Modern Australian Magazine
Men's Weekly

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Psychologists Explore Gestalt Vs Schema Therapy for PTSD Treatment

Recent research has revealed that in 2022, 1 in 9 Australians experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For some, this can significantly im...

Beyond Sunscreen: Building a Sun-Smart Culture in Modern Australia

Australia’s sun-soaked lifestyle is a defining part of its national identity. From beaches and sports fields to weekend barbecues and bushwalks, t...

What is Power BI & Why Should Your Business Use It?

In today's data-driven world, businesses are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One tool that has emerged as a game-changer i...

From Service to Strength: How Aussie Veterans Are Rebuilding Their Lives with Everyday Support

Life after military service can bring new challenges. From physical limitations to mental health hurdles, many Australian veterans find everyday hou...

The Best Times of Year to Buy a Caravan

If you're shopping for caravans for sale, timing matters almost as much as the layout and features you desire. The calendar shapes price, stock and ...

The Growing Demand for Smart Living Through Home Automation

Technology has reshaped how we communicate, work, and travel—but now, it’s also changing the way we live at home. The rise of home automation i...

Beyond Clicks and Likes: Why Many Small Businesses in Australia Still Aren’t Leveraging Digital Marketing in 2025

Introduction In 2025, online marketing has become the driving force behind business growth for companies of all sizes. Yet, despite its proven effect...

Lighting Shop Perth: Your Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Lighting Solutions

Lighting is a fundamental element in defining the ambiance, functionality, and aesthetic appeal of any space. Whether you are renovating your home, ...

Private Booze Cruisers – The New Must-Have Toy for Cashed Up Millennials

Did you hear that your 30s are the new 20s? We’ve finally rocked up that adult money and now it’s time to play with it. I was going for a walk ...

Grinding & Jaw Soreness: Signs You Might Need Night Guards and How We Protect Enamel

Waking with a tight jaw, tender muscles, or a dull temple headache is more than a bad night’s sleep. Many Australians grind or clench their teeth ...

Circular Interior Design: Furnishing with Salvaged & Reclaimed Materials

Circular interior design is gradually making its way from niche circles into mainstream Australian homes. At its core, this approach revolves around...

Invisible Braces vs Traditional Braces: Which Is Best for Adults?

Straightening teeth as an adult is common in Australia, and the options are better than ever. The two main choices are clear aligners, also called i...

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

Perth Airport Transfers: Choosing the Right Service

Touching down in a new city can be exciting, but let's be honest, it can also be a bit stressful. After a long flight, the last thing you want to...

How to Save Smart: Cheapest Travel Insurance for Schengen Visa without Cutting Corners

Picture this: you’ve found a last-minute flight to Milan, your hotel booking comes with breakfast and a rooftop view, and your itinerary is ready for a whirlwind of museums, mountains...

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

 Introduction Getting ready for your next outdoor adventure but not sure what gear makes the cut? Selecting quality equipment optimized for the conditions helps ensure fun and safety during backcountry trips...

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...