Cleaner, Greener Home Improvement
Greentips: September 2004
Renovating your home is an opportunity to make your living space not only more beautiful and functional but also more energy-efficient and more conducive to good health. Here are some ways to "green up" your next home-improvement project.
Construction
Many remodeling materials contain toxic chemicals that have the potential to cause health problems and environmental damage. Consider these alternatives:
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Paint. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises caution when using products such as paints that contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs); exposure to these compounds can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, and nausea. Nearly all major paint manufacturers offer low- or zero-VOC water-based paints that are comparable to conventional paints in terms of price and durability.
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Wood. Since the EPA banned the sale of pressure-treated wood containing arsenic, a known carcinogen, lumber manufacturers now treat wood with other chemicals. To avoid chemical exposure altogether, use untreated redwood or cedar (which are naturally pest- and decay-resistant), plastic lumber, or wood-plastic composite lumber. For interior woodwork, use sustainably harvested wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). -
Plywood and particleboard. These composite wood boards are often manufactured using formaldehyde adhesives. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates the use of formaldehyde-a suspected carcinogen-in industrial settings, but there are no such regulations for residential use. Green Seal (see link below) provides a list of fiberboard manufacturers that use alternative materials.
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Flooring. FSC-certified wood, or wood salvaged from sources such as old houses and barns, are good choices for hardwood floors because they lessen the burden on our nation's forests. Other attractive, sustainable flooring materials include bamboo, natural linoleum, tile, and cork. If you prefer carpeting, choose natural fibers (such as non-mothproofed wool, jute, or sisal) over synthetic fibers, which are primarily made from fossil fuel-based chemicals.
Efficiency
Improving the energy and water efficiency of your home will reduce your consumption of natural resources and lower your utility bills. Here are some suggestions:
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Fixtures. Replace old toilets, showerheads, and faucets with water-saving models. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights, which use up to 75 percent less energy but provide the same amount of light.
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Insulation. Insulate attics, basements, and crawlspaces to help retain heat. Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and fireplaces, and replace old windows with Energy Star-labeled models. Wrapping your hot water heater with insulation improves heat retention as well.
