Your efforts to be more eco-friendly around the home include composting and recycling, and yes, they apply to your home renovations, too. For your next project that uses power tools, try including these practices for a more sustainable approach. Being good to the planet helps us now and in the future!
Make Energy-Efficient Choices
As with most things, power tools are not all made the same. Some models require a lot of power to operate, so consider ones that use less electricity to reduce resource use for less environmental impact. For example, tools with brushless motors are more efficient than those with traditional brushed motors.
Also, consider power tools that have great reviews online for being easy to use and precise to help you waste fewer materials because of mistakes or because it wasn’t easy to maneuver the tool. Look for ones that also get positive feedback for lasting a long time and being durable, as that reduces how quickly you would need to replace the tools, lowering the amount of waste.
Sustainable Use of Cordless Drills
You’ll likely be using a drill at some point in your home renovation, whether for a complex project or a smaller one. A cordless option is generally more sustainable than one you plug in because it does not rely on fossil fuel, which means you’re reducing your daily carbon footprint.
The way you use the cordless tool can boost your green efforts even more. For example, be mindful of when you charge the battery for the drill. Charging it during off-peak hours, which is generally between 11 pm and 8 am, is a way to reduce demands on the nation’s grid.
Finally, select the right drill bit sizes. That helps with precision, as mentioned earlier, to reduce waste. You’ll also likely get better-looking results for what you’re doing, too.
Cordless Nail Guns: How to be More Eco-Conscious
Are you doing framing work for a room addition, shed, or something else? If so, you’ll be reaching for a nail gun a lot. Using a battery-powered one likely makes sense for your sustainable reno as it uses zero emissions and is generally more efficient than a fuel-powered one.
Go the extra step when the battery dies, and it’s time to replace it by recycling the old one. Start the process by checking if the manufacturer has a program in place to accept old batteries. If not, a local recycling center might have this type of drop-off initiative. Feel good that you’re helping manufacturers conserve energy by recycling the old battery into a new one.
More Best Practices for Your Sustainable Home Upgrade
Here are some more tips when using power tools to boost your eco-friendly effort:
Donate Old Tools
Did you recently update your tool collection? Rather than tossing the model you don’t want anymore, if it still works, then it can go to a new home. Donating gently used items like this to a charity reno organization or another homeowner, such as a friend, saves them from buying a new one. That extends the power tool’s usage, making it a sustainable activity.
Properly Maintain Tools
Keeping them in great condition extends their lifespan and helps them work more efficiently. So, be sure to clean them regularly based on the manufacturer’s recommendations and make an effort to keep them dry. Lubricate appropriate tools as needed and properly store the tools and the batteries to help them last longer. Remember, a sustainable item isn’t just about its impact on the planet but also about how long it lasts.
Environmentally-Friendly Accessories
Bits, drills, and other accessories for power drills can be made using sustainable processes, so that might be something to consider when shopping for them. If in doubt about the green practices of a company, reach out to them with your questions for info.
Quieter Tools
Have you noticed how some power tools are louder than others? Select ones known for being quieter as that reduces noise pollution. The other people in your house and neighbors will also be happy that you’re being less disruptive, of course, by making less noise.
Summary: Power Drills and Sustainability at Home
Going green can apply to the tool, its accessories, and how you use them. As you go about the home reno, keep in mind some or all of the suggestions above. Doing so can inspire others to also ramp up the eco-friendly activities they do during a DIY project. You can have a positive impact on Mother Earth while making improvements to your home.
