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 | It is easy being Green when building | |
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When you hear the phrase "earth-friendly home", do visions of solar panels
bolted to a roof, a massive windmill out back, and exterior walls made out
of recycled tires leap to mind – and make you shudder? The reality is
nowhere near that extreme.
Today, you can incorporate environmentally sound products into your building
or
remodeling project without transforming your home from a swan to an ugly
duckling – and without emptying your wallet in the process. In fact, you’ll
likely end up saving money over time.
What makes it "green"?
How do you know if a product is earth-friendly?
It is green if products:
a. are made from salvaged or recycled materials;
b. provide alternatives to products with particularly high environmental
impacts, such as green-treated wood or ozone-depleting refrigerants;
c. reduce specific impacts of construction, such as erosion;
d. reduce impacts of building operation,
e. by reducing energy or water use,
for example; or contribute to a safe, healthy indoor environment.
Why go green?
 Choosing
green techniques and materials is wise for several reasons. First, many
green building strategies actually save money. For instance, using products
that reduce energy consumption, such as high-efficiency appliances and
compact fluorescent light bulbs, can help you save money for years.
Second, using green building products is a way to do your part in protecting
the earth for your children and grandchildren. Every step taken, no matter
how small, is a significant step toward this end.
Third, green building practices create healthier places to live and work. We
Indians spend 90 percent of our time indoors, so it makes sense to expend a
little extra effort to create indoor spaces that won’t make us sick. Take
paint, for example. Most brands include synthetic ingredients that "off-gas"
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) after they are applied to the walls. Those
VOCs can cause headaches, throat irritation, and even allergic reactions in
people who are especially sensitive. Consider a brand with a low- or even
zero-VOC rating.
Reduce
How do you make your building or remodeling project as earth friendly as
possible? Start by limiting the amount of material used. If you’re adding on
to your home, design your addition to use standard dimensions: 8-foot-high
ceilings and room dimensions that are at least 8 feet and divisible by two,
since dimension lumber is manufactured in two-foot increments. Choose
products that need less energy or that reclaim energy during operation.
Recycle
There are a dizzying number of green products available that use recycled
materials. You’ll find many choices in the category of composite wood alone
– it’s a combination of recycled wood and plastic.
Aesthetic Angles
Green can be pretty as well as smart. The tiles, which would look great in a
kitchen or master bathroom, possess a glass and translucence that can’t be
found in ceramic tiles.
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