Green Remodeling
Your environmentally-friendly home improvement may even save you money.
A fine beginning is to search out materials certified by Greenguard Environmental Institute, the Forest Stewardship Council, or Cradle to Cradle.
Try to substitute eco-friendly material for toxic ones:
- Low or no VOC paints. Paints release volatile organic compounds that are extremely toxic. A goldfish left in a room painted with VOC paint will die. Use low or no VOC paints sealers and caulks.
- Few things are as toxic as nylon carpet. Use cotton or wood. Better choices are cork and bamboo famous for how fast they re-grow. Always choose reclaimed wood over hardwood.
- Vinyl flooring is perhaps the most harmful of all plastics. They’re made of such substances as diotin and phthaltes which can cause serious health problems. Real linoleum is made from harmless linseed oil.
- Use formaldehyde-free cabinetry. Even better, insist on wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council which is sustainably harvested.
- Get a water filter, or better yet, a reverse osmosis system, instead of buying bottled water.
- Harness natural sunlight with strategically placed windows, skylights or sun tunnels.
- You can save energy by keeping your refrigerator away from the oven and out of sunlight where it gets warm and has to work harder.
- By using Energy Star rated appliances you’ll not only use less energy but you’ll probably get a rebate from your utility company.
- Install ceiling fans. They help keep warm air down in winter and provide cool air in summer.
- To prevent loss of warmth install insulation in walls and attics.
- Place windows, shades and overhangs to take the best advantage of the sun’s warmth.
- In bathrooms, install a fan to keep air circulating and prevent mold. Use flow reducers on the shower and sinks and replace toilets with low-flow models.
- Get a compost for your food waste.
- Install an aluminum storm door to save energy and insulate your entryway.
- Clean your air conditioning filters regularly and replace them often. Dirty filters will impede air flow which will cost more to run your system. When you’re away from home adjust your thermostat to the changing temperature outdoors. High tech thermostats are a good investment and can save you plenty in energy costs.
- Solar panels are another excellent investment to save on energy bills.
- Chose white colored roof tiles which will reduce heat in the attic.
- By replacing all standard light bulbs with compact florescent ones you will save 75% on energy and they last 10 times longer.
- Instead of using outdoor lights left on all night use motion detectors to save energy.
- Use power strips for your computers. After you turn off your computer, power still flows to printers and scanners. Power strips prevent this.
- Weather-stripping around doors and windows will stop air leaks. The areas around light switches and electrical outlets are also trouble spots.
- Window-tinting will reduce heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. It’ll also eliminate up to 99% of damaging UV rays and cut down on the fading of fabrics and your furniture,
- Add insulation to your hot water heater which will result in up to a 15% saving from the cost of heating water.
- Save on water by fixing leaking faucets. Also use cold water when laundering.
- Don’t add more of anything than you need. Consuming less is always more eco-friendly.