Home Improvement


 

 

Use low-VOC Products

Improve your indoor air quality by switching to products that don’t give off “volatile organic compounds” (VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC products include:

    • Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most major paint brands
    • Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alternatives are available for sale, or you can make your own VOC-free cleaning products using simple household materials like baking soda, vinegar and borax.

Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood Products

The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use can have a positive effect on your health and pocketbook while reducing your environmental impacts

  • Consider using environmentally preferable and rapidly renewable products such as linoleum, bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.
  • Choose wood products from sustainably managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
  • Use locally sourced products when possible to reduce carbon emissions associated with the transportation of those products.

Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials

Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking flooring options made from grasses and trees that mature in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes hardwoods to reach market size.  Bamboo, cork, and eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alternative to traditional hardwoods.