Remodeling Guides
10 Tips for Earth-Friendly Home Renovation
Whether you're just trading up tiles or redoing the whole house, these ecofriendly design ideas are good for your home and the planet
Join us this week as we look at 10 simple ways to incorporate earth-friendly practices and materials into your next renovation. Whether you are simply swapping out your counters or backsplash or tackling a whole-house renovation, there is sure to be an idea for you to take away here. Let's get started.
Another rainwater harvesting system, this one fed by a rain chain and designed to blend seamlessly with the plantings surrounding the house for a natural look.
2. Add a green roof. A green roof, which is basically a giant raised-bed garden placed atop a roof, can help cool the air, insulate the interior of your home, and even provide extra room to garden in urban areas where space is at a premium. Sound like a lot of trouble? You can install one on the roof of your garage. You will enjoy many of the same benefits, with lower cost and less effort.
9 Cooling Rooftop Gardens
9 Cooling Rooftop Gardens
3. Build smarter, not bigger. If you are considering a major home renovation, look closely at your available space before adding to the footprint of your home. Could a loft be added above the living room? Could an unused extra half-bath make way for that sunroom you really want? Staying within the current footprint of your home will keep energy consumption to a minimum and likely save you some money as well.
How to Improve the Home You Have
How to Improve the Home You Have
4. Increase natural light and air flow. Properly placed skylights and windows allow more natural light to stream into homes, reducing reliance on artificial light as well as allowing us to regulate the temperature without the aid of air conditioning. Before making any changes, consider the amount of light each room currently gets as well as what time of day you usually use the room. A skylight might prove to be too much in an already warm south-facing living room, but could be just the thing to light up the reading nook at the top of your stairs.
Tubular Daylighting Devices Bring the Sun In
Tubular Daylighting Devices Bring the Sun In
5. Go for recycled paper counters. Richlite is an ecofriendly material made in part from recycled paper. Available in a wide range of beautiful colors and finishes, this versatile material works well with a range of decorating styles.
Fireclay Tile’s Newest ‘Crush’ - Locally Made 100% Recycled Glass Tile
6. Explore recycled glass tile. Why buy "new" tile when you can choose recycled glass tile in such a luscious range of colors? Fireclay Tile is made in California from recycled materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill, and all products emit low or no VOCs.
7. Go natural with cork flooring. Cork is soft, warm, reduces sound vibration, and looks fresh and modern. Plus, cork flooring is harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, which means no trees are cut down to create these beautiful floors.
Cut Flowers Carpet Tile in Geranium
8. Get a fresh look with carpet tiles. Many varieties of carpet tiles are made from recycled materials, and all carpet tiles are recyclable. Plus, if you stain one tile you can simply replace it rather than needing to purchase a whole new carpet — a major plus for homes with pets and kids.
9. Seek out reclaimed timber. Before starting a major renovation project, it may be worth your while to explore sources in your area — or even on your own property — for reclaimed wood. Old beams and boards have a patina that new wood simply can't match, and you can feel great knowing you've saved a few trees from the lumberyard.
10. Invest in solar panels. If you are looking to make a change that will have a big impact, consider installing solar panels. The initial investment can be steep, it's true, but the payoff in energy savings can be well worth it, especially if you plan to live in your home for years to come. Some states also offer rebate programs for homeowners who go solar, which can help offset the cost.
More:
High Design With Solar Panels
Easy Green: Weekend Detox for Your Home
More:
High Design With Solar Panels
Easy Green: Weekend Detox for Your Home
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