues, like big spaces beneath your front doors, then you should resolve these as soon as you can. 

Use Reclaimed Wood

If you’re planning a renovation, you can also make it more eco-friendly by using reclaimed wood. Using reclaimed wood allows you to cut down on tree usage and reduce pressure on forests. 

Reclaimed wood shows up in all kinds of products, from siding to decking. 

Go Pre-Owned

Lastly, instead of shopping for furniture from the regular store, see if there are any opportunities to upcycle second-hand items. Look on second hand sites and used stores for furniture that has potential.