Do you Choose Green? Incorporating Sustainability in the Home

By Debbie Greene

Twenty Five years ago the Environmental Protection Agency decided they had to do something about the changing air quality and respiratory health of US citizens, so they signed into legislation The Clean Air Act of 1972.

Since then, companies have had to comply with the act or face stiff penalties. Well, the times have changed. For years now, forward thinking companies have known the financial and health impact of sick buildings. The US Green Building Council estimates that one third of all buildings have serious indoor air quality problems. Poor indoor quality in the US is responsible for an annual loss of $15 billion in worker productivity. Now, a growing number of states are enacting tax cuts to corporations that incorporate green, environmentally friendly elements in their buildings.

Whether we like it or not, “Green” is trickling from the corporate environment and into the home. Sustainability should be an integral part in home building and design, and eventually builders and manufacturers will not look at green design as a trend but as a way of earning more market share.

Consumers are catching on…Green is the way to go. If you’re just learning about green living and design there are a number of things you can do to change the health of your family and your home.

• Recycle and use recyclable materials wherever possible.

• Replace or minimize the use of products which contain hazardous chemicals

• Use supplies designed to reduce consumption such as rechargeable batteries

• Support companies that utilize minimal packaging and recycled materials in their packaging

• When painting, choose paints that minimize the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). These substances are indoor air pollutants typically used as solvents in products such as paint and household cleaners.

• Look for companies that support the Environmental Choice Program (an eco labeling program) or, that carry an eco label on their products.

If you’re planning on renovating or building a new home, please consider the following suggestions:

• Try to eliminate carpeting but to expose hardwood floors instead.

• If adding hardwood floors, consider bamboo or woods certified from the FSC. (Forest Stewardship Council). The wood that is certified comes from well managed forests

• If you want to purchase new carpet, consider 100% organic wool or purchase “Cool Carpet” by Interface. It’s cool because all the carbon dioxide emissions from this carpet are neutralized. The company has retired more than 250,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions which equates to 58,000 cars taken off the road for a year, or over 28 million gallons of gas not consumed.

• Use rapidly renewable products. These are materials that have a shorter harvest period which is typically 10 years or less.

• Avoid purchasing over packaged products- for example; buy nails etc… in bulk.

• Use leftover insulation for soundproofing interior walls.

• Use low VOC Paint. Benjamin Moore low VOC paints carry an Eco Label on their line.

• Recycle leftover or unused materials.

By making changes now- even small ones- can make a difference. Who knows, you may be doing some positive things already. Every small decision increases awareness and if we all do our part we can be in the right mindset to make bigger changes down the road.

Go Green Go!

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