Upcycling is fantastic for the environment. Instead of tipping your old furniture, giving it a new lease on life can be cheaper and more eco-friendly – saving you money in the process. Many of us who are conscious of our consumerism may opt for some DIY every now and again. When it comes to renovations though, few may consider if their DIY work is having an impact on the environment.
Being eco-conscious isn’t just about concerning yourself with the impact of your actions on the local greenery, but also how local animals may respond to your actions, and the effect of your actions on other humans.
Here are some ways you might consider how your renovations could affect those around you.
Shop second hand when you can
This seems like an obvious suggestion, but when plastic is building up in landfills every day and other materials are getting more costly, it makes sense to go second hand. Eschew IKEA until absolutely necessary and take a look around your local charity shops. Many have wonderful, sometimes antique, furniture. Failing that, eBay can be a great source of second hand furniture, as can car boot sales.
Store and dispose of hazardous materials properly
Cats and other free roaming animals can get very sick if they decide to inspect an open container of paint or paint thinner left out in the garden. Antifreeze in particular smells very sweet and is poisonous. Cats often fall victim to this. Keep all materials stored in closed containers and out of harm’s way.
When it comes time to get rid of any leftover paint, see if anyone can make use of them before you tip them. Someone on Facebook marketplace may be searching for something to include in a project. Or, if there is still some paint left over, you may have a local community project that takes donations, as paint can be expensive and sometimes a family might only need a little bit.
Hire a specialist to survey potential demolitions or wall removal
If your home was built in 20th century, chances are, there will be some asbestos in the walls. While this is now banned from use in modern construction, older buildings still have asbestos in the walls as it is less hazardous to leave it there than get it removed.
If you need to knock down any walls, consult a professional and get a survey done, as asbestos released into the air can result in people contracting asbestos related diseases. A small amount of asbestos can lead to cancer such as mesothelioma. People making mesothelioma claims no longer have to prove a certain exposure level to asbestos, because it has been proven that inhaling even a small amount can lead to the cancer.
By taking precautions with your DIY, you can do your part to reduce any ecological damage to your local area.
Have you done your own DIY home renovations?
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