Purchasing a home, new or old, is a big step in everyone’s life. A sense of pride and accomplishment bring smiles to many new homeowners’ faces when they sign the dotted line. Some people find even more satisfaction when they incorporate eco-friendly products into their home’s skeleton.
Putting in eco-friendly thought when designing or remodeling a home can save you money in the long run and reduce your family’s carbon footprint. Three tips for eco-friendly home improvement or construction involve insulation, flooring, and paint.
Insulation
The concept of insulation in itself is green because the insulation is designed to reduce energy costs. However, fiberglass insulation production needs ten times more energy than green alternatives. This component is often overlooked because homeowners don’t know much about insulation and leave the responsibility in the hands of the contractor. Specify a green alternative to your contractor if you are starting from scratch.
Flooring
Although many people have a fixation on hardwood floors, choosing bamboo flooring as an eco-friendly alternative that can provide the same effects as hardwood. Bamboo flooring is generally available and durable. Choosing this eco-friendly option can save the plant and your wallet.
Paint
Many paints and stains contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are known to pollute the air which has led to a variety of health issues for some people. Painting your home can be a fun experience for the entire family. Selecting a paint with a “low-VOC” label can keep your family safe and the environment healthy.
Whether it’s insulation, flooring or paint there are a plethora of opportunities to go green with your home. The three eco-friendly home improvements we listed are explored further in this anatomy of a green home infographic. Remember: a green home is a good home.
Please include attribution to esurance.com with this graphic.
