Go 'Green' with the environment-Friendly Home Improvement
In recent years, the products of environment-friendly home purchase has become an increasingly important consideration for homeowners looking to make "green" improvement of their living space. To address this growing need products such as flooring, lighting and panels, as well as materials like paint and varnish are now readily available for almost all projects refurbishment and all rooms of the house.
Many states have also adopted legislation limiting the use of products containing gases or chemicals harmful. The good thing is, apart from the obvious green benefits, which many of the products that adhere to the new legislation also becoming more affordable and therefore more likely to be found on the shelves of our hardware and home improvement stores.
See the light! And save on energy Tickets
It is no secret that energy prices have skyrocketed and if you are planning a project for home improvement, one of the simplest ways you can protect the environment - And save money - is to use less electricity.
Lighting and appliances use the most electricity, simply by switching to fluorescent bulbs can save up to 30% a year on their electricity bills. You can save a significant amount of money on lighting costs to paint the walls a lighter color, so the distribution of light with less effort and make rooms seem brighter.
ducts Leaking can account for a surprising amount of energy lost - up to 30%. If you are planning to caulk around pipes, vents and windows be sure to use a product that meets the latest regulations regarding the use of less volatile organic compounds for their preparation. These are compounds containing volatile organic pollutants that damage the ozone layer, and also contribute to smog production.
Paint can be a major cause for concern if you are planning a project of home improvement. Read the fine print on the can to ensure that it complies with VOC standards - about 30 brands are now readily available. In general, lighter colors of paint tend to contain fewer VOCs.
Countertops Tip-Top
Kitchen worktops an area where it is possible to help the environment. A recent innovation is a countertop made of recycled paper and water-based resin. You can also install meter has surface of paper and cement production involves no quarrying damaging the earth.
The bathroom is one of the most important areas you can help protect the environment. Around 75% of all water used at home is used by the bathroom shower, toilet and sink combo. Showers adjustable low flow are easy to install and a dual flush toilet - with a full or half-flush - could reduce a typical water bill up to $ 75 year. An estimated 4 billion gallons of water could be saved each year in the United States if every household installed a double toilet.
The Japanese are famous for his inventive labor-saving devices and technologically advanced. One of its latest innovations may soon be common in the United States - an ingenious combination toilet / bathroom sink - wash your hands in the water used to clean the toilet.
Get Shocked! To the greatest extent possible the style of golf
And one of the biggest trends in home improvement? Many people, especially those moving into a new home, consider installing a new floor covering as one of its most important projects. Cork, bamboo and reclaimed wood floors all have a strong visual appeal and help the environment, and in recent years, these alternative materials for flooring have become popular.
Cork flooring has excellent insulating qualities and can save on energy costs, but also reduces noise and can help keep a home free of allergens. What's more, it is surprisingly strong, in addition to being waterproof.
And another thing to consider if you are "going green" when remodeling or improve your home. Always dispose of old or unwanted materials safely - Many materials can be given to people to reuse, recycle or otherwise. If in doubt, check with your county recycling program.
The next time you are making improvements to your living space, be sure to do your bit to protect our precious planet ... Go Green!
About the Author
Tom Willmar specializes in writing about environmental issues. He also operates a consumer guide to
Cork Flooring
. Visit
www.corkflooring.biz
for more information on this environment friendly floor covering.
 |
Montana Gold Acrylic Varnish Gloss List Price: $10.50 Sale Price: $7.29  |
|
Montana Gold is a highly pigmented, fast-drying, acrylic based spray paint with a durable matte finish. It's eco-friendly formulation is 100% free of lead and CFC's, and can be used on many surfaces including wood, concrete, metal, plastic, canvas, and glass, even flexible surfaces... |
