"Green" Building Products Part 1: Indoors
by Jenny Gunsbury
Reducing the amount of energy, water, or materials used in construction and in the daily operation of our homes is getting easier every day. "Customers are definitely interested in it," says Berit Rosenberg, Interior Designer, Floor to Ceiling Store in Baxter. "It makes them feel good to choose items that are good for the environment but also don't compromise quality."
Options for green products are growing. Low-flow toilets, showerhead and sink aerators, and tankless water heaters reduce the amount of water and energy consumption in kitchens and baths. "Even countertop materials such as laminate, Corian (acrylic), and Zodiaq or Cambria (quartz) are considered green because they are either a renewable resource, use recycled material or require less energy to manufacture than other options," says Rosenberg. Cabinets made from sustainable woods such as bamboo and lyptus are now on the market, as well as energy efficient window blinds. Installing Energy Star-rated appliances can even get homeowners a break at tax time.
Carpet and flooring companies are also developing green products. "Smart Strand carpet is actually made from corn," explains Rosenberg. "It comes in many colors, patterns and feels really soft." Sustainable materials, such as bamboo and cork, are becoming very popular as flooring selections. The Shaw Company carries a line of flooring, Epic Hardwood, which is made of wood fibers that are by-products of other manufacturing processes. "Marmoleum, linoleum-like flooring, is made of all-natural ingredients and is great for people with allergies. There aren't any chemicals and it's easy to keep clean," says Rosenberg.
Some products, such as paint, adhesive, and vinyl, emit harmful chemicals into the air called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Companies going green now offer no-VOC or low-VOC alternatives. Vinyl-free wall coverings are even available. Check local retailers for these products.
Reusing materials is another way to be an environmental steward. When Louise Mengelkoch and Kent Nerburn, Bemidji, decided to build their home in 1999, they needed to stick to a budget. "I like to scavenge for used or recycled things," says Nerburn. "So when I saw an ad for used high school basketball court flooring for sale in the cities, I went and bought it. It was reasonable and now it covers most of the floors in our home. We love wood and using natural materials. It just made sense."
There are also green products that nobody can even see in your home. Marty Fladeboe, owner of North Country Insulation in Bemidji, uses Icynene foam, an environmentally friendly option. "It provides great energy efficiency, moisture control, and health benefits. It's blown-in with water, not chemicals. Once installed, it doesn’t settle or sag, like traditional insulation can," he explains. Fladeboe says approximately 70% of his customers request Icynene. "Cost savings on energy bills can be 20-30% with it. Since Icynene comes in barrels, it's also more efficient to transport. Two barrels insulate an entire house."
Shopping locally and recycling household waste are additional ways to incorporate the familiar motto "Reduce…Reuse… Recycle" into our homes. With new "green" products continuously being developed, it's simple to include them in every room of a home to help achieve these three environmental goals.
Reducing the amount of energy, water, or materials used in construction and in the daily operation of our homes is getting easier every day. "Customers are definitely interested in it," says Berit Rosenberg, Interior Designer, Floor to Ceiling Store in Baxter. "It makes them feel good to choose items that are good for the environment but also don't compromise quality."
Options for green products are growing. Low-flow toilets, showerhead and sink aerators, and tankless water heaters reduce the amount of water and energy consumption in kitchens and baths. "Even countertop materials such as laminate, Corian (acrylic), and Zodiaq or Cambria (quartz) are considered green because they are either a renewable resource, use recycled material or require less energy to manufacture than other options," says Rosenberg. Cabinets made from sustainable woods such as bamboo and lyptus are now on the market, as well as energy efficient window blinds. Installing Energy Star-rated appliances can even get homeowners a break at tax time.
Carpet and flooring companies are also developing green products. "Smart Strand carpet is actually made from corn," explains Rosenberg. "It comes in many colors, patterns and feels really soft." Sustainable materials, such as bamboo and cork, are becoming very popular as flooring selections. The Shaw Company carries a line of flooring, Epic Hardwood, which is made of wood fibers that are by-products of other manufacturing processes. "Marmoleum, linoleum-like flooring, is made of all-natural ingredients and is great for people with allergies. There aren't any chemicals and it's easy to keep clean," says Rosenberg.
Some products, such as paint, adhesive, and vinyl, emit harmful chemicals into the air called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Companies going green now offer no-VOC or low-VOC alternatives. Vinyl-free wall coverings are even available. Check local retailers for these products.Reusing materials is another way to be an environmental steward. When Louise Mengelkoch and Kent Nerburn, Bemidji, decided to build their home in 1999, they needed to stick to a budget. "I like to scavenge for used or recycled things," says Nerburn. "So when I saw an ad for used high school basketball court flooring for sale in the cities, I went and bought it. It was reasonable and now it covers most of the floors in our home. We love wood and using natural materials. It just made sense."
There are also green products that nobody can even see in your home. Marty Fladeboe, owner of North Country Insulation in Bemidji, uses Icynene foam, an environmentally friendly option. "It provides great energy efficiency, moisture control, and health benefits. It's blown-in with water, not chemicals. Once installed, it doesn’t settle or sag, like traditional insulation can," he explains. Fladeboe says approximately 70% of his customers request Icynene. "Cost savings on energy bills can be 20-30% with it. Since Icynene comes in barrels, it's also more efficient to transport. Two barrels insulate an entire house."
Shopping locally and recycling household waste are additional ways to incorporate the familiar motto "Reduce…Reuse… Recycle" into our homes. With new "green" products continuously being developed, it's simple to include them in every room of a home to help achieve these three environmental goals.
posted by Katie Carter at
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