Does the flower printed wallpaper in your bedroom disgust you? If you have a hate list of other home décor issues, maybe it’s time to start changing them, in an eco-friendly way of course. Updating your home to make it more modern isn’t an eco-crime if you find efficient ways of making these changes possible. Recycled materials and surplus building materials can help you with your projects as well as reduce your spending and waste.

Making small changes to your bathroom, bedroom, home office or craft room can significantly alter the atmosphere. While you might not have the home of your dreams, you can slowly make additions and remove those pieces that bother you. For example, a touch of eco-friendly paint can brighten a room and make it a more cheerful area to relax or work in. Look for paint that doesn’t contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—try Mythic Paint or AFM Safecoat. Also, using olive oil containers and other wicker baskets you find at garage sales can be an eclectic touch to showcase your books, crafts, pens, etc.

Stone countertops and earthy cabinets can make your kitchen a comforting place, but you don’t have to mine granite from the Earth to get that perfect ambience. Try “soapstone” countertops from Paperstone, which uses post-consumer recycled paper for its products. Another option is countertops from recycled glass or paper that look similar to granite. For cabinets, consider models made from FSC-labeled bamboo, sorghum stalks or wheat stalks.

When you’re ready to change your carpet or flooring, contact Reclaimed Floors. They might have surplus materials in the color and style you’re looking for. It’s all about turning trash into treasure, and never underestimate the potential of resources reclaimed from demolished buildings. Remember, when you replace your carpeting or hardwood floors, donate them to non-profit organizations or companies that specialize in recycling or reusing these materials.

Giving your home a new look is challenging, but it doesn’t have to involve complete destruction and reconstruction of your home. Sometimes it just requires a new paint job or modern accessories. So before you buy new, consider taking advantage of surplus materials, which often end up in landfills.