It’s hard to pick up a newspaper today without reading another alarming headline about the impact global warming is having on our planet. This growing concern has caused a number of our clients to ask how they might be more environmentally-conscious in their home designs and renovations.
I have to be honest and tell you that it takes a lot of green to “go green,” so it often becomes a choice our clients make for ethical reasons rather than financial ones. Environmentally- friendly materials and products can bring long-term energy savings, but the initial costs of green materials may be nearly double that of traditional building supplies. Yet it is important to remember that going green can entail something as simple as lowering your thermostat setting to something as elaborate as installing a water filtration system to recycle household grey water.
Regardless of the scale of your renovation and despite the fact that the notion of going green is still relatively new, it is possible to go green in every room of your home thanks to a growing number of environmentally – conscious products, materials and installations. Demand from the commercial building sector has resulted in the growth of visionary companies, including Going to Market and Bettencourt Green Building Supplies to name just a few, which specialize in green and develop and promote several different environmentally-friendly materials and green products for the home.
At this point in time, however, many green materials have not yet made it to the consumer market and retailers do not necessarily see that green can be an incentive to their customers, so you have to look harder to find these materials – either by looking carefully at content labels or by specifically asking for them. They are out there, though, so since bathroom renovations are popular for many homeowners today, let’s take a look at the ways you can go green in the bathroom without sacrificing the luxuries consumers look for in this private getaway space:
* Floors: There are scores of rich floor surfaces available, ranging from those made of renewable bamboo and cork to carpets and tiles made from recycled materials such as rubber, glass, and plastic.
* Walls: A growing number of manufacturers are developing natural-based paints and clays as an alternative to latex and oil paints as well as mold-proof sheet rock. There are also many other environmentally-friendly wall surface materials to choose from, including translucent glass tiles, formaldehyde-free fiber panels made from agricultural waste products, and man-made stone products.
* Vanities and Counters: Thanks to commercial farming and harvesting techniques, elegant wood vanities don’t have to come at the expense of old growth forests, and soy-based glues are replacing formaldehyde adhesives in furniture plywood. Recycled lumber is available – at a price – for both cabinetry and floors. And a growing number of manufacturers are creating beautiful stone and tile counter surfaces made of recycled content – even paper.
* Plumbing Fixtures: In addition to low – flow and dual-flush toilets (which provide stronger water flow when needed), many toilets and tubs manufactured today feature porcelain that is made of up to 50 percent post-recycled content as well as super-slick surfaces that will save on frequent use of bleach cleaners. If you are doing a major plumbing make-over and remodeling several baths at the same time, look into water timers that can divert cold water to a recycling system until the warm water has reached the faucet (thus savings many gallons a day), or change your plumbing feeds altogether to a direct piping system such as PEX.
* Heating: Long-considered luxurious extras, things such as radiant floor heating and heated towel warmers are actually environmentally-friendly design choices. Unlike traditional room radiators which line (and tend to heat) the outside walls of a room, radiant floor heating warms the entire room and everything it touches, from floor tiles to tubs and shower floors. Many of our clients are surprised to learn that electric radiant heat pad floors are not exorbitantly expensive and ultimately offer more energy-efficient heating.
* Lighting: Although halogen lights are always a better choice than traditional incandescent lights, they do tend to produce a lot of heat, so look for Xenon, compact fluorescent and LED lights (which produce low voltage from tiny semiconductor chips). One of the common complaints about these lights is their color, but advances are constantly being made to make these light sources appear softer and warmer.
* Fabrics: Of course, when selecting towels and rugs, you can’t go wrong with the plush, natural content of 100 percent cotton fabrics, but bamboo spun into a soft fabric is another alternative. Also, there are a number of mold-proof hybrid fabrics that were originally designed for outdoor living that are moving inside as shower curtains and liners as well as upholstered seating for moisture-laden bathrooms.
* Proper Installation: Don’t forget about opportunities to go green with some of the mundane, but necessary, bathroom accessories including fans and vents. By installing separate and timed fan and lighting switches (including a separate fan in the shower stall), you can run only the fans that are needed and eliminate wasted electricity and heat. Also, don’t forget to insulate exterior walls properly and install double-paned windows that resist moisture and minimize heat loss.
* Choose a “Green” Contractor: Talk to your contractor about your desire to go green. Question him or her about their interest in green materials and construction techniques. In general, check your contractor’s commitment to recycling and eliminating wasted materials. Ask that old fixtures and cabinets be recycled, if possible, and that demolition debris be separated so recyclable materials can be reused.
