Going Green with Interior Design and Architecture
It’s now cool to be green as seen in the image above that includes a totally eco- friendly fireplace surround. Go to the movies, turn on the TV, pick up a home and garden magazine and everybody is talking about how important it is to conserve energy and use earth friendly building materials. But if you’re thinking about remodeling a kitchen or finishing a basement what does that really mean? How can you go through the messy process of demolition and construction without getting sent on a guilt trip about the trees used in your new hardwood floor or the granite pulled out of the earth for your new countertop? Here's some ideas...
Hardwood FloorsSeen below, a hardwood floor made from Australian Chestnut that's earth friendly. The only thing that would make it better would be if it wasn't grown in Australia - use local products whenever possible.
Get Brazilian Cherry or many other kinds of exotic species without the guilt by buying wood from suppliers that have been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). You can also check out reclaimed wood and bamboo. Here's some approximate costs to give you an idea about what you're looking at. Local costs will vary. Price per square foot: FSC certified hard wood – $7-$14 (not installed) FSC certified bamboo - $4-$6 (not installed) Bonus Benefit- many FSC certified “engineered” wood used for floors offers greater stability and is now thick enough to be refinished if needed.
Counter TopsGet off the granite by checking out totally green countertops as seen below. PaperStone is made of recycled paper, IceStone is made from concrete and recycled glass.Price per square foot: Paper Stone: $43-$48 square foot IceStone: $90-$135 square foot Bonus Benefit - Most granite and marble comes out of Italy, Paper Stone is in Washington State, Ice Stone is manufactured in Brooklyn.
More Green Finishes:Paints / Stains: Volatile Organic Compounds or “VOC’s” (benzene, methylene chloride) are typically found in non-green paints and stains. Check out “low” or “no VOC” paints and stains from companies like “American Pride.” Price per Gallon – $29-33 gallon Bonus Benefit – nearly odorlessCarpeting: Synthetic fibers like acrylics are made using petroleum, be a greenie by buying natural fibers like wool or check out tiles made from recycled carpet. Price per square foot – $6.99 – $30.99Bonus Benefit – If you get tired of your Interface floor –they will take it back and recycle if for you. Interface Carpet tiles made from recycled carpet. Price per square foot – $6.99 – $30.99Bonus Benefit – If you get tired of your Interface floor –they will take it back and recycle if for you.
Buying LocalStores are springing up where you can learn everything you need to know about building earth friendly and then actually buy the stuff you need to do it including places like the green building center in Kensington, Maryland.The store provides a wealth of information and more importantly, products and samples of earth friendly paints, carpeting, flooring, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, tile, lighting, and insulation. What makes the products ecologically better varies but you should know upfront that just because it’s recycled don’t expect it to be the cheapest stuff in town. For more on
green design.
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