People get the recommendation to “go green” all the time. But how does one actually do that? Well, there are several ecologically friendly options that you can take advantage of when making home improvements. The benefits of natural light and recycling are well known, but some of there tips you may not be aware of.

Eco-friendly materials doesn’t necessarily mean recycled. Bamboo and cork are particularly sustainable, and cork can be re-used easily. Locally sourcing materials can also reduce environmental impact by reducing transportation emissions. Look within 500 miles of your home if possible. Unfortunately, neither bamboo nor cork oak grows natively in California, but you can still source the products from local businesses. If it’s an option, choose programmable thermostats, low-flow showerheads, faucets, and toilets, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, and Energy Star rated appliances.

Photo by Renzo D’souza on Unsplash