Environment-friendly spaces which utilize renewable and recycled materials and energy-efficient products are gaining popularity nowadays. Many experts claim that the use of energy-efficient products will lead to lower heating and cooling costs. This way you won’t have to strain your home budget.
Let’s go through some energy-efficient building materials and eco-friendly home improvement techniques commonly available in the market:
COMPOSITE DECKING
This is made from a mixture of recycled plastic and wooden waste. This is a high-performance and eco-friendly alternative having the warmth and appeal of natural hardwood. With its superior strength, stability, and longevity, it will save you the time and expense needed for regular maintenance. It also does not splinter, warp or crack like regular wood.
PAPER-BASED COUNTERTOPS
Paper-based countertops are made from the pulp of trees. This makes them an excellent and eco-friendly alternative to the conventional solid surface plastics and stone tops. They add a nice touch to your home décor and are available in a variety of colors. The best thing about them is that they are stain, scratch and heat resistant.
BAMBOO PLYWOOD
Bamboo plywood is one of the top choices of builders due to its beauty and durability. It has a perfect consistency, density, and color for your building projects. Since it grows rapidly and reaches maturity in just four years, it is highly sustainable. Using a low volatile organic compound adhesive, the plywood is laminated. It is widely used in bathrooms since it can withstand moist environments.
RUBBER MULCH
Rubber mulch comes in a variety of colors and looks similar to wood mulch. It is a smart choice for ground cover applications and is highly durable, cost-effective and low-maintenance. Being an eco-friendly alternative, it also helps save trees. It is uniquely designed to meet the safety standards and guidelines of playgrounds. It also reduces the need for harsh insect control chemicals. Made from recycled tires, it can be used in most landscapes.
LUMBER FROM SUSTAINABLE FORESTS
Shelves and cabinets are made from FSC-certified oak plywood; FSC is the international organization that sets standards for forest management. It is high quality and high-performance wood collected from responsibly managed forests. If sustainability is important to you, you can remodel your home using FSC-certified plywood, hardwood, and other timber products.
SYNTHETIC GRASS
Artificial grass is a natural-looking alternative that looks and feels like natural grass but is more sustainable. Artificial products such as synthetic grass have many advantages over traditional grass. For example, it is maintenance free and requires no water. It will stay green for years, outperforming natural grass.
NATURAL LINOLEUM FLOORING
Natural Linoleum flooring is one of the greenest flooring choices available. It is made from natural materials that are biodegradable and easily renewable. It can be easily reincorporated into the environment at the end of its lifecycle. It is also the best choice for a retro look. Natural Linoleum has been around for over 100 years and is made from raw materials such as linseed oil, wood flour, and resins. It is used in hospitals commonly due to its anti-bacterial properties that prevent microorganisms from multiplying. The best part about Natural Linoleum is that it is very easy to clean.
SOY CONCRETE STAIN
Soy concrete stain is used to make surfaces with the natural stone look more appealing than traditional stains. It is highly durable and does not flake or peel and is used for both interior and exterior applications. Made from renewable materials, it is acid-free and also free from other types of hazardous materials.
RECYCLED-PLASTIC CARPET
Recycled plastic carpets are a great way to cover floors and save the planet at the same time. In order to make these carpets, plastic bottles are sorted out and then grounded, cleaned and melted to form fibers for the carpet. Caps and labels are also used to make the core on which the yarn is spun.
REPURPOSED FURNITURE
One of the best ways to save waste is to recycle and use it to make eco-friendly furniture. This will divert waste from landfills and turn your old junk into new treasure. If you have old furniture lying around at home but are reluctant to throw it away, you can always give it new life in unexpected ways.
These are some of the fun and unique ways of improving your home without increasing your carbon footprint.
