| Over the last few years, buying environment friendly | | | | help the environment. A recent innovation is a |
| products for the home has become an increasingly | | | | countertop made entirely of recycled paper and |
| important consideration for homeowners looking to | | | | water-based resin. You can also install countertops |
| make "green" improvements to their living space. To | | | | made of paper and cement so that the production |
| address this growing need, products such as flooring, | | | | involves no quarrying that damages the land. |
| lighting and paneling, as well as materials like paint and | | | | The bathroom is one of the most important areas |
| varnish are now readily available for virtually every | | | | where you can help protect the environment. Around |
| remodeling project and every room in the house. | | | | 75% of all water used in the home is used by the |
| Numerous States have now also adopted legislation | | | | bathroom shower, toilet and sink combined. Low flow |
| that limits the use of products that contain harmful | | | | or adjustable showerheads are easy to install and a |
| fumes or chemicals. The good thing about this is, other | | | | dual flush toilet - offering a full or half-flush - can |
| than the obvious Green benefits, that many of the | | | | potentially lower a typical water bill by up to $75 a |
| products that adhere to the new legislation are also | | | | year. An estimated 4 trillion gallons of water would be |
| becoming more affordable and are therefore more | | | | saved every year in the United States if every |
| likely to be found on the shelves in our local hardware | | | | household installed a dual flush toilet. |
| and home improvement stores. | | | | The Japanese are well known for their inventive |
| See The Light! And Still Save on Energy Bills | | | | labor-saving and technologically advanced devices. |
| It's no secret that energy prices have soared and if | | | | One of their latest innovations may soon be |
| you are planning a home improvement project, one of | | | | commonplace in the United States - an ingenious |
| the simplest ways you can protect the environment - | | | | combination toilet/bathroom sink - you wash your |
| as well as save money - is to use less electricity. | | | | hands in water that is then used to flush the toilet. |
| Lighting and major appliances consume the most | | | | Get Floored! In The Utmost Style of Course |
| electricity; simply by switching to fluorescent bulbs, you | | | | And one of the biggest trends in home improvement? |
| can save up to 30% a year on your electricity bills. | | | | Many people, especially those moving into a new |
| You can save a noticeable amount of money on your | | | | home, consider installing a new floor covering as one |
| lighting costs by painting walls a lighter color, thus | | | | of their most important projects. Cork, bamboo and |
| distributing light more effortlessly as well as making | | | | reclaimed wood flooring all have a strong visual appeal |
| rooms appear brighter. | | | | as well as helping the environment, and in recent years, |
| Leaking ducts can account for a surprising amount of | | | | these alternative materials for flooring have become |
| wasted energy - up to 30%. If you are planning to | | | | popular. |
| caulk around ducts, vents and windows be sure to use | | | | Cork flooring has excellent insulating qualities and can |
| a product that complies with recent regulations | | | | save on energy costs; it also reduces noise and can |
| concerning the use of less VOCs in its manufacture. | | | | help keep a home free from allergens. What's more, it |
| These are volatile organic compounds which contain | | | | is surprisingly tough as well as being water resistant. |
| pollutants that damage the ozone layer, and also | | | | And one other thing to keep in mind if you are "going |
| contribute to producing smog. | | | | green" when remodeling or improving your home. |
| Paint may be your biggest cause of concern if you | | | | Always dispose of old or unwanted materials safely - |
| are planning a home improvement project. Read the | | | | many materials can be donated for people to reuse, or |
| small print on the tin to make sure it complies with | | | | otherwise recycled. If in doubt, check with your county |
| VOC standards - almost 30 brands are now readily | | | | recycling program. |
| available. Typically, lighter colors of paint tend to contain | | | | The next time you are making improvements to your |
| fewer VOCs. | | | | living space be sure to do your bit to protect our |
| Tip-Top Countertops | | | | precious planet... Go Green! |
| Kitchen countertops are an area where it is possible to | | | | |