Whether you are looking to build a fully ledged eco-home or simply want to start small with a few energy-eficient appliances, Jane Drew shares some essential tips
1. Avoid greenwashing
When shopping, watch out for deceptive marketing terms geared towards making consumers believe a product (or house) is green when it is not. To avoid being thus ‘greenwashed’, read between the lines of such ‘green terminology’ as solar, stewardship, eco-friendly, environmental and healthful. For example, a south-facing home cannot be described as solar powered, even though it will get plenty of sun during the day. Similarly, don’t be fooled into thinking that a home fitted with compact fluorescent lighting is green. It takes more than a light bulb.
2. See the light
If you are building a new home and aiming to be eco-aware, one of your top priorities will be to ‘get off the grid’. Solar energy can either be harnessed in passive applications (for instance to heat water in swimming pools), or directly converted into electricity using photovoltaic cells. To provide solar power, solar companies install large, flat panels on top of roofs, and each panel contains grids of solar cells. It works best in wide, open locations that get plenty of sun. Some systems can store energy for use at night or on cloudy days.
3. Hear the truth
Take a look at the phrases below – they accurately represent green homes:
â— System efficiency and energy-efficient components
â— Recycled materials from eco-friendly sources
â— Solar- or wind-generated power
â— Thermal solar hot water
â— Water-saving devices
â— Recycled and innovative insulating products and materials
â— No-VOC paints, stains and floor coverings
4. Be energy-eficient
It’s important to monitor the amount of natural light coming into your home, not least because infrared and ultraviolet light fades furniture and floors. Low-E is a hard glaze coating on windows that blocks some of the damaging rays, while reducing heat loss in the winter and keeping homes cooler in the summer. Dual-pane windows are another good option as they offer insulation against the elements and soundproofing qualities.
5. Recycle and renew
There are many new green building and decorating materials that have a huge impact environmentally but one of the most versatile is plain old wood. Reclaimed lumber can be used to build walls and support beams or in roof construction. Many green companies specialise in obtaining building materials from older homes that are about to be torn down. Alternatively, make sure that all the wood used in your home (for construction, flooring or furniture) is harvested from well-managed forests with renewable resources.
6. Be natural
Cork floors are a good bet as they are made from stripped tree bark, leaving the trees intact. It is warm and inviting, but cork yellows in sunlight, scratches easily and cannot come into contact with water. Bamboo flooring is also popular with the eco-conscious as it is a grass that renews itself every three to five years. Ask for premium bamboo, made from adhesives that do not contain formaldehyde. Bamboo can be nailed, glued, stapled or floated. Again, do not install in areas that get wet.
7. Fake it
Most green carpeting is made from recycled plastic containers. It is stain resistant and colourfast and available in a myriad of hues and textures. Linoleum is another manufactured product that appeals to environmentalists. It is made from natural raw materials such as linseed oil, renewable wood products, ground limestone and jute, which is a plant fibre. Linoleum floors are stain resistant, do not absorb water and are biodegradable. A linoleum floor is hardwearing and will generally last around 40 years.
8. Start small
We, as consumers, affect the environment and, as a result, we shoulder the responsibility for our own health and well-being. To this end, it’s worth visiting a dedicated home improvement store, where you’ll find aisles reserved for green building materials and products. Choose from the many energy-efficient appliances such as refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, washers and dryers. As you shop, be sure to check for valid green certification, such as LEED®, Built Green®, EarthAdvantage® and GreenPoint-Rated EnergyStar®.
9. Close the loodgates
Simple little things you do around the house (like fixing any leaks, choosing a washing machine with an eco fitting or keeping a lid on saucepans) can save money, water and help the environment. By opting for a five-minute shower instead of a bath, you can save up to 60 litres a time. Invest in a water-saving showerhead such as the AQUIV8 Showerhead from Challis (www.alchallis.com). But what if you are a bath die-heard? Then recycle the dirty water for your plants – try a gadget such as the Watergreen from Droughbuster UK (www.droughbuster.co.uk) – it siphons the water from your bath and collects it for you.
10. Purify where possible
There are plenty of inexpensive ways to reduce air pollution levels in your home. The first is to replace your standard air-conditioning filter with one that is pleated (increased surface area collects particles more efficiently) and electrostatic (helps capture small particles and allergens). Look for a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) rating of 10 or higher. Secondly, install bathroom and kitchen ventilation to cut back on mold and mildew. You can also use houseplants to remove common chemicals from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide. Peace lilies, bamboo, palms, English ivy and gerbera daisies are among the top air-purifying types.
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