Plant-based wall coverings
Who knew that covering our walls with grass or coconut shells could produce such exquisite results? Papers, tiles and panels crafted from sustain- able plants and reclaimed agricultural waste will beautifully cover sections or entire walls, imbuing them with pattern, texture and color.
Keep Waste to a Minimum
Reduce
n Share project details and mea- surements with a salesperson or contractor to obtain material esti- mates and avoid over-ordering.
n Measure twice and cut once to avoid expensive material waste.
Reuse & Recycle
n When renovating, think decon- struction, rather than demolition.
n Require that a contractor’s bid include a plan for reducing, reusing or recycling construction waste and references from similar projects.
n Much of what is left over after demolition and remodeling can be recycled or reused. Use Earth911. org to identify such materials and businesses willing to take them.
n Save leftover paint, adhesives and scraps that can be used later for touch-ups and repairs.
n Look for a materials exchange, such as Habitat for Humanity’s
ReStores (Habitat.org/env/restores.
aspx), which may offer both new (surplus/overstock) and used build- ing materials and components.
Contributing Source: Union of Concerned Scientists at ucsusa.org/ action
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Phoenix
Design-worthy sources include PhillipJeffries.com and KireiUSA.com.
Add Architectural Detail
Architectural detail can be that special touch that really makes a room pop. Crown molding, baseboards, door and window trim, mantels, beams and wainscoting are affordable details that add interest and value to a home. Planet-friendly products of recycled and reclaimed origin ensure that we get the look we want and keep a clear conscience.
Reclaimed wood
Reclaimed wood comes from a variety of sources and species. Whether it’s heart pine from a 1890 Virginia
warehouse or burgundy-stained oak from old California wine barrels, all reclaimed wood has a story—and the kind of character and richness not available with new wood. Choosing reclaimed goodies also keeps more trees firmly planted in the ground.
Recommended sources include VintageTimber.com, Elmwood ReclaimedTimber.com and Habitat. org/cd/env/restore.aspx.
Wood alternatives
Wood-like composites made from recycled plastics are as much or more effective as solid wood for interior decoration. Timbron International makes decorative moldings that are 90 percent recycled. “Our moldings can be cut, nailed, glued, sanded, caulked and painted, just like wood,” says Steve Lacy, the company’s president and CEO, “but, unlike wood, our product is more durable and impervi- ous to water.”
Innovative sources include Timbron. com and PlasTeak.com.
Five Reliable Green Rehab Certifications
Product Categories
Certification
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Smart Certified (SMaRT)
Green Seal FloorScore
Cradle to Cradle (C2C)
Wood and bamboo products
Building products, textiles and flooring
Building products Flooring
Building products
Source: Green Building Alliance
Note: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) developed Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards as benchmarks for the design, con- struction and operation of high performance green buildings. This list of compliant certifications is not intended to be comprehensive.
Materials and resources
Innovation and design
Indoor air quality Indoor air quality
Innovation and design
LEED Compliance
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