Going Green at Home: Easy Wins for the Eco-Conscious Handy Homeowner

Hey there, Handy Homeowners!

Sustainability isn’t just for tree-huggers anymore—it’s for Handy Homeowners, too. This week, we’re breaking down easy, budget-friendly ways to make your home greener, from recycled denim insulation (yes, really) to smart tech that actually saves you money. You don’t need a solar farm to make a difference—just a screwdriver and a little know-how.

Maintenance Minute

Where Small Fixes Make a Big Difference!
This Weeks 5 Minute Focus

• Clean your Dishwasher Filter

• Clean your Oven/Stove

• Clean your Refrigerator Coils

• Clean your Washer Filter

Pro tip:To keep your household appliances running smoothly, give them a quick deep clean every three months.

For your washing machine, run an empty hot water cycle with a cup of white vinegar to dissolve buildup.

For your dishwasher, place a bowl of white vinegar on the top rack and run a hot cycle to tackle grease and grime.

And don’t forget your refrigerator coils—vacuum them carefully to improve efficiency and save on energy costs! A little TLC goes a long way in extending the life of your appliances.

Eco Without the Ego: Budget-Friendly Ways to Go Green at Home

Sustainability used to be something reserved for crunchy granola types and off-grid cabin dwellers. But in 2025? It's for everyone—including that neighbor who still has a 1995 riding mower and a suspicious pile of wood pallets "for future projects."

Truth is, building and maintaining a sustainable home doesn’t require solar panels on the roof or a composting toilet (though if you’re into that, more power to you). There are plenty of small, budget-friendly ways to go green without going off the deep end. Let’s break it down.

1. Insulate Smarter, Not Harder

Traditional fiberglass insulation? Effective, sure, but itchy and less than Earth-friendly. Enter the new class of eco-insulation: hempcrete, sheep wool, and even recycled denim. Yup, you can wrap your house in blue jeans. These materials are renewable, non-toxic, and surprisingly efficient.

Pro Tip: If you're insulating an attic or garage, consider blown-in cellulose made from recycled newspaper. It performs well, it's affordable, and you won’t feel like you wrestled a cactus afterward.

2. Upgrade Without the Waste

Thinking about replacing your flooring, cabinets, or countertops? Look into salvaged or recycled materials. Reclaimed wood has character you just can’t fake, and recycled glass countertops? Stunning.

Also, check your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore or architectural salvage yards. You’d be amazed what folks toss out—and how easily you can turn someone else’s leftovers into your own home improvement victory.

3. Go Low-VOC or Bust

Paints, adhesives, and sealants often release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution. Not great when you’re trying to make your house a cozy, healthy place to live.

The Fix: Look for products labeled "Low-VOC" or "No-VOC." They smell less toxic and are better for your lungs, your pets, and yes—even your houseplants.

4. Smart Tech That Saves Energy (and Money)

Smart thermostats, motion-sensor lights, and energy monitors aren’t just for gadget geeks. They can seriously cut down your energy use and help you track exactly where your dollars are going.

Start small: swap out those old incandescent bulbs for LED smart bulbs. Program them to dim in the evening or shut off automatically when you leave the room. Your electric bill will thank you.

5. Water You Waiting For?

Simple fixes like low-flow showerheads and dual-flush toilets can save gallons of water a day. Add in rain barrels or drip irrigation for the garden, and suddenly you’re conserving water like a pro.

Bonus Points: Landscaping with native plants means less watering, less mowing, and fewer chemicals.

6. Certification Is More Than Just a Sticker

When shopping for materials, look for third-party certifications like:

• LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

• FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)

• GreenGuard (low chemical emissions)

They’re like gold stars for grown-ups—except these stars mean you’re helping the planet, not just impressing the neighbors.

Wrap-Up: Sustainability, One Project at a Time

You don’t need to tear your house down and start over to live more sustainably. Just like any DIY project, it's about making better choices one step at a time. So next time you're reaching for that can of paint or planning a remodel, think: is there a greener way to do this?

Your home (and the planet) will thank you.

Pro Tip of the Week: When planning a project, check your city or province for rebates on energy-efficient appliances, insulation upgrades, or solar-ready home upgrades. Free money is the best kind of money.

Q&A- How much more do eco-friendly materials cost compared to traditional ones?

A: Great question—and like most things in homeownership, the answer is: it depends.

Let’s break it down:

• Insulation: Something like blown-in cellulose or sheep wool insulation might cost 10–30% more than fiberglass up front. But it’s less itchy, often easier to install, and can have better air-sealing properties—so you might save on labor and energy bills.

• Flooring & Lumber: Reclaimed wood can cost a bit more than basic laminate or engineered hardwood, especially if it needs refinishing. But it’s durable, unique, and doesn’t come with that “fresh off the assembly line” feel. Plus, you’re not sending new trees to the chipper.

• Countertops: Recycled glass or paper-based composites often fall in the same price range as mid-tier granite or quartz—think $50–$80 + per sq. ft. installed. Not cheap, but not outrageous either.

• Paint & Sealants: Low-VOC paints cost $5–$15 more per gallon than regular ones, but unless you’re painting the Sistine Chapel, that’s a pretty small price to avoid breathing in harsh chemicals.

🔧 Bottom Line:
You’ll usually pay a little more upfront for eco-friendly materials—but they tend to last longer, improve air quality, and can even reduce utility bills. In the long run? It often evens out or saves you money. Plus, you get bragging rights for being the neighbor who went green and stayed under budget.

Questions? Comments? Drop us a line at [email protected]