Handy eco-home improvement ideas

If you're concerned about your carbon footprint or you want to save your family money by having some energy-efficient initiatives in your home - then take note of these eco-home improvement ideas!

Design and layout

Think about how you set up and place certain items in your home, considering your local climate and location.

An article by Beth Berry on the National Geographic website says that maximizing the "benefits of the sun, shade and breeze" can save thousands of dollars in cooling and heating.

Skylights, rainwater catchments, grey water reuse and solar thermal hot water systems are some initiatives you can implement in your home to help make it more energy-efficient.

Rubber mulch

If building a play area for the kids is part of your garden landscaping plans, then you might want to consider using rubber mulch as a child-safe play surface.

This 'green solution' from HGTV prevents new weeds from growing, allows water and air to flow through, doesn't attract insects and is environmentally friendly as it prevents old tyres from getting dumped in landfills.

Eco-friendly paint

Busy with a DIY painting project? You can do your bit for the environment by choosing to use eco-friendly paint products.

There are paint products available on the market that are biodegradable, low allergenic and non-toxic.