They say there are only two seasons in Canada: winter and construction.

As temperatures increase, so will the number of home improvement projects. After all, no one wants to be doing construction or painting when it’s cold and snowy out.

At the time we are writing this, we are also less than a week away from Earth Day. So, we figured this was the perfect opportunity to talk about ways to make your next home reno project more environmentally friendly.

Renovate right, reduce your impact

Home renovation projects will inevitably create a certain amount of waste. No matter how mindful you are, there will always be waste: scraps of wood that can’t be used, old walls, cabinets, and plumbing that need to be thrown away, etc. Of course, there are lots of ways to reuse and recycle much of this material.

But have you considered how you could make your renovation more eco-friendly just by swapping out some standard building materials for those that leave less of a footprint?

In fact, a renovation presents you with the perfect opportunity to make your home more carbon-neutral!

Here are a few eco-friendly alternative you should consider using for your next home improvement project:

1. Reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood has become a popular choice for eco-friendly furniture makers, but did you know that you can use it in your building projects as well?

Reclaimed wood is taken from old barns, factories, and unused buildings made decades, or even centuries, ago. The aged planks offer a unique and genuine antique feel to any space.

Use them for flooring or wood panel walls in your new space.

Repurposing these out-of-use building materials reduces waste and decreases the demand for fresh tree cuttings.

Reclaimed hardwood floors also add character and history to any space. This option is great for anyone who wants a genuine antique or farmhouse feel.

2. Used building materials

When beginning a new renovation project, the hardware store is usually the first stop. But buying all of those new cabinets, plumbing accessories, and other materials can get costly quite quickly. Plus, it’s not the most environmental option.

Before starting your reno, visit your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore or the local dump (the one near my house has a reuse center that is always full of stuff). You might be surprised by the amount of good, used building materials they have available. They usually have a variety of cabinetry, plumbing and electrical parts, doors, windows, and more. 

Bonus: you can also find tons of furniture, decor, and home items to furnish your finished space.

3. Green paint

Standard wall paints contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which is why they smell so strong and trigger allergies and asthma in many people. VOCs aren’t just dangerous for human health. They also contribute to ground ozone, a major cause of smog.

These days, low- and no-VOC paints have become far more common. These paints are safe to inhale and emit far fewer gasses into the air. Be sure to look for a low- or no-VOC paint for your next project so that you can breathe easier.

4. Environmentally-sourced insulation

There are many available insulation alternatives made from natural and recycled resources. Compared to traditional fiberglass insulation, the manufacturing process for these materials creates less of an environmental impact. Additionally, natural options are better for your health AND they can offer benefits for your home.

Here are a few suggestions for eco-friendly insulation:

• Sheep’s wool - If you’ve owned a wool sweater, you know how warm wool is. Wool insulation prevents condensation and regulates temperatures. Plus, it’s fire retardant.
• Cotton/denim - Denim scraps are shredded and recycled to make insulation and treated with a borate solution. The process adds to the cost, but ultimately reduces waste while providing a healthier alternative.
• Cork board - Made from cork oak bark, this insulation source is completely renewable. Cork board makes a great barrier for heat and sound. It’s also recyclable and biodegradable.
• Cellulose - Decomposing paper releases harmful greenhouse gasses, but cellulose insulation recycles and repurposes that paper into a versatile insulator.

Alternatively, some artificial insulation materials can also be environmental if they are made from largely recycled material, or if they dramatically reduce the transmission of heat and cold thereby making your home more energy-efficient.

Before you start your next home renovation, consider some small swaps you can make to reduce the environmental impact of the process and to make your home more eco-friendly and energy-efficient. In addition to these swaps, you may also look for ways to incorporate green energy sources or efficient appliances into your home.