Trends in sustainable and environmentally friendly construction maintain to inch towards the mainstream, with new products being introduced almost daily that are more cost effective and efficient than ever. Here are some products and trends in environmental construction products:
Walls
Use of alternative building materials, including recycled metals, reclaimed woods and non toxic materials are making homes greener from the inside out. Even insulation is becoming greener, with wider usage of a mixture of recycled cotton and denim materials instead of toxic and dangerous to install traditional insulation.
Flooring
There is a wide range of environmentally friendly flooring options. From concrete to stones, recycled metals, recycled tiles, reclaimed woods, recycled glass, sustainable woods, bamboo, cork and even more environmentally friendly linoleums.
Paints and Finishes
There is now a large amount of paints and stains available for your interiors, including walls, floors, staircases, bathrooms, and all your surfaces.
Carpeting
Traditional new carpeting uses many chemicals to produce. In addition, the installation of new carpeting will naturally fill the indoor air in your home with what are called "VOC's" or volatile organic compounds. These compounds contain chemical carcinogens like benzenes and even formaldehyde. That new carpet smell is really a cocktail of chemicals you are breathing. These chemicals can take a number of years to dissipate from your indoor air. By using eco-friendly carpeting, you are eliminating or severely decreasing the amount of chemicals you are bringing into your house. Also, the materials used in eco-friendly carpeting are naturally recycled or sustainable. Most carpets require padding and these too can be loaded with chemicals. Instead, homeowners can decide new environmentally friendly carpet padding that is made from recycled cotton.
Cabinetry and Countertops
Even bathroom and kitchen cabinetry and countertops can be eco-friendly. New cabinet options include cabinets made from entirely sustainable woods using non-toxic finishes. For countertops, new non-toxic composite materials including quartz and recycled glass chips are obtainable. Even the glue used to adhere the cabinets to the countertop can be an eco-friendly water based glue products.
Whether you are building a new house, remodeling or simply performing some upgrades, you won't want to ignore the many eco-friendly options.
Sheldon Kalnitsky - Trends in Environmental Construction Products