So it’s time for some home improvements. Got a kitchen that needs redoing, or maybe a bathroom that needs an update? Well, if you’re thinking about making some green home improvements, then here are some great products to help you naturally improve your home. Look for these things to not only save you money when doing the remodel, but even in the long run. And you will be able to feel good about what you have done for the environment with these products.
Eco-Friendly Home Improvements
Use sustainable lumber. Sustainable lumber is certified lumber which was harvested and transported using certain practices. The harvesting process evaluation is achieved by checking how the trees were planted, grown, cut down, and then replanted to ensure the regrowth of the forest.
Tracking the transport is the next step because it traces it back to the harvesting practices so there is a guaranteed link between the sustainable harvesting practices and the final product. So look for the certification on the label of the lumber to make sure it came from the forests which are certified sustainable.
Use sealants, stains, caulks, and paint low in VOC. VOC is volatile organic compound. Products that either have no VOC or low VOC are non-toxic and don’t give off gas.
Use recycled materials. You can get recycled building materials just about anywhere – from the paper on drywall being recycled to Masonite board, to crushed glass granite. Doors, windows, plumbing fixtures, and flooring can all be found at your local salvage yard. Or try a ReStore store from Habitat for Humanity if there’s one in your area.
You might not be able to find exactly what you had planned for your remodel. It’s like shopping at Goodwill. You’re limited to what’s there, but you can also get some really great items for cheap that will make your home look great.
Shop local and small. Hit up the local mom and pop hardware store instead of Lowe’s or Home Depot. There you can get materials from local places instead of something that might have been shipped in from overseas. Made in America products are good for the environment because you are getting products which haven’t been shipped from halfway around the world.
Think of all the carbon used in shipping something from the other side of the world that’s destroying our ozone. If more people began shopping locally, not only are you helping local homegrown businesses – it’s also good for the environment.
Replace old appliances with Energy Star appliances. You’ll save money and the environment as well by using energy efficient appliances. Change over that hot water heater, the furnace, refrigerator, dishwasher, and stove to energy efficient appliances when you do your upgrades. Go for a tank-less water heater.
Do your research on the appliances to see what will give you the most savings on your energy bills. You’ll be glad you did, if for nothing else than for the money savings you’ll see on your energy bills.
So now you know what to look for with building products when it comes time for home improvements. Make natural home improvements yourself and it will cost you less and save you money over time. You’re going to love it.
