Decorating that’s environmentally friendly need not be exorbitant – there are many ways to go ‘green’ even if you’re on a tight budget.

So says Berry Everitt, CEO of the Chas Everitt International property group, who says a good place to start saving is to re-use what you have. “Before you go shopping for your home makeover, take a good look at things you already own and see which could be repurposed.

“There are hundreds of ideas on the Internet for creating beautiful new pieces of furniture and other items out of everyday objects, and you’ll not only be cutting down the use of new timber, glue and paint, but reducing the load on your local landfill.”

Next, he says, you should think about repainting as it is one of the most cost effective ways to give your home a new look, and environmentally friendly paint, primer and sealants are no longer hard to find.

“Harlequin Paints, BreatheCoat and ProNature are three SA companies making non-toxic paints and wall coatings, while Aqua Coat also makes a whole range of environmentally friendly varnishes, metal primers, waterproofing sealants, boning liquid, flooring, brickseal, crackfill and pool epoxies.”

Writing in the Property Signposts newsletter, Everitt says you should be picky when you do buy something big for your revamp. “At some point you will probably have to make a large purchase such as new curtains, a new couch or new flooring, but even then you can make it eco-friendly. Buy curtains made from natural fibres, for example, and pick light colours to help keep out the heat in summer and lined drops to help prevent heat loss in winter.

“Then when it comes to flooring, bamboo and the new laminates are cost-effective options, and much more ‘green’ than wall-to-wall carpeting - which not only produces formaldehyde gases but has to be replaced about every seven years.”

And finally, he says, you should try to be a good giver. “If you replace furnishings, appliances or decorative items, donate your old pieces to a welfare organisation. Some will even take broken things that they can repair and either use or sell for much needed income. In this way you can help others – and again reduce waste in landfills.”

Article from: www.chaseveritt.co.za