Spring Green Rehab
Give Your Home the Green Light Today
by Crissy Trask
see how their everyday actions impact the whole system.” It helps to know
that making over our home doesn’t have to be an all-or-noth- ing proposition, says Lerner. “Taking even small steps to renew a space will give us a
sense of ownership, pride and comfort every time we enter it.”
year, it’s only natural to feel inspired to rejuvenate our indoor environ- ment, too. Given this natural source of inspiration, it makes sense to do it using green products that are better both for us and for the Earth. Kelly Lerner, a principal of One
W
World Design Architecture, in Spokane, Washington, and co-author of Natu-
ral Remodeling for the Not-So-Green
House, sees a willingness among home- owners to sort through all the green options. “Yes, green materials have become stylish and chic. But home- owners are genuinely concerned about their own health and they also see the connection between their own well-be- ing and the health of their homes and the ecosystem. We all depend on clean water and air, indoors and out, for ex- ample, and consumers are beginning to
34 Collier/Lee Counties
ith Mother Nature beautifully transforming our outdoor environment this time of
Rehab Floors
Foot (and perhaps paw) traffic, spills and abuse take a toll on floors. We could just cover them up with new carpet, but carpet harbors dirt and bacteria. A hard floor is easier to keep clean and will provide more flexibility, should we decide to redecorate down the road. Among the dizzying array of flooring options, a growing number of choices are better for the environment, so doing the right thing doesn’t mean compromising on style and quality.
Certified sustainable wood
Forest certification began as a way to urge logging companies to adopt en- vironmentally sound practices. Today, several certification programs exist within the industry, but according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, independent Forest Stewardship Coun- cil certification remains the only cred-
swfl.naturalawakeningsmag.com
ible seal of approval for wood products. Look for the FSC mark on packaging and accept no substitutes.
Reputable sources include EcoTimber. com and AltruWood.com.
Bamboo
Bamboo, a rapidly renewable resource that grows faster than almost any other plant, has found its way into many products, most notably, flooring. Dan Smith, president and founder of Smith & Fong Co., makers of Plyboo, remarks that “Bamboo easily passes the envi- ronmental test, but it’s also aestheti- cally and tactilely pleasing as a finish product.” To ensure quality and sustainabil-
ity, select bamboo flooring that carries reputable third-party certifications of compliance with high environmental and indoor air quality standards.
Some reputable sources include Plyboo.com and Teragren.com.
Cork
Cork flooring is made from either the bark of a cork oak tree or recycled natural cork wine stoppers. The former renews every 10 years; the latter, each time we uncork a bottle of wine. As long as cork is harvested correctly, the cork tree is unharmed and regener- ates bark 20 or more times during its lifespan.
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