Home Improvement

Image via concretenetwork.com

With the housing market faring so poorly these days, many families are deciding to update their living spaces rather than moving to new homes. If you decide to renovate any part of your home, make sure to consider all of your sustainable options.

Today there are more eco-friendly flooring options than ever before. If you want wood floors, remember to look for the certification mark by the Forest Stewardship Council to guarantee the wood is sustainable. Bamboo is another great option because it is a rapidly renewable resource. Natural linoleum is made from renewable raw materials such as linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour, and jute. It is also versatile in its color and design options.

If you are replacing your countertops, it is smart to stay away from the generally popular choice of granite, which is nonrenewable and requires significant energy to extract and ship. Instead, consider strong and durable recycled composites. Though they look like stone, they can be made from recycled paper or glass. Another option is low-impact concrete, which can be poured in place and molded into any shape.

Is it your walls that need a touch-up? As I’ve said before, make sure to use low- or no-VOC paint. You can also try natural clay plaster, which has been used for thousands of years because of its strength and longevity. Conveniently, it also controls moisture, absorbs odors, and doesn’t attract dirt.

So if you are thinking of updating your home, take a moment to consider all of the sustainable options. Not only will you be making your home more beautiful, but you will also be making our world a more beautiful and sustainable place.