These days, it seems that everywhere you look there’s some chemical, building material, or ingredient in food that is unhealthy or damaging to the environment. If you’re trying to cleanse your home of toxins that harm both your family and the planet, then you’re probably considering a serious remodel. In this post, we’ll walk you through what you need to know to remodel your home in a way that is both healthy and environmentally friendly. Read on to find out what you can do to green your footprint!
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This is a sponsored post by AeroMarine Products. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Start with Green Building Materials
The materials that your home is built from are the foundation of your green lifestyle. If you’ve got asbestos in your walls and petroleum-based plastics in your kitchen and bathroom, you’re not only exposing your family to potentially harmful toxins, but also leaving a bigger carbon footprint than you could. When you remodel, it’s a good idea to start by selecting the most natural and eco-friendly building materials you can. Consider these options:
- Sustainably harvested wood should be used for the frame of the building as well as any wooden fixtures that you may include like doors, cabinets, and built-in furniture. Assembling with clear epoxy resin is a natural and simple way to make your wood pieces sturdy.
- Recycled insulation products are an important way to keep heat in without contributing to unsustainable building material production. Keeping your home well-insulated also means you won’t need to crank the heat as high in the winter, reducing your energy usage substantially.
- Responsibly sourced stone is a great alternative to concrete, which can have significant negative impacts on the environment. Plus, a granite countertop or stone chimney will add a beautiful touch to your remodel.
The materials listed above are safe and natural, so you can feel good about building a home for your family out of them. Once the building is done, however, it’s time to think about utilities and appliances.
Go Renewable for Your Energy
Did you know that most electricity is produced by burning coal and natural gas? Your family and the planet deserve better. When looking to power your remodel, one easy change you can make is to include solar panels. These panels draw energy directly from the sun and use it to power your home! What could be more natural than that? Plus, they dramatically cut down on the carbon footprint left by your family, so many states will even offer a tax credit or exemption for homes that produce power with solar. Other options for sustainable energy include:
- Wind turbines for added electricity and heating production
- Solar oven for minimal gas usage
- Hydropower
- Home battery that recharges on sunny days
There are tons of ways to provide power for your family without adding to climate change or pollution. Plus, because electric power and green energy have no emissions, the air your family is breathing will be cleaner and healthier.
Opt for Green Décor
What’s green décor, you ask? Well, just like anything else, the pieces of furniture and decorations you choose can come from more sustainable sources. One choice you can make is to purchase furniture with renewable materials. While a leather couch may look luxurious, animal agriculture is one of the biggest contributors to climate change – plus, the tanning agents in leather often contain toxins that are potentially harmful to your family. Choose a material like recycled polyester or sustainably farmed cotton-based fabric for a green and natural furniture option that you can feel good about. Other awesome ways to spruce up your space include:
- Art made from recycled trash or other discarded items
- Sustainable materials for kitchenware, such as glass and wood
- Plenty of plant life to help cleanse the air and add fresh oxygen to your space
- Skylight to allow in natural light to raise your family’s mood and provide crucial vitamin D
Living sustainably can be a challenge at first, but remodeling your house to be healthy- and eco-friendly is one of the best life changes you and your family can make. You’ll wonder how you ever lived in a space that wasn’t focused on your well being as well as the planets. Get started on your remodel today, and follow these tips for a sustainable future!
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