Guest Blogger: Five Quick Ways to Greenify Your Home

Guest Blog #222,  Entry #718, October 23, 2011

1. Sustainable Bare Floors

Bamboo flooring is another beautiful alternative to traditional flooring. Completely natural and flattering in almost any setting, bamboo is less scarce than many types of wood used for flooring because it grows and matures more quickly than most.

Sustainable bare flooring such as bamboo flooring is a good alternative

Cork flooring is also impressively sustainable. Cork-oak trees are able to quickly re-grow the minimal amount of wood that is removed to make this eco-friendly flooring. The result is a soft, easily-installed wood that will transform any room in your home.

Natural linoleum provides the convenience you expect from linoleum but is made entirely of natural materials. Comprised of wood flour, resins and linseed oil, natural linoleum is great-looking and prevents the spread of bacteria in your kitchen or bathroom.

2. Green Carpet

New carpet gives your home’s interior an instant visual boost. Green flooring contractors can help you choose the perfect eco-friendly option for your home and budget. Wool, hemp and other natural fibers give you the comfort and beauty of carpet using non-toxic, chemical-free materials. Hemp carpet is pigmented rather than dyed, so even the color is derived from nature.

Recycled plastic carpet may not be all-natural, but it prevents entire plastic bottles from adding to the nation’s already-massive landfills. Carpet made from recycled plastic bottles not only helps you green-ify your home, but is also surprisingly soft and lush.

Green carpeting such as hemp or wool are good alternatives to traditional flooring

Image via: Remodelista

3. Environmentally Sound Bathrooms

Bamboo plywood is ideal for bathroom cabinets as well as eco-friendly flooring. Bamboo stands up beautifully to humidity so it won’t warp after thousands of showers and baths. Using less water is another way to convert your bathroom into a green haven.

Low-flow toilets decrease water waste and reduce water company bills. Expert green contractors can help you choose the most user-friendly models, ensuring that you’ll be as happy with their everyday use as you are with your water bills.

4. Eco-Friendly Walls

Nothing gives your home a quick pick-me-up like a fresh coat of paint. Whether you’re changing your color scheme or just brightening a room, knowledgeable green contractors will ensure that this minor renovation doesn’t release harmful chemicals into your home. Many paint companies have begun offering formulas free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These potentially harmful compounds enter your home’s atmosphere even after the paint has dried, so choosing a VOC-free paint is essential.

Greenify your home with paints that are good for your home and family

Image via: Restoration Hardware

5. Green Insulation

Green construction experts can replace your fiberglass insulation with insulation made from natural fibers or recycled materials. Cellulose, denim, hemp fiber and recycled paper are all durable alternatives to traditional insulation. These non-toxic insulation options maximize energy efficiency safely and naturally. This green home construction project offers a great return on investment.

Most home renovation products involving green construction and sustainable materials do more than just spruce up your surroundings. They increase the value of your home and often help cut utility costs. The growing number of green contractors and eco-friendly home improvement supplies makes going green more appealing and easier than ever. Give your local green construction company a call when you’re ready to give your home an environmentally-friendly makeover.

Alex Levin

Alex Levin is a writer specializing in the design and building industry. From surety bonding news to DIY building tips, he’s an expert on the construction world as a whole.

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