Do It Yourself for a Greener Home

Environmental-friendly Tips for the Home

-Opt for solar heating – it is responsible and economic!

-Avoid all products with solvent-based finishes, adhesives, particleboard and MDF, carpeting and paint and avoid the release of volatile organic compounds and formaldehyde into air.

-Opt for paints low in Volatile Organic Compounds as a typical can of paint can contain 150 mutagens and up to 300 carcinogens – which, in a nutshell, is poisonous to breath and will case nausea and tiredness, headaches and other reactions.

-Avoid using wood and rather opt for recycled plastic lumber as it uses plastic waste, is low-maintenance and very durable.

-Insulate with a natural option such as wool as it absorbs sound and airborne moisture plus lessens condensation while polystyrene insulation contains harmful chlorofluorocarbons.

-Choose flooring made from natural linoleum options such as limestone dust, cork and linseed or resin on jute-back. Cork is a fantastic option as its bark regenerates, is toxin-less, absorbs nose and insulates. Bamboo is also ideal as it is harder, harvested from the fastest growing plant and extremely sustainable.

-Use reclaimed and salvaged wood where possible and lumber from independently certified well-managed forests.

-Fit water-efficient showers and toilets as low flow options reduce water use.

-Plant deciduous trees to keep summer temperatures down and let the sun through in winter.


Use green alternatives when building, such as:

-Recycled materials used for work surfaces
-Recycled newspaper used for insulation
-Roofs made from sedum or grass
-Sheep’s wool used for insulation
-Solar panels and wind power
-Steel guttering
-Straw-bale buildings
-Sun pipes
-Water-saving WC’s
-Wind turbines