Did you know that we Americans still throw away enough aluminum every 3 months to rebuild all of our commercial airplanes? Or that we toss out enough paper to build a 12 ft. high wall from New York to L.A.?
Americans are becoming more responsible about using our natural resources, but there’s still a lot more that can be done. So what does all of this have to do with interior design?
Green remodeling has become quite popular over the last few years. Going Green isn’t just about helping the planet… it’s about improving the health of your home and your loved ones.
The folks over at greenremodel.net have some great articles on the specifics of choosing products for a green design job, from appliances and HVAC to landscaping and bathrooms.
Here are some things to consider when thinking about Greening your home:
- Save Money & Use Less Energy. Replace older appliances with more efficient ENERGY STAR-certified models. Remember, ENERGY STAR changes their standards, so a refrigerator certified ENERGY STAR several years ago is likely to be less efficient than this year’s model.
- Refinishing a bathroom? Look for toilets that are WaterSense-certified. WaterSense certifications are also available for showerheads, sink faucets, landscape irrigation controls and more.
- Go High Efficiency. Time to replace the furnace or HVAC? Today’s high efficiency models can save you bundles during hot summer days and cold winter nights. EnergyStar rated HVAC systems can save you as much as $200 a year on your energy bill…and sometimes even more.
- Green Your Home’s Bones. The bones of your house – from insulation and drywall to paints, fabrics, cabinets and carpeting – are available in environmentally-friendly versions. For your next project, stop in to our showroom and let us help you select environmentally-friendly wallpaper, fabrics, hardwood flooring, ceramic tile or carpeting for your home. At Alcher Interiors we are constantly expanding our selection of products that are manufactured with the environment in mind, whether it’s non-VOC paints & cabinets or renewable bamboo flooring.
Have you taken any steps to improve your home’s efficiency and health?