Green Home Remodeling Helps You Live a Low Impact Green Life




More and more homeowners are concerned about its effect on the environment. After all, American consumers generate 21 percent of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions and make up less than 5 percent of its population. Reducing your carbon footprint and participating in a low-impact life means more than just recycling newspapers. It can expand into almost every aspect of your life. Here are some tips on how to do it through green home remodeling and everyday lifestyle choices.

Energy efficiency at home: Any green home remodeling project should implement plans to make your home more energy efficient. Measures include adding insulation, replacing windows and doors, purchasing an efficient water heater, and upgrading your heating and air conditioning systems.

Energy saving appliances: Using only Energy-Star certified appliances saves energy, water, saves you money, and reduces your greenhouse gas emissions. Start with your refrigerator, which is often the biggest energy consumer in the house. Consider purchasing Energy Star rated versions of dishwashers, washing machines, and televisions.

Sustainable materials: Choose sustainable materials like cork or bamboo flooring, furniture made from sustainable wood, and recycled glass tile or countertops. Also consider how you can recycle materials like used doors or old furniture.

Turning on: There are many ways to reduce electrical lighting costs. If you plan to remodel a green home, include lots of windows and skylights to reduce your need for electric light. Choose energy efficient lighting fixtures and compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Look for LED lights, which are just hitting the market in full force. Although they are more expensive, LED lights consume very little electricity. Each can reportedly last up to 20 years without a light bulb change.

Composting: Build a compost area in your outdoor layout. When you compost table scraps, you reduce the amount of waste going to landfills. Many gardeners also like compost to use as a free, high-quality fertilizer.

Transport: Carpool or take public transportation; ride your bike; reduce or combine car trips when possible. Think about how your purchasing options affect transportation. If you buy local products and other products, you decrease the environmental impact of transporting those products to your home.

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