Home improvements can be exciting for any homeowner — not only do you beautify your space, but you can also add value to your home. Before you run to large chain home goods stores, have you considered how these upgrades affect the planet? The perks of going green go beyond saving the environment; you can also save some serious cash. Here are 3 clever ways to make more sustainable home upgrades.

Buy Second-Life Furniture

Thrift stores have seen a massive rise in popularity, and for good reason. Not only do you snag great deals, but you also help eliminate waste that ends up in landfills. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace and Letgo make it easy to find items nearby — and often, they're free! Americans throw away over 12 million tons of furniture every year on average, so every piece kept out of the landfill is a win for the planet and your wallet.

Recycled Paint

Relatively unknown to most homeowners, recycling paint is actually a great way to keep toxic materials out of groundwater. All those half-filled containers can be recycled and restored into new paints — and you can buy these paints anywhere paint is sold, including online. If you have gallons of old paint taking up space in your garage, there are plenty of recycling plants that will take them off your hands. Find a drop-off location near you and clear out that storage space while doing something good for the environment.

Alternative Hardwoods

When redoing wood floors, consider options beyond traditional oak or cherry. Bamboo has the thickness and durability needed to stand up to everyday use, and the most important difference is the time it takes to reach maturity — bamboo can be ready in as little as 5 years, compared to 30 years for oak. This means forests can be replenished quickly without sacrificing the life-giving oxygen that trees provide. With bamboo's beautiful coloring and natural gradient, you won't be sacrificing style when making this sustainable choice.

An additional sustainable home upgrade worth considering is switching to natural gas for your stove and appliances. Most households that make the switch save upwards of $600 a year — a better choice for both the planet and your budget. Kratos Gas & Power offers reliable natural gas service with incredibly competitive rates. Check out how we can help you today and keep checking back to the Kratos Gas & Power blog for more lifestyle tips.