| Earth Day was last week, and whether you're ready | | | | considered to be an environmentally responsible |
| to save the planet, or simply practice more eco-friendly | | | | product. |
| habits it's easier than ever to implement green and | | | | Marmoleum or Linoleum tile is constructed of Linseed |
| sustainable products into your home renovation | | | | oil, jute, limestone and other natural components that |
| projects. | | | | collectively provide for an incredibly strong and durable |
| Here are just a few material considerations for you to | | | | flooring product. |
| research before you get started on your kitchen or | | | | Cork is not only sustainable and renewable (like |
| bath renovation. Educate yourself on all the available | | | | bamboo), but is extremely soft and comfortable under |
| green and sustainable products available today, as | | | | foot. |
| they will provide you with a greener home and a much | | | | Wool Carpeting is naturally stain resistant, highly durable |
| healthier lifestyle. | | | | and free of any chemical additives - only the natural |
| Counter Tops | | | | oils in the sheep's wool. With regular maintenance it |
| Bamboo is considered a very sustainable material | | | | can last up to 50 years and once discarded is |
| since it reaches maturity within five years, and | | | | biodegradable. |
| regenerates from its original root system - never | | | | Cabinetry |
| needing replanting. | | | | Kitchen cabinetry can easily be refaced or repainted |
| Wood is a wonderful material for butcher-block | | | | with low or zero VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) |
| counter tops and flooring. | | | | paints and products. If however they no longer fit into |
| When these woods are locally grown, sustainable, or | | | | your renovation plans then consider re-using them |
| FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified, they tend | | | | somewhere else in your home or donate them to you |
| to rate quite highly. | | | | local Habitat For Humanity Re-Store. |
| Concrete countertops are increasingly popular in | | | | FSC and sustainable woods that are formaldehyde |
| contemporary settings, and don't off-gas. They are | | | | free - and finished with a low VOC sealant - is a |
| considered greenest when locally fabricated and when | | | | green alternative to recycling your old cabinets. |
| mixed with cement alternatives and recycled | | | | Another wonderful material to consider is a veneered |
| aggregates. | | | | wheat board composite. The straw fibers are |
| Quartz surfaces are one of my favorite countertop | | | | combined with a formaldehyde free resin and then |
| surfaces. They are available in a plethora of gorgeous | | | | painted with low or zero VOC paints. |
| colors and finishes - are easily maintained and have an | | | | Solid core passage doors are also available in wheat |
| endless lifecycle. Certain companies are now | | | | straw and FSC certified woods. They too are |
| manufacturing a stunning recycled quartz collection. | | | | formaldehyde free and meet LEED guidelines. |
| Flooring | | | | Finally when it comes to the finishing touches and |
| Hardwoods and Bamboos are a favorite flooring | | | | furnishing your home, look for environmentally |
| choice for the eco- conscious homeowners. If the | | | | sustainable and eco-chic pieces. Do some online |
| material is FSC certified or reclaimed then it is | | | | research and you'll find the resources are endless. |