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9 ways to make your next project “green”
Thinking about making your next home improvement project a little more “green”? And no—we’re not just talking about painting your walls a nice olive shade. We mean environmentally friendly! Here are some simple ways to make your next DIY, renovation, or remodel better for the planet and your wallet.
1. Repurpose items you have at home
So many items you already have at home can be revamped and refreshed to give your space a whole new look. It’s a great way to save money and reduce waste! Pinterest and Etsy are full of inspiration, and be sure to check out this previous ReStore blog post for photos and tips on upcycling.
2. Purchase second-hand items from the ReStore or thrift stores
The ReStore has everything you need for your next remodel including appliances, cabinets, furniture, home decor, lighting fixtures, plumbing, windows, and more! We even have tools and hardware to get you started. Come check us out! We’re open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 6:00pm.
3. Use recycled paint or at least a non-toxic paint
Regular paint releases hazardous pollutants that are bad for you and the environment. Using recycled paint helps keep those pollutants out of our landfills! The ReStore sells 99.9% recycled Amazon paints in a variety of colors for just $20 a gallon. Your next repaint will be affordable and ecofriendly.
4. Switch to LED bulbs and fixtures
LEDs are better for the environment because they are more energy efficient, don’t contain toxic substances, have a longer lifespan, and lead to a reduction in carbon emissions. Find an LED compatible fixture at the ReStore and possibly even some LED bulbs as well! Check out this website for more info on LED lights and tips for shopping for them.
5. Use natural materials in your projects
Materials like reclaimed wood, bamboo, cotton, and wool are great materials to use in projects because they are environmentally friendly unlike synthetic materials. They are natural, renewable, biodegradable, and minimally processed. An added bonus is that wood products can be refinished or repaired whereas plastic and vinyl products can’t. The ReStore has a variety of reclaimed lumber to choose from including hardwood, millwork, plywood, trim, and decking.
6. Measure twice, being precise means less waste!
Part of sustainability is reducing waste. The average American creates roughly 5 pounds of trash every day! That’s nearly 1800 pounds of waste per person each year. Reduce that number by being intentional with what you need for your projects and how much of it.
7. Save any unused materials for future projects
You never know when those scraps will come in handy! This also ensures that they don’t end up in the landfill. A landfill only lasts 30 to 50 years on average which makes dumpster diversion extremely important for extending its lifespan.
8. Donate anything you don’t think you’ll use to the ReStore
The ReStore accepts a wide variety of donations. Even if you can’t use something, someone else could! Donating extends the lifecycle of an item and reduces demand for new products to be made out of costly resources. Click here to find out what you can donate.
9. Use the ReClaim team for big projects
If you’re doing a big remodel the ReClaim team could be a huge help for you. It’s a completely free service! Habitat crew come and collect salvageable materials from buildings that are being renovated or destroyed. All the reclaimed items are tax deductible plus you save money on demolition and dumpsters. All the reclaimed materials are sold in the ReStore or used in a rehab project to support Habitat for Humanity's mission. To learn more click here.
Repurposing, buying secondhand, choosing eco-friendly materials, saving scraps, donating what you don’t need, and working with the ReStore and ReClaim team are all awesome ways to make your home renovations more sustainable. Now that you’ve got all these resources, you’re ready to get started! Good luck with your next project—and don’t forget to stop by the ReStore!
Partner Family
Stories
Darshida has been working to become a homeowner for years. She is a passionate nurse, a dedicated mother to four boys, and a longtime La Crosse resident. After years of hard work and unforeseen obstacles, Darshida and her family moved into their new home in spring 2023.