Modern Australian Magazine
Men's Weekly

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Powering Shepparton’s Businesses: Expert Commercial Electrical Services You Can Count On

When it comes to running a successful business, having reliable, compliant, and efficient electrical systems is non-negotiable. From small retail ou...

Maximise Efficiency: Cleaner Solar Panels for Optimal Performance

Solar panels are a smart investment in energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term savings—especially here in Cairns, where the tropical sun ...

7 Common Air Conditioner Issues in Melbourne – And How to Fix Them

Image by freepik Living in Melbourne, we all know how unpredictable the weather can be. One moment it’s cold and windy, the next it’s a scorchin...

Powering Palm QLD with Reliable Electrical Solutions

Image by pvproductions on Freepik When it comes to finding a trustworthy electrician Palm QLD locals can count on, the team at East Coast Sparkies s...

The Smart Way to Grow Online: SEO Management Sydney Businesses Can Rely On

If you’re a Sydney-based business owner, you already know the digital space is crowded. But with the right strategy, you don’t need to shout the...

What Your Car Says About You: The Personality Behind the Vehicle

You can tell a lot about someone by the car they drive—or at least, that’s what people think. True Blue Mobile Mechanics reckon the car says a l...

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just abou...

Understanding Level 2 Electricians: Why Sydney Residents Need Licenced Experts for Complex Electrical Work

When it comes to electrical work around the home or business, not all electricians are created equal. In Sydney, particularly when you're dealing wi...

Retirement Anchored in Model Boat Building for Waterford’s Doug Unsold

WATERFORD — When Doug Unsold sees his ship come in, it’s usually one he’s crafted with his own hands. The 67-year-old retiree from Waterford ...

The Science Behind Alarm Clocks and Your Circadian Rhythm

Waking up on time isn’t just about setting an alarm—it’s about working with your body, not against it. At the heart of every restful night and...

How to Use Plants to Create a Calming Atmosphere in Your Home

In today’s fast-paced world, cultivating a calm, soothing environment at home has never been more important. Whether you live in a busy urban apar...

How Maths Tutoring Can Help Students Master Maths

Mathematics can be a daunting subject for many students, often causing stress and frustration. However, maths tutoring has proven to be an effective...

Eco-Friendly Ways to Renovate Your Home

  • Written by Diana Smith

Going green in every aspect of life is not only a lifestyle change, it’s a necessity. The planet is riling up against us and we need to do everything in our power to become more responsible. Therefore, if your cozy household is overdue for some retrofits and updates, here are some basic eco-friendly ways to renovate your home.

Buying reclaimed is good

New and shiny isn’t always eco-friendly. In fact, most of the time, you’ll spend too much money on the material you could have purchased “second hand”, and the quality of the renovation, as well as the end result, would be no different. This is especially a good option if you have a lot of wooden surfaces in mind for the aesthetic update. Just find a certified designer and see your household turn into a custom-made environment you’ve always dreamed of, all made from reclaimed materials.

Buying pre-owned

Of course, purchasing reclaimed materials is not the only way to go – in fact, you can find a second-hand retailer that deals in pre-owned furniture and larger elements – like, for example, the entire set of kitchen cupboards and cabinets. Most such retailers are already part of the large-scale global project of green-living and if you decide to purchase from them, all you need to truly pay attention to is the style and shape of furniture. New colors and tweaks can easily be applied later.

Cannibalize your own home

Another thing you can do, especially if you are tearing down certain parts of your household, is cannibalize your own home. Now, this sounds like a terrible thing to do mostly because the word has strikingly negative connotations, but in terms of house retrofitting, it’s actually an amazing way to save money and be eco-friendly. It’s basically not that dissimilar to using reclaimed materials, but this time, the material comes from your own home. Whatever you tear down in the name of renovation should not be thrown away immediately – see how you can use it.

What you cannot use – donate

Those retailers who deal in reclaimed building materials have to get them from somewhere. This is a good chance to encourage eco-friendly behavior and donate all the goods you cannot use or “cannibalize” so somebody else can purchase them. All the reclaimed material can be processed and broken down to its basic form.

In concrete we trust

Of all the ubiquitous material used for basic construction that is eco-friendly, concrete is by far the best case scenario for you. This is especially true if your renovation entails large-scale extensions to your home’s layout. You can opt for concrete tilt panel construction when dealing with serious add-ons to your home. This is the quickest and the most inexpensive way to erect new rooms and concrete is a very durable, robust insulator that will keep your house eco-friendly for years to come.

More windows

Concrete is resistant to both fire and water and it is nearly irreplaceable as a construction material and insulator. Keeping the house warm during winter or cold over the summer, without spending too much electricity, is the goal to strive for, and more windows is the best green solution for an ecologically-oriented renovation. More windows mean more natural light inside your house and less need to keep the lights turned on all the time. They are also a good ally when you need to warm up the house, as the light that refracts through glass heats it up. If the summer days get too hot, just close the blinds and you are golden.

