Planning a project? Make better choices for your home and the planet with sustainable solutions – from consciously sourced materials to technology innovations that help reduce water and energy waste.

To mark Earth Day 2024 and help you switch to more eco-friendly solutions, we’ve rounded up five ideas that are kind to you, your home, and the environment. Let’s begin, shall we?

Eco-friendly paint

Growing up, I remember watching my parents take on home improvement projects around the house, and this included breathing life back into the walls with a fresh lick of paint. And whenever that happened, you knew you had to leave all windows open and sleep elsewhere due to… harmful paint fumes. Well, gone are those days thanks to brands who are reducing toxins in their formulas.

With no compromises on quality, colour pay-off or durability, the latest non-toxic solutions boast green credentials by being solvent, adhesive or virtually volatile organic compounds (VOC)-free, formulated with plant-based ingredients, odourless and water-based – often thinner than oil-based formulas, which means they will also dry quicker.

So, if you’re thinking about upcycling your cabinetry or giving your bedroom walls a refresh, make sure to choose eco-friendly paint emulsions.

Sustainable surfaces

These days, there are plenty of eco-friendly options for your worktops and splashbacks. The latest sustainable surfaces include innovative solutions such as Diamik, which is made from recycled glass, Richlite, a durable and versatile material made from paper, and Durat, crafted using approximately 30% recycled plastic but 100% recyclable.

If you love the look of terrazzo, low-carbon manufacturing company Foresso crafts panels from waste wood – and they look oh-so-good! Reclaimed wood is another great option since you’re giving back life to existing material and thus, diverting waste.

Surface Matters also offers a wide range of designs made from recycled solutions such as textiles and plastic.

Limit your waste

You can make eco choices, without compromising on style, with low-flow toilets, and water-saving taps and showerheads, which will ultimately help you limit your water and energy consumption in the bathroom.

Many shower brands, including Hansgrohe, Mira and Kelda, incorporate air into their showerhead systems to decrease the amount of water released. Another great option would be an electric shower, which is energy-efficient, allowing you to heat up water on demand.

Smart shower toilets are incredibly helpful too as they help you save water and toilet paper – bonus. For example, VitrA’s V-Care Comfort model offers a completely paperless solution, thanks to its washing and drying features.

Click here to discover how to plan an eco-friendly renovation

Energy-efficient appliances

Eco-friendly appliances are usually made from recycled and easy-to-recycle materials such as steel, glass, brass or aluminium. In terms of energy ratings, it’s advisable to opt for A or A+ where possible because these are the models which will consume less energy and reduce your water usage. Also, it’s important to look for appliances, no matter large or small, which offer helpful Eco modes and energy-saving features.

Choose companies with eco-credentials

Whether you’re planning a complete kitchen renovation or a bathroom refresh, it’s always important to research the brands you choose for your project before committing. You can dive deeper into their background and discover the company’s sustainability ethos. This way you can find out where they source their materials from and if they use renewable energy, or recycle water and waste during manufacturing.

Happy planning!

Enjoyed this post? Click here to see five eco-friendly kitchen projects

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