Today is Earth Day, and whether you’re ready to save the planet, or simply practice more eco-friendly habits it’s easier than ever to implement green and sustainable products into your home renovation projects.
Here is just a small list of some great resources for you to research before you get started on your kitchen or bath remodel. Educate yourself on all the available materials out there, as they will provide you with a greener home and a much healthier lifestyle.
Counter Tops 
Bamboo is considered a very sustainable material since it reaches maturity within five years, and regenerates from its original root system – never needing replanting.
www.plyboo.com.
Wood is a fabulous material for butcher-block counter tops and flooring. When these woods are locally grown, sustainable or FSC certified, they will rate quite highly.
www.craftart.com.
Concrete countertops are increasingly popular in contemporary settings, and don’t off-gas. They are considered greenest when locally fabricated and mixed with cement alternatives and recycled aggregates.
www.vitrastone.com.
Quartz surfaces like my favorite CaesarStone, is available in a plethora of gorgeous finishes and colors – is easily maintained, and has an endless life cycle.
www.caesarstone.com. They also manufacture a stunning recycled quartz collection.
Flooring
Hardwoods and
Bamboos are a favorite choice for beautiful flooring solutions. If the wood if FSC certified (Forest Stewardship Council), or reclaimed then that material is considered an environmentally responsible product.
www.ecotimber.com,
www.plyboo.com.
Marmoleum or
Linoleum tile is constructed of Linseed oil, jute, limestone and other components that collectively provide for an incredibly strong and durable product.
www.themarmoleumstore.com.
Cork is not only sustainable and renewable (like bamboo), but is extremely soft and comfortable under foot.
www.novaflooring.com.
Wool Carpeting is naturally stain resistant and highly durable without containing any chemical additives – just the natural oils in the sheep’s wool. With regular maintenance it can last up to 50 years and is biodegradable once it’s discarded.
www.ecobydesign.com.
Cabinetry
Cabinetry can easily be refaced or repainted with low voc or zero voc paints – which is the greener alternative.
www.benjaminmoore.com. If however they no longer fit into your renovation plans then consider re-using them somewhere else or donate them to your local Habitat For Humanity Re-Store.
www.habitat.org/env/restore.aspx.
FSC and sustainable woods that is formaldehyde free – and finished with a low voc sealant – is a green alternative to recycling your old cabinets. An interesting alternative to wood is a veneered wheat board composite. The straw fibers are combined with a formaldehyde free resin and then painted with low or zero voc paint.
Solid core
passage doors from
www.masonite.com are also constructed of wheat straw and FSC-certified woods, is formaldehyde free and meets LEED guidelines.
Finally for exquisitely designed and eco-chic furniture
www.kingsroadhome.com creates beautiful environmentally sustainable pieces.
I encourage you leave questions or comments below this post, and fill out the form on the right hand side of this page to receive your free copy of my special report:
“15 Money Saving Strategies When Planning Your Home Renovation”
Article by Lori Gilder, Architectural Interior Designer, Los Angeles, Ca. © 2010 Lori Gilder. Interior Makeovers Inc.
