With global warming being mentioned almost daily in the news, advice on how to conserve gasoline is getting a lot of attention.
There are also ways to help the environment that don't involve traveling anywhere. In recent years, builders and designers have found hundreds of ways to incorporate "green" living into homes.
Building Green
"Green building isn't about finding unique, expensive materials. Building green is not about fancy stuff -- it is more about making smart choices (and) building better," said Kim Calomino, director of
Built Green Colorado, a statewide program encouraging builders and remodelers to use environmentally friendly technology.
Recycling is, of course, one of the best ways to help Mother Earth. The granddaddy of recycling ideas is using reclaimed wood, which is wood salvaged from other buildings and sites. Old school gym floors make wonderful hardwood flooring for homes, and many old manufacturing plants also had wood floors, said
Linda Mason Hunter, author of "Creating a Safe and Healthy Home."
"We all need to focus more on recycling instead of consuming and throwing away," Hunter said.
Keep An Eye On Local Sites
Only use salvaged wood from local sources, or the environmental costs of shipping the material negate the recycling aspect, Calomino said. For example, remilling wood from an old barn in Vermont and shipping it across the country sounds like a charming idea, but it would waste hundreds of gallons of gasoline and increase carbon emissions.
The key is to watch for buildings in your area that are being torn down, Hunter said.
"Sites that are slated for demolition are an excellent resource for reclaiming all kinds of building materials. If you contact the contractor early enough, they are often willing to allow you to haul away as much as you like for free," said
Sarah Barnard, a designer based in Los Angeles.
When it comes to using traditional lumber from a forest, only buy wood that is certified from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), said
Robert Trotman, a designer based in Portland, Ore.
"Wood suppliers frequently make assertions that their products come from 'managed' or 'sustainable' forests, but without independence certification, there is no way to know for sure," Trotman said.
Alternative Sources
For those looking for a "green" alternative to wood, bamboo is a good choice because it matures quickly and does not require replanting, Trotman said. Bamboo, which is actually a grass, is the fastest-growing plant on earth and offers 25 times the yield of hardwood.
Again, there are caveats. Trotman said the bamboo market has been flooded in recent years with poorly manufactured material. He suggested looking for bamboo products that come from a mill that uses mature stalks, low moisture contents and high-quality adhesives and finishes.
Also, Calomino urged consumers to consider where the bamboo is produced.
"You don't save the earth by shipping things from halfway around the world. Try to buy things that are locally or regionally produced," Calomino said.
Tips On Choosing Paint
Something else remodelers should consider is using paints and other finishes that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOC), Trotman said. VOCs are toxic chemicals that are found in most household paints on the market.
"There are a lot of poisons involved in building and remodeling a home. With research, homeowners can choose products that will minimize fumes, toxins and biocides without sacrificing design aesthetics," Trotman said.
You can usually look on the product label to tell whether a product has low VOC standards. Calomino also suggested using water-based finishing products.
Improved Energy Efficiency
Another great way to help the planet is to become more energy efficient. Calomino listed several ways homeowners can decrease their electricity demands: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs; buy Energy Star appliances; use a programmable thermostat; install motion controls on exterior lights; use a ceiling fan in summer; and plant trees to provide natural shade for your house.
The book "True Green: 100 Everyday Ways You Can Contribute To A Healthier Planet" by Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin also lists ways to cut down on electricity, such as using a clothesline, sealing cracks in windows and doors, taking shorter showers and installing a solar water heater and solar panels (also called photovoltaics).
Take It Outdoors
The garden is also a good place to help the environment, Hunter said. Growing your own organic produce is good for your health and lowers the family grocery bill.
"Plan your garden so you don't have to water it, if possible. Capture rainwater in a barrel or other means -- keep it covered -- and use this water for gardening or landscaping," Hunter said.
She said planting rain gardens also helps reduce runoff. Additionally, you can cut down on trash by composting fruit and vegetable scraps and using it on your garden, Hunter said.
"(Living green) is a process -- don't expect to do everything overnight. It's not about sacrifice; it's about making wise choices. And it needn't cost more. Chances are you'll be buying fewer products, but individually they'll be more expensive. Less is more when it comes to green living," Hunter said.
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