|
|
|
Last Updated: Apr 22, 2008 - 2:28:59 PM |
(ARA) – More and
more homes are being built and remodeled with the environment in mind.
This green building movement is gaining momentum and options for
homeowners continue to increase, making creating a green home easier
than ever.
If you want to incorporate some green elements into your house, but
are confused where to start, don’t worry. Here are some tips to make
your home greener, from the ground up:
Flooring
With all the flooring options out there, how do you know the best
one for your green home? Materials like sustainably harvested hardwoods
and ceramic tile aren’t your only eco-friendly choices. A better option
might be Marmoleum Click, an all-natural flooring made from linseed
oil, wood flour, rosins and limestone.
Homeowners can choose from 18 colors to create a custom floor that
expresses their unique style. Ecologically friendly pigments are used
to create the floor’s beautiful, vibrant colors. Installation is easy
with a simple click-together system that does not require glue.
Don’t forget about upkeep either. You don’t want to install a floor
that requires the use of harsh chemicals for cleaning. Marmoleum, for
example, only requires basic dusting and damp-mopping to keep the floor
clean. Additionally, the flooring’s composition has antibacterial
properties that prevent the breeding of many microorganisms, helping to
keep your indoor environment fresh.
For more information on environmentally friendly flooring options,
contact Forbo Flooring Systems at (800) 842-7839, or visit the
company’s Web site at www.themarmoleumstore.com.
Fixtures
Low-flow plumbing fixtures are a great way to reduce a home's water
consumption. Early low-flow options caused many problems, but today
this technology is highly efficient comes in a variety of styles to
match your home’s decor. Think about using low-flow showers and
toilets, and efficient sinks with features like movement sensors that
will cut your water bill as well as conserve our earth’s water supply.
Paint/Decor
The development of eco-friendly paints is growing. Visit your local
retail store to ask about environmentally friendly options. Frequently
these types of paints will have lower chemical levels. For example,
regular paint that has a darker color will often use higher amounts of
chemicals to get the right tone. Look for paint tints that are made of
natural organic materials so the level of chemical compounds is less.
As you create the look and feel of your rooms with different types
of decor, keep the environment in mind also. Decorate with natural
fibers such as sisal or cotton. Don’t forget the “green” value of
houseplants. Not only do they beautify your décor, they remove harmful
carbon dioxide from the air and release fresh oxygen. Finally, set the
ambiance with soy candles. Traditional candles are paraffin-based,
which is made from non-renewable petroleum. When they are burned, they
release smoke into the indoor air, unlike soy candles which burn much
cleaner and are made from renewable soy beans.
Lighting
The common household light bulbs that many of us use are
incandescent bulbs. These bulbs are inexpensive but highly inefficient.
A better option is compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) that are very
efficient. The initial cost difference is easily made up because these
lights last much longer and run at a cooler temperature. Energy Star
qualified bulbs use about 75 percent less energy than standard
incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. Additionally, they
save about $30 or more in electricity costs over each bulb's lifetime.
Roof/Solar
Solar panels can be placed on the roof where the sun’s natural rays
hit the panels and are then converted into energy that can be used in
the home. The energy is stored in batteries that heat the home and run
appliances. Solar panels are available in a variety of systems.
Implementation costs are high, but once installed, they can help save a
bundle in energy costs and reduce negative effects on the environment.
As technology in this area continues to develop, look for it to be more
efficient, with possible cost decreases.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
© Copyright 2008 by Home Decorating
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
