Undertaking a remodel of your home in 2016 goes beyond planning
for style and comfort upgrades. At Modernize, we strive to take better care of the world we inhabit.
By considering eco-friendly flooring, walls, and roof additions, you can devise
a plan for a green home without losing any flair.
Eco-Friendly Floors
When choosing flooring materials, think beyond traditional and
stain-attracting carpet. Reclaimed hardwood, cork, stained concrete, linoleum
and bamboo are all chic earth friendly choices that can last for generations,
making them a much more sustainable choice. Hardwood floors are usually associated
with deforestation, but savvy homeowners are opting for hardwoods that have
been reclaimed from old barns and other rural structures. Also, wood floorings certified by the
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) have been deemed to have not taken part in
excessive harm to the environment.
Concrete can be stained an array of colors, and it never needs
to be replaced. Linoleum has a long life as well. Though it fell out of style
in the 40’s when vinyl became popular, linoleum is made from more natural
materials than vinyl, so it’s seeing a resurgence in popularity.
Cork and bamboo are even newer trends that have taken off due to
their durability and unique grain that can be finished in many colors. Cork oak
trees do not have to be completely cut down to harvest their bark, and fast-growing bamboo makes for
long-lasting flooring that’s not only beautiful, but naturally water-resistant
and anti-bacterial, too.
Beautiful Wall Colors
Scientists have discovered that indoor air is more polluted than
outdoor air. This is partially due to the ongoing toxins released in house
paint years after application. Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, used to be
a crucial part of high quality paints. Luckily, low- and zero-VOCs are now
widely manufactured, so smart homeowners can choose an environmentally friendly
option.
Zero-VOC paints have 5 grams/liter or less of harmful
pollutants. Sometimes adding a colorant can up this count to 10 grams/liter,
but that’s still considered very low. Low-VOCs contain 200 grams/liter or less
of the unwanted chemicals. These still may emit an odor for a short amount of
time. A list of compliant paints can be found here.
Add On Solar
Now that we’ve added “green” flooring and walls, why not extend
the environmental awareness to the roof? By using solar panels, homeowners
become more aware of the energy they use while generating their own power for
their small place in the world. This essentially remodels one’s electricity
source and mindset. Adding solar panels can be financially beneficial, too. In
many forward-thinking cities, like Austin, Texas, residents get a rebate for going solar, which
can oftentimes recoup your up-front investment. And recent developments have
made for sleeker solar systems, with no-grid panels, new color choices, and
thinner designs. Best of all, they show an awareness of modern and ecologically
friendly living.
2016 and Beyond
Following environmentally thoughtful trends feels is a safe step
in the right direction while maintaining one’s individuality. Choosing zero-VOC
paints and sustainable flooring still leaves open countless color and texture
options. Remodeling is a long process, but the earth and your senses will thank
you.
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