If you’re planning to renovate your home, it’s essential to keep things as eco-friendly as possible. Not only is it better for the environment, but environmentally friendly materials can also be more cost-effective, safer, and more.

However, while people may be enthusiastic about going green, they often worry that finding green materials can be challenging. Luckily, that’s not always the case. Here are some of the top eco-friendly and non-toxic products you can use to ensure your home is good for both you and the environment!

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass technology has come a long way over the past few years – even though windows and other glass products may be made out of recycled materials, they look brand new. Additionally, experts estimate that creating glass products with recycled materials reduces air pollution by 20% and water pollution by 50%, so you’re helping the environment in a concrete way. You can use this material throughout your house, wherever you use glass, whether windows, countertops, or even custom décor items!

Organic Paint

When it comes to redoing your house, one product you’ll end up going through a ton is paint. The problem with paints is that they often contain harmful chemicals (known as volatile organic compounds, or VOCs) that are bad for the environment and produce toxic fumes that can affect your health if you breathe them in.

If you want to use something that allows you to breathe easily, you’ll need to use low VOC or – most preferably – VOC-free paint. Though there are many options, organic paint is perhaps your best bet for this need. Not only are organic paints VOC free, but they also contain ingredients that are completely safe for you, your family, and your pets.

Organic paints are often made using milk proteins, plant oils, and natural latex – everything you can find in nature. Some are so safe that you can even eat them without harm! Now, while eating paint is not recommended, it acts as an additional safety guarantee if you’ve got young children or pets who might accidentally get into any open pots of paint while you’re redoing your home.

Solar Panels

When it comes to keeping things as green as possible, it doesn’t get more energy efficient than using renewable energy. You don’t need to rely on finding a renewable energy provider in your area – all you need to do is attach some solar panels to the roof of your house and let the sun give you all the energy you need. Not only do you lower your carbon footprint, but you’ll also find that your energy bill is lower as well!

Make sure to consult a contractor before buying solar panels for your home. They are not appropriate for all roof shapes, so it’s best to confirm that they can be attached to your home before you invest in them. Similarly, if you’re renting a house, make sure to take permission from your landlord beforehand.

Buying solar panels can be an expensive investment, however, the savings on your energy bills means that they’ll end up paying for themselves over time. So, if you can afford the initial capital input, solar panels are a great way to go green and keep your pocket happy at the same time.

Bamboo Flooring

When we talk about wooden furniture, there’s often a sense of guilt over the effects of deforestation. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t get the benefits of real wood without harming the planet.

Instead of oak floors, consider opting for bamboo flooring instead. Bamboo is an extremely fast-growing plant, so the plants used to make your floors will grow back before you know it. These plants can also be harvested without damaging the roots and killing the plant, making it an environmentally friendly option.

More than that, it’s highly durable, moisture-resistant, and has a clean, sleek look that’s great for homes with a modern design. At the same time, it can be stained to give you a darker color, so you can get exactly the shade you want for your interiors. However, make sure you buy quality bamboo for your floors – if the plants used to make them are harvested too early, they are susceptible to dents, warps, and scratches.

Sheep’s Wool Insulation

When it comes to insulation materials, fiberglass and rock wool are the most popular. However, these are man-made substances that contain formaldehyde, which is both bad for the environment and toxic.

Instead, consider making a switch to sheep’s wool insulation. It’s a natural material that is a great insulator – equal or, in some cases, better than fiberglass, rock wool, cellulose, and other popular insulators. It’s extremely durable, is fire- and mold-resistant helps control the moisture in your home, and acts as a good sound dampener. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also a great way to make your home more comfortable and less noisy.

Reclaimed Wood

Bamboo floors are not the only way to add wooden elements into your home without worrying about contributing to deforestation. If you’re looking for wooden décor or furniture, consider reclaimed wood.

Reclaimed wood is essentially recycled wood, which was initially used for something else but has been repurposed to meet your needs. You can use it on your walls, as part of your floors, for your kitchen countertops, and more. If you’re looking for wooden accents, go reclaimed as it reduces your carbon footprint, can often be more budget-friendly, and adds a lovely rustic look to your home.

Beyond using environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials, another way to keep your home renovation green is by reusing products wherever possible. If you’ve got an appliance you don’t like the look of, consider doing up their exteriors with wallpaper, instead of replacing them altogether. You’ll save money and reduce waste at the same time!

Similarly, don’t replace cabinets unless you need to. Change up the exteriors for the doors, handles, and drawers by repainting them where possible so that they fit with your new interiors without going to the landfill.

Many people think that building and renovating in an environmentally friendly way is extremely challenging. However, the truth is that with just a bit of extra time and effort, you’ll find it’s easier to go green than you ever thought was possible. This way, you will do your bit towards preserving the environment, while at the same time will have a beautiful home as well.