Being ‘green’ is something we all strive to do, but it can be difficult. Whether it’s using eco-friendly cleaning products, or making sure to sort your recyclables, it takes some time and effort to be more aware of what we use. Often, it is expense or lack of style that holds homeowners back from taking these steps to make their home more earth-friendly. However, we have put together some suggestions for you that are easy to do, great to look at and don’t break the bank!
Paint – When it comes to home design, green is in. The Pantone color of the year is Emerald, and with it comes all the green shades! However, low- or no-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint is essential when picking out your new eco-friendly tone. Most paints that you’ve used in the past were probably full of VOCs. Filled with chemicals and fumes, these paints can be dangerous for your family to breathe in and dangerous for the planet.
Most paint companies have low- or no-VOC paints available. These paints are often cost-effective, durable and have beautiful coverage. An added benefit? No fresh-paint headaches! So if you’re looking for an inexpensive and earth-friendly room upgrade, look no further than your local paint or hardware store.
Furniture – While many of us have particleboard desks, dressers and cabinets as our inexpensive go-to furniture for the kids’ rooms, there may be some things you don’t know about. These engineered products are made with formaldehyde and emit toxic gases over time. Plywood is an alternative, as it uses less glue, or look for particleboard that uses a soy-based adhesive. However, if you don’t want to replace that particleboard furniture you already have, think about sealing all of the rough surfaces with a coat of water-based paint. With low- and no-VOC options available, this is an easy way to trap the off-gassing.
Another tip on getting back to a more natural product is to buy solid wood furniture. While this can often be more expensive, consider a DIY refinishing or painting project. Great deals on beautiful solid furniture can be found at flea markets, garage sales and charity shops. Sanding and paint can go a long way in giving old furniture a whole new look!
Flooring – When considering carpet, keep in mind the chemical processes that goes into the manufacturing of floor covering options. Carpet can be warm and inviting, so instead of getting rid of it altogether, take a look at some of the more eco-friendly options. Wool, organic and recycled material carpets are all more sustainable options. Wool carpets are particularly eco-friendly as they are made without chemicals and harsh dyes, and are biodegradable. These carpets are still sturdy, though, and handle the wear and tear that your family dishes out.
Another option is to use the chic, earth conscious, and in some cases, wallet-friendly options of bamboo, linoleum, cork and reclaimed hardwood.
Some quick facts: Bamboo is incredibly pocketbook friendly, while giving your home a modern look. Bamboo is renewable, produces more oxygen than a regular forest and can be harvested every five years. It is very durable, water-resistant and anti-microbial. Priced from $2 to $4 per square foot, plus installation, this is the most financially reasonable option.
Linoleum flooring has also gone far beyond its 1970s reputation. It’s made from linseed oil, pine resin, wood flour and jute, which are all natural materials. Non-toxic, biodegradable and anti-microbial, with a 40-year lifespan, this is a product that can’t be beat in durability. Also, it is reasonably priced from $4 to $7 per square foot, plus installation. Making sure you buy real linoleum flooring is key, however, as you want to steer clear of the chemically produced synthetic versions.
Cork flooring feels great under your feet as it is shock absorbing, but also has the added benefit of being warm and insulating. It is also durable and water-resistant, while being renewable. At $4 to $8 per square foot, plus installation, this floor choice isn’t ideal for high traffic areas, but in a basement, would work well.
The most expensive option, but perhaps the one with the warmest look, is reclaimed hardwood flooring. Instead of chopping down old growth forests, reclaimed hardwood is ‘harvested’ from old barns, homes and factories. While prices range from $5 to $13 a square foot, plus installation, this is a product that will give a completely unique look to your home and will last practically forever.
Whether it’s low- or no-VOC paint, solid wood furniture or great new flooring, there are tons of smaller ways to decorate your home in the greenest way.
To see why Stepper Custom Homes is Calgary’s family home builder, contact Stepper Custom Homes at 403-250-1033 or visit stepperhomes.com and facebook.com/stepperhomes.
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