Awareness about climate change is increasing every day, and it’s important that we all do our bit here in Perth when it comes to this increasingly important phenomenon. Here are a few eco-friendly tips to ensure that redecorating or redesigning your house is as friendly as it can be for the planet!
Buy Second-Hand
One of the top ways you can reduce your carbon footprint is by buying second-hand items. Whether it’s buying preloved tables, clothes, or vases, these items will allow you to spice up your home without damaging the environment. Charity shops, as well as more mainstream avenues such as eBay, provide an accessible and affordable way to make your home look good and save the planet while doing it. Moreover, listing your current furniture not only allows you to make some extra cash on the side, but it keeps this eco-friendly chain going, further helping the environment.
Go Renewable
Switching over to a renewable form of energy is a big jump, sure, but it’s very much worth it in the long term in terms of the environment – and your wallet. Perth receives more sun-hours than any other city in Australia – and so, using solar power in Perth makes a lot of sense. Perth-based company Renew Energy provides quick and affordable advice, installation services, and a thorough focus on quality. Furthermore, if you use solar power, Perth Council (and the Government) are able to provide a number of grants, so do make sure you look into that.
Go Green(er)
Houseplants – big and small – remove carbon dioxide from the air and convert it to oxygen. This not only improves the atmosphere of your house (they purify the air, removing some toxic and polluting elements) but also helps the environment. Plants in your home are a sure-fire way of helping the environment whilst also making your living space more pleasant. Plus, you don’t need a green thumb to have plants – some species, such as the ‘ZZ plant’, need barely any maintenance and are basically best left alone. Easy!
Use Non-Toxic Paint
Giving the walls of your home a fresh lick of paint is oftentimes the best way to really spruce up your house with the least amount of effort. Whilst we think that most paints are pollutant-free in this day and age, that’s simply not true. Most paints have various substances added into the mix to ensure they last longer – these then release toxins into the air. Not only can this be damaging to your health, but it most certainly damages the environment. Therefore, it’s best to invest in a paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOC) – found at most local hardware shops.
In conclusion, designing your Perth home to be as eco-friendly as possible is easier than you might have thought. From relatively simple ideas such as buying second-hand or getting a few houseplants, to loftier plans like using renewable solar energy, the opportunities are limitless if you want to save the environment!