park construction

Green Home Construction or Remodel
Using Recycled, Repurposed and Local Materials
Being eco-friendly is not just about buying products labeled "green" or "organic." It is often as simple as buying products grown or manufactured in your community.
   
As a savvy shopper you probably already know the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables grown nearby and locally produced dairy and meat. In doing so you are supporting businesses in your area, cutting down on fuel consumption (which increases the farther the goods are shipped) and reducing transportation emissions. Apply this knowledge and these practices when building or renovating your home. A “green” remodel can mean installing low-emissive film on your windows or low-flow faucets in your kitchen or bathroom. Of course, there are other, less obvious routes to consider: reusing, recycling, repurposing and reclaiming.

Salvage and Repurpose
Think about the fixtures you are removing. Can they be used in another application? For example, a brick facade could be used elsewhere. Imagine scraping or “popping the top” of your home and wanting to find more of the same brick. Not a simple task, but if a forward-thinking neighbor’s home once had the same brick it would be a lot easier to track down had they had it salvaged rather than thrown in a dump. Consider salvaging and repurposing other materials: doors from old churches can become tabletops; streetlights or store signs can be turned into interesting light fixtures.

Locally, salvage companies abound. Do a little research online or in the phone book. Not only will you be saving materials from the dump, you will be finding unique accents unlike any other on your block, or even in the city.

Act Locally
Think about using stone that has been quarried locally. Or wood that has been harvested in the region. Not only are you reducing your carbon footprint not buying materials that have been shipped long distances, you will probably save money too. Because the producers pay less in shipping expenses that savings is also passed on to you. Also, because these sources are nearby, you may be able to tour their businesses, maybe even pick the exact slab of stone that will become your kitchen counter. You can explore the harvest areas and see where new saplings have been replanted.

Do Your Homework
Make sure you do your homework about a producer or manufacturer. Make sure they do not “greenwash” their labels but in fact actually follow sustainable practices. Better Business Bureaus will have information on local companies. Search your local USGBC chapter (U.S. Green Building Council) for recommendations on everything from where to buy windows to carpet to stone, and professionals who are committed to using environmentally friendly practices. Energy Star is another good resource for products, especially appliances.