New Homes Today Magazine
Make Your House Earth and Wallet Friendly
Eco-friendly, money-saving ideas to better our environment and cut energy bill costs
By Johnna Barrett
With so many renewable, green and post consumer products available to new home buyers, now is the perfect time to transform your living space into an earth-friendly environment and "greenify" your home! A product is considered "green" if it conserves energy or is derived from renewable materials, recycling centers and manufacturing plants that use raw materials.
Here are some eco-friendly and money-saving ideas that will better our environment and cut energy bill costs in your new home:
Windows
U-values - Select windows with low U-values (also known as U-factor or coefficient of heat transmission) and low solar heat gain co-efficiency in order to maximize energy benefits. U-values measure how well a material allows heat to pass through, so the lower the U-value, the better the window's insulating value.
Sealing - Save up to 10 percent more on your next power bill by plugging air leaks with sealant or weather stripping.
NFRC Approved - When purchasing new windows, check to see if they are NFRC approved. A National Fenestration Rating Council energy performance label can help you determine how well a product will perform in all weather conditions.
Blackout Shades - Blackout shades such as bamboo, honeycomb or cell shades will not only block out light—they will also save you money. You won't need to turn down the temperature as much in the summer or turn up the heat in the winter. These insulating shades also add an elegant, upscale feel to your room.
Flooring
Recycled Leather Tiles - The varying grain, color and texture of 100 percent recycled leather tiles will add uniqueness to your eco-friendly household.
Bamboo - Part of the grass family, bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It is a renewable source for the environment and your home. Bamboo transforms your floors into an exotic adventure for your feet, providing an attractive and easy-to-clean surface.
Cork Flooring - Cork is not just for wine anymore! Another environmentally friendly, non-toxic material made from tree bark, cork is now used for flooring. This material is ground up in factories and then molded into sheets under high pressure.
Countertops
Recycled Glass Tiles - Recycled glass tiles are a great alternative to quartz, marble or granite countertops, and they are just as appealing, varying in color and style. The recycled glass is as durable as granite because it's mixed with concrete.
Recycled Paper Countertops - Recycled paper countertops are made out of paper that has been heated and mixed with resin to make it as durable as other counter surfaces. Like recycled glass, paper countertops come in various colors. It can also be used for trim and furniture as a substitute for wood.
Quick Green Fixes
Natural Fiber Rugs - Select rugs made of wool or cotton that are untreated and free of toxins. Place them on hardwood flooring to help insulate heat in the winter.
Ceiling Fans - Installing ceiling fans around the house will save you money on air conditioning!
Johnna Barrett is the founder of Barrett Design, Inc., a full-service interior design and architecture agency. One of Catalyst Magazine's Top Five Entrepreneurs in Atlanta, she has planned and designed more than 300 successful projects in 16 states, predominately in the Northeast and Southeast, and currently has projects in the works in the U.A.E.
