In recent years, purchasing green home products has become an increasingly important consideration for homeowners looking to make “green” improvements to their living space. To address this growing need, products like flooring, lighting, and paneling, as well as materials like paint and varnish, are now available for virtually every remodeling project and every room in the home.
Numerous states have now also adopted legislation limiting the use of products that contain harmful fumes or chemicals. The good thing about this is that, in addition to the obvious ecological benefits, many of the products adhering to the new legislation are also becoming more affordable and therefore more likely to be found on our hardware store shelves and local home improvement stores.
See the light! And Still Save on Energy Bills
It’s no secret that energy prices have skyrocketed, and if you’re planning a home improvement project, one of the easiest ways to go green, as well as save money, is to use less electricity.
Lighting and major appliances consume the most electricity; By simply switching to fluorescent bulbs, you can save up to 30% a year on your electric bills. You can save a significant amount of money on your lighting costs by painting your walls a lighter color, thus distributing light more easily and making rooms appear brighter.
Leaky ductwork can account for a staggering amount of wasted energy, up to 30%. If you plan to caulk around ductwork, vents, and windows, be sure to use a product that meets recent regulations regarding the use of lower VOCs in its manufacturing. These are volatile organic compounds that contain pollutants that deplete the ozone layer and also contribute to smog.
Paint may be your biggest concern if you’re planning a home improvement project. Read the fine print on the can to make sure it’s VOC compliant—almost 30 brands are now available. In general, lighter paint colors tend to contain less VOCs.
pointed countertops
Kitchen countertops are a space where it is possible to help the environment. A recent innovation is a countertop made entirely of recycled paper and water-based resin. Paper and cement countertops can also be installed so that production does not involve quarrying that damages the terrain.
The bathroom is one of the most important areas where you can help protect the environment. About 75% of all water used in the home is used by the bathroom shower, toilet and sink combined. Low-flow or adjustable showerheads are easy to install, and a dual-flush toilet, offering a full or half flush, can potentially reduce a typical water bill by up to $75 per year. An estimated 4 billion gallons of water would be saved each year in the United States if every home installed a dual-flush toilet.
The Japanese are well known for their ingenious gadgets that are labor saving and technologically advanced. One of his latest innovations may soon be commonplace in the United States: an ingenious combination toilet/bathroom sink: he washes his hands with water that is then used to flush the toilet.
Get flat! In the maximum style of course
And one of the biggest trends in home improvement? Many people, especially those moving into a new home, consider installing a new floor covering one of their most important projects. Cork, bamboo, and reclaimed wood flooring have strong visual appeal and help the environment, and in recent years these alternative flooring materials have become popular.
Cork floors have excellent insulating qualities and can save energy costs; it also reduces noise and can help maintain an allergen-free home. In addition, it is surprisingly resistant in addition to being waterproof.
And another thing to keep in mind if you’re “going green” when remodeling or upgrading your home. Always dispose of old or unwanted materials safely – many materials can be donated for people to reuse, or otherwise recycled. If you have questions, check with your county recycling program.
The next time you make improvements to your living space, be sure to do your part to protect our precious planet… Go Green!
