So, you want to do your part to save the environment? “Going Green” is all the rage these days, and for good reason. When it comes to your house, there are myriad different approaches that you could take to make it greener. And by making it greener, you aren’t just saving the environment; you’re saving your family’s health as well! By making some simple adjustments, you can lower utility bills, save water, improve indoor air quality and save the ozone. From your friends here at Renew, Colorado’s Remodeling Magazine, we hope these tips will help get you on the way to living a greener life.
Use existing bushes and trees
-Helps to prevent soil erosion while maintaining existing sources of natural cooling. Also diverts waste away from landfills, and adds unique character to the neighborhood
Use sustainable materials for decks and landscaping
-These contain recycled content materials, are more durable and reduce demand for old-growth timbers
Install a kitchen recycling center (a modified kitchen cabinet)
-Makes it easy and convenient to recycle
Upgrade insulation with cellulose or low-impact insulation materials
-Uses recyclable/recycled content materials, contains no formaldehyde and reduces air infiltration
Install air conditioning units with non-HCFC refrigerants
-Reduces depletion of the ozone layer
Use rapidly renewable flooring materials
-Reduces demand for old-growth hardwood
Use recycled-content kitchen and bathroom tiles
-Easy to maintain
Install recycled-content carpet
-Saves resources, diverts waste from landfills, and is more resilient and colorfast than carpet made from virgin fibers
Use fiber-cement siding materials
-Fiber-cement siding materials last longer, are fire resistant and reduce maintenance cost
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