5 budget-friendly tips to upgrade your home

(NC) Upgrading your home to be energy-efficient and eco-friendly doesn’t mean you have to compromise your budget. With a little creativity and a green mindset, you can upgrade your space in ways that are good for both the environment and your wallet.

Optimize your lighting
Ditch the old incandescent bulbs and try some energy-efficient LED lights. LED lights are not only brighter, but they also last longer, making them a cost-effective lighting solution. Embrace natural light by opening up your curtains or blinds during the day to give your space a sunny and inviting ambiance.

Upcycle and recycle
Instead of buying new furniture or décor, explore the world of upcycling and repurposing. Embrace DIY projects by giving life to old furniture. You can transform out-dated and worn-out furniture with a refinish or repaint. Get creative and repurpose everyday objects into unique and functional pieces. Look for inspiration online and in second-hand stores for affordable and sustainable ways to refresh your home’s style.

DIY composting
You can start your own composting system to reduce food waste, and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden. Try setting up a compost bin in your backyard, or use indoor composting methods. By composting, you can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and produce valuable compost that enriches soil, which is great for your plants or your garden.

Use eco-friendly cleaning products
Make the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in your home, and minimize their impact on the environment. You can look for non-toxic cleaning supplies or biodegradable solutions that don’t contain harsh chemicals like chlorine and phosphates. Did you know you can also make your own cleaning solutions? Use ingredients like vinegar and baking soda, or even lemon juice. These options are not only safer for you, but they are safer for the environment.

Make use of benefits and credits
Take advantage of government programs like the Climate Action Incentive payment (CAIP).

This program provides families and individuals with quarterly payments to offset the cost of the federal government’s pollution pricing. With the extra little cash in your wallet, you can use this to reduce your carbon footprint and implement more eco-friendly upgrades. You can make progress in upgrading your home on a budget using these government payments, and contribute to a greener future.

You may be eligible for the CAIP if you live in a province with federal pollution pricing: Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Those last three provinces are new to the program this summer, so residents there will be getting three payments this year. Residents of New Brunswick will follow suit and receive their first payment in October 2023. The exact amount of the quarterly payments varies by region – you’ll get more if you live outside a major urban centre. You don’t need to apply; you just need to file your taxes every year.

Find more information about how this benefit works at canada.ca/cai-payment.