Cork is strong, resilient and re-

duces noise, making it an ideal choice for many home applications. Look for formaldehyde- and PVC-free products.

Intriguing sources include NaturalCork. com and Jelinek.com.

Natural linoleum

Natural linoleum flooring is made from renewable raw materials such as linseed oil, pine rosin, wood flour and jute. Marmoleum, produced by Forbo, comes in so many different colors that the design possibilities are limitless. But its color palette is just the beginning of the allure: “Marmoleum actually becomes stronger with age, as the linseed oil oxidizes,” explains Melanie Valerian, the company’s product line manager, “and its natural anti-static properties repel dust and dirt, making it easy to clean and maintain.”

Visit TheMarmoleumStore.com.

Make Over Countertops

Got peeling laminate or stained grout? Resist the popular choice, granite, which is nonrenewable and requires significant energy to extract and ship. Instead, try a renewable countertop material that rivals or surpasses gran- ite in beauty and performance for the kitchen, bar or bathroom.

Recycled composites

Countertops made from recycled paper or glass are desirable for far more than their renewable status; among their fine qualities are strength, durability and a stone-like appearance. Another advantage is the ease of workmanship involved, making the installed price often lower than that for stone.

Good sources include PaperStoneProd- ucts.com and IceStone.biz.

As much as 90 percent of residential construction and demolition project waste is recyclable.

~ U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

natural awakenings

April 2010

35

Low-impact concrete

This versatile and beautifully distinc- tive material can be poured in place, molded into any shape and comple- mented with decorative accents to cre- ate custom looks. Mining aggregate is disruptive to

the landscape and producing cement for conventional concrete is energy inten- sive. It’s better to choose a local fabrica- tor that uses recycled, locally sourced aggregate and industrial waste byprod- ucts to replace some of the cement.

More information at ConcreteNetwork. com/Sustainable-Countertops.

Wake up Walls

One of the most dramatic changes we can make to a room is changing the wall covering. Something as simple as a fresh, vibrant coat of paint can liven up a room and our mood. Here are several Earth-friendly ways to introduce decorative color and texture.

Safe paint

Paint that is low in VOCs emits fewer volatile organic compounds that pol- lute indoor air, but note that low-VOC paint can still contain harmful toxins. Other toxic ingredients like formalde- hyde, acetone and ammonia are found in many conventional paints. Be good to the environment and choose paints that omit troublesome ingredients without compromising quality.

Sources include AFMsafecoat.com and BioShieldPaint.com.

Tips to Green an Outdoor Living Space

(Hint: It takes more than plants.)

n Select permeable pavers for walkways and patios that permit water to filter through into the soil, instead of run off into storm drains.

n Build rock walls and borders using local stone.

n Use deck boards made from recycled plastic and industrial or agricultural byproducts. These keep waste materials out of the landfill and provide low-mainte- nance areas for entertaining.

n Opt for a gas grill if home elec- tricity comes primarily from fossil fuels (check with the local utility company). If it comes from clean sources—like hydro, wind and solar—an electric grill is a good choice.

n Light walkways with solar lights and install energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lights in entertainment areas. LEDs won’t attract bugs.

n Choose native plants, trees and shrubs that will thrive on what is naturally provided by local soil and precipitation once they are established. Opt for drip irrigation systems and rain sensors. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64