by Dave Logan
Until very recently, it was very difficult (if not impossible) to find environmentally friendly products. Even harder was affording them if you did actually find them. However, today “green” products are rapidly becoming more mainstream as energy costs continue to rise. Check out a few of our favorite green products being used today.
Water Efficiency. The averages home consumes over 100,000 gallons of water every year. That’s a lot of water, folks. Combine that with perpetual droughts and warmer seasons, and it makes good sense to start paying attention to our individual water consumption. Consider upgrading your appliances. Today, you can get Energy Star-certified dishwasher, clothes washers and dryers, and dual-flush toilets. Products like these make a big difference in our aggregated consumption, as well as reducing individual energy costs immediately.
Wood Flooring Products. Wood flooring options are getting a lot better these days, thanks to the drive to conserve our old-growth forests by using products like bamboo, palm, or eucalyptus. Products like these grow back very rapidly, and therefore make great alternatives to oak, for example.
Countertops. New countertop surface materials are exploding in popularity these days because they look just like (and in some cases, better) traditional surfaces but are made from eco-friendly materials. Reclaimed wooden butcher block countertops, paperstone, Richelite, and glass tile are all excellent options and don’t contain adverse levels of formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Insulation. Check out a product called UltraTouch. UltraTouch is made from high-quality natural fibers and has maximum thermal performance. One thing I just love about this product is that it doesn’t itch when working with it! (Those of you who’ve worked with insulation can definitely appreciate that). UltraTouch is flame-retardant, safe to work with, and an excellent alternative to traditional insulation.
Paints and stains. Earth-based paint materials (clay and lime, for example) are gaining in popularity for three primary reasons: 1) they do not contain hazardous materials, 2) they naturally combat dust and pollen, and 3) there are many great color choices available today. When choosing a wood or concrete stain, check out soy-based products as an alternative. Products like these are much more friendly to the environment.
Go green and save green. It’s no mystery that going green is more expensive in the beginning. Over time, it’s safe to assume that this will change, however, as green supplies increase to keep up with the growing demand. Finally, while you may pay more up front for these products, you will not only realize a positive return on your investment quickly, but you will also be contributing to the environment in an extremely positive way.
For more helpful information on these and other home improvement projects, check in often with the TDL Blog. And don’t forget to visit TeamDaveLogan.com to find a trusted home improvement professional in Denver and Boulder that will help you with your next project!
