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CHOOSING GREEN OR SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
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Buy Smart
By choosing products that are made from sustainable or recycled materials
that don’t deplete our natural resources, damage the environment,
or require excess energy to produce, homeowners can go green one
choice at a time. It’s amazing how much of an impact simply
buying eco-friendly paints, wood alternatives, or even recycled paper
countertops can have on the environment.
But given the number of eco-friendly home improvements products out
there today, you may find yourself confused about which to use and
which to avoid.
There are a few questions you can ask about the product or materials
that will help you evaluate how green they are:
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Is the material is manufactured
locally or not? |
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What percentage of the material is recycled,
and can you recycle when you’re finished using it—i.e.
can flooring strips be recycled? |
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Is the material a rapidly renewable
source? |
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Does the material contain non-toxic
elements and does it produce low emissions? |
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If you’re using wood,
is it harvested from certified sustainable forests? |
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Does it adhere to green industry
standards? |
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Is your product durable and
easy to maintain? |
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Does the manufacturing process
have a low impact on the environment and does the manufacturer
adhere to sound environmental practices? |
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What is the VOC rating? |
Take a look at some examples of the most cutting edge green products
on the market today. Incorporating these materials into your New
York, Connecticut or New Jersey home renovation will help both your
home’s health and reduce your overall carbon imprint. |
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