10 Tips for Earth-Friendly Home Renovation
Join us this week as we look at 10 simple ways to incorporate earth-friendly practices and materials into your next renovation. Whether you are simply swapping out your counters or backsplash or tackling a whole-house renovation, there is sure to be an idea for you to take away here. Let's get started.
1. Harvest your rainwater. Look closely at the home in the picture. See that barrel positioned beneath the rain gutter? It is a rain harvesting system designed to safely collect and store rainwater that would otherwise go to waste. A hose at the base of the barrel allows the owners to water the garden with stored rainwater. Watch your tank fill up and the water bill go down!
Another rainwater harvesting system, this one fed by a rain chain and designed to blend seamlessly with the plantings surrounding the house for a natural look.
2. Add a green roof. A green roof, which is basically a giant raised-bed garden placed atop a roof, can help cool the air, insulate the interior of your home, and even provide extra room to garden in urban areas where space is at a premium. Sound like a lot of trouble? You can install one on the roof of your garage. You will enjoy many of the same benefits, with lower cost and less effort.
3. Build smarter, not bigger. If you are considering a major home renovation, look closely atyour available space before adding to the footprint of your home. Could a loft be added above the living room? Could an unused extra half-bath make way for that sunroom you really want? Staying within the current footprint of your home will keep energy consumption to a minimum and likely save you some money as well.
1. Harvest your rainwater. Look closely at the home in the picture. See that barrel positioned beneath the rain gutter? It is a rain harvesting system designed to safely collect and store rainwater that would otherwise go to waste. A hose at the base of the barrel allows the owners to water the garden with stored rainwater. Watch your tank fill up and the water bill go down!
Another rainwater harvesting system, this one fed by a rain chain and designed to blend seamlessly with the plantings surrounding the house for a natural look.
2. Add a green roof. A green roof, which is basically a giant raised-bed garden placed atop a roof, can help cool the air, insulate the interior of your home, and even provide extra room to garden in urban areas where space is at a premium. Sound like a lot of trouble? You can install one on the roof of your garage. You will enjoy many of the same benefits, with lower cost and less effort.
3. Build smarter, not bigger. If you are considering a major home renovation, look closely atyour available space before adding to the footprint of your home. Could a loft be added above the living room? Could an unused extra half-bath make way for that sunroom you really want? Staying within the current footprint of your home will keep energy consumption to a minimum and likely save you some money as well.
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