Install solar panels

Installing solar panels is serious business and it can be really costly. Thankfully, most governments in the western world have recognized this particular financial conundrum and contractors who work on such eco-friendly retrofits have allied with banks to create financial packages that enable people with financial problems to install these panels without necessary prepayment and with very favorable conditions when it comes to payments. Therefore, installing solar panels Mandurah has become one of the most accessible and popular ways to turn your home into an eco-friendly environment.

Use eco-friendly paint

The market has become oversaturated with low-VOC and VOC-free paint. The term is an abbreviation for “volatile organic compounds” which have been the default parts of the paint mixture up until recently. These compounds produce harmful molecules that can have a harmful effect on your health, plus the production of such paint has an overwhelming effect on the environment.

LED lighting replacement

Incandescent light bulbs have been the default sources of light for quite a while, but this too is slowly changing. LED lights can spend up to 90% less electricity when compared to your regular light bulbs, plus they do not waste energy on heat. The best advantage of LED lights is by far their durability – whereas an incandescent light can last up to four months, a LED light bulb can last you for up to 22 years. If these facts don’t convince you to do a complete light-overhaul of your home, hardly anything will.

Basically, every house is ripe for some large-scale updating at least once in a decade. Therefore, you can use the first opportunity for renovation to invest some extra cash into eco-friendly solutions. In the long run, this is a good way to save money since you’ll spend less energy and your monthly utility bills will be lower by a significant margin. Don’t just perk it up, green it up!

Holidays & Travel

Why Personalised Ornaments Make the Perfect Christmas Gift

In a season brimming with sentiment and tradition, gift-giving is one of the most cherished ways to show we care. And while store-bought items can be thoughtful, there’s something especially...

Slowing Down in Nature: My Experience on Orchid Classic Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

Why Orchid Classic is a Top Choice for Lan Ha Bay Lan Ha Bay, a hidden gem adjacent to the more famous Ha Long Bay, offers travelers a quieter and more...

How to Reduce Turbo Lag with an Upgraded Mazda BT-50 Exhaust System

Are you struggling with turbo lag affecting your driving experience?  Did you know upgrading your Mazda BT-50 exhaust system could be the key to unlocking smoother acceleration and enhanced vehicle performance? Exhaust...

Surprise Party Ideas That Will Leave Your Guests Speechless

Throwing a surprise party is one of the most exciting ways to celebrate a special occasion. The thrill of keeping it a secret combined with the joy of watching the...

The Most Scenic Sailing Destinations in Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand are home to some of the world’s most breathtaking sailing destinations. With vast coastlines, pristine waters, and diverse landscapes, these countries offer incredible opportunities for sailors...

A Guide to Finding Caravans for Sale for Your Australian Road Trip

From the rugged Outback to stunning coastal drives, there's no better way to explore Australia than in a home on wheels. If you're considering joining the caravan community, you're likely...

Must-Have Outdoor Gear for Your Next Trip

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5 Innovative Caravan Accessories to Enhance Your Travel Experience

Caravanning offers a unique and liberating way to explore the world around us. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first adventure, having the right accessories can significantly...

Conventional Tent or Roof Top Tent? Which Is Better for Camping in Australia?

For camping in Australia, it depends on factors like terrain and climate. A roof top tent is sturdy in rugged areas and elevates you above ground risks. In flat places like parks...

Fashion & Beauty

The Confidence Curve: Why Boudoir Photography Is the Empowerment Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed

Boudoir photography has been quietly taking over social feeds, Pinterest boards, and personal milestones—and for good reason. It’s not just about lingerie and lighting. It’s about self-love, storytelling, and confidence...

The Best Nail Art for Short Nails

Short nails often get overlooked in the world of nail art, but they’re actually the perfect canvas for stylish, sophisticated designs. Whether you prefer bold patterns, minimalist details or soft...

Davines Sustainable Haircare: Revolutionizing Eco-Friendly Beauty Solutions

Davines is a well-known brand in the world of haircare, known for its high-quality products that deliver exceptional results. Its commitment to sustainability and unique haircare philosophy sets Davines apart...

High Visibility Work Shirts: A Must-Have for Workplace Safety

Workplace safety is a necessity. Workers from construction sites to manufacturing units should be visible for their well-being and they have it by wearing high visibility work shirts. Yes, when...

Polo Shirts: Wardrobe Essential for All

Polo shirts have started the journey as sportswear. But now, these are regarded as the best workwear. Also, people love to wear them for personal gatherings and more. These are...

Biz Collection Workwear: Premium Uniforms for Australian Professionals

In this modern era, the presentation of the team matters the most in the growth of companies. The professional appearance attracts clients’ attention and doing the deal becomes easy. The...