An article, courtesy of ARA, provides some very useful tips for making your home more eco-friendly.  If you’re considering building or remodeling your home, these tips will not only benefit the environment and create a more efficient home, they will also create a healthier environment for you and your family, free from toxic materials and allergies.  Here are the tips they reccomended:

• Appliances: Choose high-efficiency water heaters, low-flow toilets and showerheads, faucet aerators, and energy- and water-efficient appliances. Consider using bulk-product dispensers for body-care products.
• Flooring: Reuse existing flooring and subflooring when possible and look at flooring made from natural or rapidly renewable materials for new floors. Refinish wood floors using safe processes and with greener and safer materials. Avoid carpeting high-moisture areas or where spills could occur. Consider removable area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting.
• Lighting: Make smart use of natural light and supplement it with efficient electric lighting such as compact fluorescent bulbs.
• Paints: Use low- or zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, finishes, adhesives, grouts, caulking and sealants.
• Furnishings: Choose cabinetry and other furnishings made from recycled or reclaimed materials or wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. There are a number of products on the market, including countertops, tables, chairs and flooring, made from a wide range of recycled and reclaimed materials. Select compact furniture that incorporates storage and consider reused, salvaged or antique furniture.
• Water Use: Set water heater temperatures no higher than necessary and conserve water use.
• Safety: Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms.

ARA Content: 12/14/07