Green remodeling can pay off - not only in lowered utility bills, but also in buyer appeal when the property is sold.
Here are some green things to consider.
- Site selection. Prefer infill development instead of a new subdivision in a far-flung new suburb that gobbles wetlands and displaces animals.
- Energy-efficient products. Choose Energy Star appliances, double-paned windows, low-flush toilets, and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Spray foam insulation. Seal the home with insulation that doesn't let the heat or cooled air leak out.
- Sustainable wood flooring. Select flooring certified by Forest Stewardship Council, which protects forests by managing the amount of wood harvested annually.
- Locally made products. Buy products made less than 250 miles away to reduce transportation costs. Granite, for instance, is generally imported from afar.
- Nontoxic paint. Use paint that is low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - chemicals that evaporate into the atmosphere. Look for Green Seal certified brands.
Source: St. Petersburg Times, Susan Thurston (12/28/07)
How are you GOING GREEN? Share your ideas and tips. ;)
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