Today’s home owners are increasingly opting for green remodeling products in order to update the décor and functionality of their interiors. With a multitude of top quality products on the market that are eco-friendly, attractive and affordable, you can now get the beautiful, high end look you crave while minimizing the environmental impact of changes. The end result can be a gorgeous, family-friendly home that’s also easy on the planet.
Cabinet Refinishing Or Cabinet Refacing
Kitchen cabinets are a costly element of any kitchen remodel. In fact, they can be the most expensive and most time-consuming part of today’s remodeling projects. The environmental impact of fresh cabinetry can be steep because of the need for new wood and fixtures. You’ll also have to dispose of the old cabinetry, which means tossing the old kitchen into a landfill.
By opting for cabinet refacing or cabinet refinishing, you can make your current kitchen look like new, eliminating the need to harvest wood to build the cabinetry and bypassing the landfill entirely. Your contractor or installer will also expend less energy and use fewer materials doing cabinet resurfacing than he would if he were making new ones. There are several options for green kitchen remodeling, so take the time to do your homework. Cabinet refinishing is the most eco-friendly, as you’ll simply be refinishing the current wood, not replacing any of it. If you want an entirely different look, you can opt for cabinet refacing, which includes using the current drawers and shelves but adding different doors. You’ll still be using less material than you would with a complete remodel.
Low VOC Paints
Green remodeling isn’t just about minimizing your impact on the environment. It’s also about improving your own home environment. Painting is one of the least expensive renovation options homeowners can undertake. A fresh coat in a bright color can totally transform a room, but traditional paints and stains release Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that can cause allergies, respiratory problems and a host of other health problems. Fortunately, you can use low- or no-VOC paints that are gentle on the environment to update your home.
Eco-Friendly Flooring
Flooring can be one of the most environmentally damaging remodeling projects you’ll undertake, depending on the materials you choose. Carpets, for instance, are often made from synthetic materials that are harmful and can give off VOCs for weeks and even months after installation. New hardwood floors aren’t much better because they require cutting new trees for the materials. On the other hand, cork and bamboo flooring are easy on the environment because they are sustainable materials that can quickly be replenished. Both cork and bamboo grow quickly and the materials are family-friendly and easy to care for.
When you’re ready to remodel your home, take the time to look for eco-friendly materials that reduce your home’s impact on the environment. You’ll feel good about choosing green products and doing your part to save our planet, but you’ll feel even better about your gorgeous new surroundings.
Continue reading here: Green Remodeling: Cabinet Refinishing and Other Eco-Friendly Options
