Carbon footprints, we all have them. If we take the time to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emissions our actions are personally responsible for in the last year, let alone a lifetime, the numbers can be staggering. With concerns for climate change greater than ever, more and more people are looking for ways to “go green."
In response to client interest in eco-friendly home remodel options, we have put together a list of five ways to incorporate green living in your home design without sacrificing style. Eco-conscious living has never looked so good.
1. Energy Efficient Window Treatments
Blinds and shades, particularly cellular shades, designed to insulate can have a noticeable effect on the amount of energy needed to heat and cool a home. These products trap a room’s heat in the winter and block solar heat in the summer. Plus, a great brand will offer styles as beautiful as they are efficient. Your wallet and the planet will be grateful.
Interested in our favorite window treatment brand? Graber cellular shades reduce heat transfer by 22% in winter and 56% in summer.
2. Carpet Made from Recycled Materials
Reduce, reuse, recycle, right? Lots of carpet brands out there are choosing to offer products made from recycled nylon, low emission adhesives, and other organic or renewable materials. Not only do these materials aid in safe indoor air quality for you, their manufacturing is environmentally conscious. It is always a good idea to look into a brand’s sustainability practices and certifications before committing to a carpet.
Some companies will even collect your carpet at the end of its lifespan and recycle the fibers back into new carpets. Our customer favorite carpet tile provider, Flor, is a perfect example. Not interested in carpet tile? Mohawk is another carpet brand we commend. Exemplary durability and stain resistance from exceptional green manufacturing.
3. Ethically Mined Solid Surfaces
Opting for solid surface counter tops in a new kitchen design? Select a product fabricated from ethically mined materials. We love the natural beauty of stone counter tops, but it is important their production has as little negative impact on the earth as possible. Another tip: choose a counter surface mined in North America to reduce the amount of material transportation.
Need a recommendation? Cambria quartz is by far one of our most installed brands.
4. Textiles Fabricated from Sustainable Fibers
Deciding on new fabrics for upholstery, draperies, or custom bedding? Choosing fabrics made from renewable resources (natural fibers that can be regrown at the same rate or faster than they are consumed) or recycled fibers is not only Earth-friendly, but also positively impacts industry standards.
Examples of sustainable fibers include bamboo, hemp, alpaca, wool, cotton, linen, flax, jute, and recycled polyester.
5. Hardwood Flooring from Responsible Forestry
Unfortunately, illegal foresting and harvesting protected species is still an issue that exists when it comes to wood collection. As the consumer, it is important to purchase products from companies that abide by strict supply regulations and sustainable forestry. Making this conscious effort allows us to enjoy the rich beauty of hardwood flooring while preserving and replenishing our forests.
Of course, there are way more than five ways to include eco-conscious products and technology into your home design. Curious about choices you can make in your next home project? Contact our team, we love to talk about the latest in sustainable, ethical, and energy efficient products!
Comments