10 Great "Green" Ideas for Remodeling Your Home

A cabin is a great getaway and now, there are lots of ways to make it even more appealing with eco-friendly alternatives to standard renovation materials. These are just a few ideas for "green" remodeling, so be sure to keep your eyes open for more ways to minimize your cabin's impact on the wilderness while maximizing your enjoyment of it!

1. Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Are you replacing the floor? Consider reclaimed wood from other buildings for flooring. There are companies out there that do nothing but produce quality flooring out of used wood. It looks great and performs wonderfully - without impacting the environment through logging.

2. EnergyStar

Remodeling the bathroom? Try EnergyStar appliances, such as low-water toilets, energy-efficient shower heads and water-saving faucets. These can not only save hundreds of gallons of water, they can also really save on the energy required to heat your water. While you're at it, consider a cover for your water heater or a new, better insulated one.

3. Local Flora

Local plants will flourish better and require less care than imported ones. They save on water, as they are used to the climate of the area, and don't require special soil or tending. They are also generally free for the person who takes the time to look for them.

4. Non-Toxic Paints and Finishes

There are now finishes for your wood that won't poison you or the environment. This is especially important, as some finishes can still emit VOCs (volatile organic compounds) for years after drying. The same goes for paint. There are now companies that sell low-VOC and recycled paint, making it that much easier to decorate your home in "green".

5. Buy local.

Local stone, wood and other materials will cost your environment a lot less than ones that have to be transported. You will also be investing in your local economy.

6. Recycle wall materials.

You can now find recycled drywall and insulation, often for much less than new. There are a growing number of companies that specialize in stripping buildings of recyclable materials and reprocessing them into something new and sometimes even more efficient.

7. Energy-saving windows

Energy-efficient windows will eventually pay for themselves with the savings in heating and cooling that they afford the homeowner. Less power wastage means more for everybody!

8. Heating and cooling system timers.

If you're away from the cabin all day, it hardly makes sense to keep the heat on High or the air conditioning on Sub-Zero. A timer can save you energy and money by switching your climate control on just in time for you to take advantage of it and not before.

9. Alternative Power Sources

Solar panels and wind turbines are only two options of a growing movement to get more energy from renewable resources rather than our overburdened power grids or fossil fuels. If you are in a remote area, alternative power sources can also mean the difference between a sudden power outage and a comfortable evening.

10. Educate yourself on the care and maintenance of 'green' products

Many people get 'eco-friendly' products, only to react with dismay when they don't perform like previous products did. Many natural products have a shorter shelf life or require more care than the conventionally produced ones. It behooves the cabin owner to carefully research the options available to them and make the best choice based on present value, cost and environmental impact as well as future expenses and time it takes to maintain these products properly.

With these, and other ideas that you will find if you research "green" ways of remodeling your cabin, you can have an eco-friendly residence that ends up being cheaper in the long run.

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10 Great "Green" Ideas for Remodeling Your Home

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