If you are at a point in your life where you are ready to renovate a house, you may have some goals. You not only want your home to look and function the way you want it, but also to create a home that is less toxic and more environmentally friendly. Even if you only do a small renovation, it is possible to do things that make your home healthier for yourself, your family, and the environment.
Below are some of the trends and projects that you should consider if you want to reduce your carbon footprint and toxicity in your household.
Water filtration systems
There are so many different options for water filtration systems, including in-house water filtration. One option that you might think about is reverse osmosis throughout the house. This is often used in rural homes when the groundwater can be contaminated. Some people also opt for in-house water filter systems because they want to remove fluoride that is in the municipal water. An all-house water system can remove chemicals that are left over from municipal water systems and can damage not only your health and the health of your family, but also your pipes and equipment. In addition to testing a water filter system, you should also ensure that you select efficient water taps such as low flow taps. In many cases, you can reduce your sink's water flow by 30% or more. If everyone uses similar taps, we can save billions of gallons of water every year in the United States.
Work with local suppliers
If you want to renovate your home regardless of size, try to find local sources for as many items as possible. You may find a local artisan who builds cabinets and furniture. They mostly use natural and simple materials such as solid wood and surfaces without VOC. Choosing mass products will likely expose your family to toxins. Many people think they can't afford handmade items for their home, but you'll be surprised at how flexible a lot of artisans are when it comes to pricing.
If you're considering closets, most mass-produced products can contain carcinogens like formaldehyde. So if you choose made options, you should look for environmentally friendly materials like bamboo. In addition to wardrobes and furnishings, you should also focus on the colors you use and on sealants and sealants when doing an environmentally friendly renovation. Floors can also be a source of toxins such as formaldehyde adhesives.
Think solar
Using solar energy is one of the most fundamental changes you can make to your home to become greener and greener. If you supply your house with solar energy, you will find that your electricity bills will also decrease significantly. A solar system doesn't have to be as expensive as you might think, and some people can even do it themselves.
Work with professionals who understand environmentally friendly design and materials
When hiring a contractor or subcontractor, look for professionals who understand and have experience with environmentally friendly design, unless you do the work yourself. For example, look for builders who are LEED-accredited where possible by the United States Green Building Council. Green building professionals can not only help you with design aspects, but also with the procurement of environmentally friendly materials.
Keep budget
If you're planning a renovation and your budget is tight, you may be afraid that you don't have enough money to cover sustainable materials, but this may not be the case. Recovered materials are as sustainable as possible and often available at a lower price than you would pay for new items. You may also be able to get creative and save what you have. Before you start renovating a house, you should always do some research. This is especially true if you want to be environmentally friendly.
You want to learn more about materials and systems, and this will help you create your goals so that you can better share them with contractors or subcontractors. You can also take a tour of green houses, and even contact your state or local government for advice on what to do if you want to be greener in your home design. You can get to know the philosophies behind the principles of environmentally friendly building and renovation and better prioritize your project.