* Repair, replace, sustain: Although most of what I have discussed to this point refers to new materials, I would be remiss if I didn’t address another important facet of going green: the value of repairing and/or refinishing existing materials to help reduce the amount of waste going into our landfills. Renovations that sustain the things we already have through facelifts and some good old-fashioned TLC are as valuable to the environment as those that involve the latest eco-friendly products. For example, floors and other hard surfaces, including cabinets and countertops, can be refinished if they are structurally sound. Energy-saving elements, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, can be incorporated into existing fixtures rather than buying entirely new pieces. Regular maintenance on existing appliances and systems can ensure they operate at maximum efficiency and minimize energy use. When you make a commitment to use things until they are no longer operational, you can contribute as much to our environment as those who choose the latest green products.
For the truly environmentally-conscious homeowner, the opportunities to help the environment are growing every day and it is getting easier to be green.
Editor’s Note: Also published here.
…
Kaja Gam offers interior design in New York. Recently featured on HGTV.com, Kaja is famous for designing rooms that are comfortable, functional and make a distinct statement about your personality. Sign up for Kaja’s free e-zine today at http://www.kajagamdesign.com
Read more articles written by Kaja Gam
Related posts:
- Green Ways to Decorate and Design Your Kitchen
After decades of neglect, the environment is starting to receive the attention it deserves, and with good reason. As a result, some homeowners are choosing to implement green designs into their kitchens, especially since the kitchen can use a lot of energy through appliances that constantly run and water that... - Your House is Clean, But is It Green?
Cleaning a home or business is often a ritualistic experience, and one meant to remove matter we deem as dangerous, unhealthy or unpleasant to those living or working there. It All Adds Up Think about what you do and what products you use when you clean. You spray glass cleaner... - Recycle and Get Green
Blue disposal bins, catchy three-word slogans, signs asking users to separate green glass from clear glass, ‘paper or cardboard only’ disposal receptacles – these are just a few of the visible signs of the modern recycling movement. Recycling has been a major issue since human beings first started forming organized... - Nautical Gifts or Home D
We found some Nautical gifts that are unique, eclectic and eco-friendly items which not only help the planet but provide jobs to artists who use earth-friendly materials to create their products. Unusual Home Decor’s CEO is pro-environment with a degree in environmental studies and is dedicated to offering the best... - Home Away From Home: Benefits Of Condos Over Hotels And RV’s
Most parents of school-age children are forced to confine their family vacations to summer months, Christmas holiday and Spring break. Other families can choose to take their vacations at any time that is appropriate to their personal preferences. When people consider their vacation or weekend getaways, few understand the true... - The Appropriate Use Of Color And Light Can Enhance Your Next Home Decoration Project
When decorating, a common challenge that many people face is attempting to make a relatively small space appear larger. Fortunately there are several decorating techniques that can be used to achieve a more spacious look. First, and perhaps most important, the proper use of color will go a long way... - Save Money On Your Energy Bills With A Home Improvement Project
If you are looking to tackle a new home improvement project in your home, you may want to consider making it one that will reduce your long-term energy costs. Sure, we all like home improvement projects that result in making a home more beautiful and attractive, but not all home... - Tips for Homeowners: Simple Measures You Can Take to Save Your Home from Fire
You may have homeowners insurance that provides coverage for damage to your home resulting from fire, but this coverage cannot protect your loved ones or memories in the case of fire, it only covers material objects. Every year, 4,000 Americans die in fires, and the vast majority of those deaths... - Why a Home Solar Panel Will Save You Money and How You Can Get One for Free
What is a home solar panel how can it save you money? In short, solar panels are a viable and eco-friendly option for homeowners who want to heat and cool their home efficiently using the sun... - The Top 5 Reasons to Insulate Your Home This Summer
For homeowners who have been considering adding home insulation – this summer is the time to do it. 1.) Last Chance for the Energy Tax Credit – This is the final year that homeowners are eligible to receive an energy tax credit for adding home insulation. The American Recovery and... - Home Body Detox Super Liquids
A body detox diet can be a fresh, full, spicy, and delicious feast altogether. What with all the sumptuous fresh fruit salads and vegetable soups, one can easily forget that he or she is actually on a home body detox. However, it is not just all about the solid foods.... - Indoor Outdoor Rugs Are A Useful Addition To Any Home Decor Project
Polypropylene area rugs are a great choice as they can be used indoor or outdoors. Each of these rugs is created with a 100% polypropylene yarn that is then carefully constructed in a cablelock style using acrylic fabric. By using polypropylene these very special rugs have proven to have far... - How To Find Work At Home Jobs For Work At Home Moms
As the economy continues to tighten for many American families, more moms are looking to the Internet to find the extra money needed to help their families survive during this economically challenging time. The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities for the mom seeking to earn money... - Your Own Home Flower Garden
When you buy a new house you want to have an amazing garden where your children can play, and you can sit back and unwind. A garden is one place where we feel we are one with nature, and can enjoy the small pleasures of life. But without a few... - Gentlest Home Remedies for Acne Scars
Which home remedies for acne scars actually work? And which acne home remedies are safe for sensitive skin? Here are some of the acne scar healing tips we have learned that are the gentlest and safest for sensitive skin. Having acne is a terrible experience, and even worse are the...