Guest Blogger: 3 Eco-Friendly Ways to Improve your Winter Home

Guest Blogger #306, Entry #849, December 20, 2011

Here’s a riddle for you: What is affordably priced, makes you smile, and is green all over? (No, it’s not mint chocolate chip ice cream.) Answer: I’m talking about Eco-friendly Home Improvement with Empire Today! The days of tracking down rare and expensive sustainable materials are over, and now “going green” is simpler than ever. Here are a few tips to make your home improvement projects easier on your budget and your conscience:

Improve your home with eco-friendly materials

Image via: Marcus Design Inc

1.  Replace the old with the new. The new, energy efficient version, that is

This goes for almost everything, large and small. If it’s time to replace big appliances like your furnace, water heater, washer and drier, and dishwasher, you won’t need to look far to find an energy-efficient version that will cut down on electricity, gas and water usage. On a smaller scale, switching out things like light bulbs and your shower head can save you money on upcoming electric and water bills. When you’re replacing the fundamentals like carpet, try to purchase natural or recycled products. Many carpet retailers, such as Empire Carpet, offer sustainable options like bamboo or cork flooring and carpet made from recycled materials.

2.  Build with sustainable materials

If you’re building from scratch or deciding what to use for replacement windows and doors, research the options for energy efficient windows, doors and even insulation. Insulation made from recycled materials, even blue jeans, is readily available and more energy efficient. You can also consider buying refinished doors made from barn wood; it has a vintage appeal, plus you can be proud you saved it from the wood chipper. Using non-toxic paint is another way to naturalize your home. Look for paints that say, “All natural”, “low VOC” or “zero VOC”. These will minimize the amount of harmful chemicals in your home, plus they’re safer for the environment after disposal.

Recycle, reuse, and utilize reclaimed materials

Image via: Green Tea Design

3.  Recycle after you replace

Instead of throwing away your old items, think about how to reuse them. If it’s an appliance that still functions, consider donating it or recycling the parts. After the installation of your new floor, some carpet or flooring companies offer to remove your old carpet and recycle it for you. Empire Flooring, and some other retailers in the industry, partner with the Carpet America Recovery Effort (C.A.R.E.) recycling program to bring old carpet and flooring to designated locations to be recycled and reused. According to C.A.R.E., the program redirected over one billion pounds of carpet to recycling centers in its first six years.

The satisfaction of home improvement can be even greater when you’re also satisfied that you improved the environment. And while you still may need the approval of your mother-in-law, at least you know that Mother Nature approves.

For more eco-friendly ideas on Stagetecture, click here.