| Currently we are facing dire economical and ecological | | | | plastic or our traditional concept of recycling, but also |
| times. Recent changes and breakdowns in several | | | | includes the re-use of products. If your redesign |
| industries have left millions unemployed; as they are | | | | requires wood products, consider reclaimed lumber or |
| forced to watch their finances dwindle or disappear | | | | reclaimed flooring as an alternative. (this is often |
| altogether. In addition, our reluctance to embrace a | | | | wood that has been salvaged from old buildings) |
| burgeoning emphasis on finding sustainable methods | | | | Painted Floors - This could be a very inexpensive |
| to supply our needs has placed an ever increasing | | | | step towards going green. If your floors are in |
| drain on our environment and natural resources. Many | | | | desperate need of new life consider painting them. If |
| have suggested that going green is the way to | | | | you choose this option, make sure you do your |
| economical and ecological recovery. Some see it as a | | | | homework to find the most appropriate technique to |
| way to decrease their carbon footprint, and others | | | | ensure your painted floors last, and remember to |
| see it as a means to create new job opportunities in | | | | purchase paints that are low VOC's. (VOC stands for |
| a waning economy. | | | | volatile organic compound) |
| Going green is a concept that has been receiving a | | | | Green Building Supplies - If your home redesign is a |
| lot of attention lately. I'd be lying if I said the concept | | | | bit exhaustive, you may wont to consider finding local |
| was gaining rave revues. The truth is, many are at | | | | designers or architects that specialize in green design. |
| odds with regard to the impact that going green | | | | If you're into doing it yourself, you can always do a |
| could have, with regards to it's timeliness to | | | | little digging and find companies that provide green |
| effectively impact our environment or it's ability to | | | | products. Here's one that I found while doing a quick |
| save those who choose this option any money at all. | | | | Internet search. ( Green building supplies are typically |
| While it's true that going green often presents hefty | | | | those that are considered eco friendly, natural or |
| up front pricing with promises of savings on the | | | | organic products, are easily renewable, and omit low |
| back-end, all endeavors to go green don't have to | | | | to no VOC's. |
| break the bank. | | | | Green Energy - While this is more mechanical, it may |
| What I have to offer won't provide economical | | | | very well be a component of your home redesign. It |
| recovery, unless you consider the dollars you may | | | | could be as simple as improving the insulation of your |
| save by using some of these tips for going green, | | | | home to decrease your energy consumption, or |
| but it will offer you an opportunity to begin to | | | | considering geo-thermal or solar energy as an option |
| consider "green" with your next design project, which | | | | for heating and cooling your home. |
| may direct you in a path to consider "green" as a | | | | Awareness - Lastly, the most important step you |
| way of living, and could decrease your ecological | | | | can take in going green is becoming aware of what |
| impact on the environment. | | | | you options are and exploring the many avenues for |
| Here are a few things to consider that may give you | | | | going green. Seek out local agencies that may be |
| the green thumb of approval: | | | | able to better direct you and educate you in your |
| Recycled Goods - This isn't just limited to paper and | | | | effort to go green. |