The Service Solution

What can you do to spice up your home while still doing your part for the environment? Why, I’m glad you asked, because the truth is there are plenty of environmental (and economic) home improvement solutions that go unnoticed by concerned remodelers. You can find many of them simply by clicking your browser to a site like ours, or to a similar home remodeling or environmental blog. If a suggested project is too big for you to do on your own, don’t hesitate to call a contractor to help you out. For best results, make sure that he or she cares as much about green remodeling as you do.The materials you choose can make a big difference in your project’s effect on the environment. When planning a new deck or extension to your existing porch, use composite decking. This material is composed of wood waste and recycled plastic, and is splinter-, rot-, and warp-proof. A new pulp-based countertop looks great and repels stains and scratches, while bamboo plywood is a great choice for cabinets and flooring, especially in moist rooms like the bathroom.Alternative energy sources for heating and cooling have been big in the news recently, and it’s easy to make the switch in your own home. Install solar panels to take care of your energy needs, and don’t be afraid to purchase high-quality used panelseven panels that are twenty years old or more can generate almost 100 of their original power. Replacing any of your heating or cooling systems with Energy Star products is another sure way to lower your greenhouse gas emissions while saving money.You can also cut down on the amount of electricity you use already. Try installing some compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), which use almost 75 less energy than incandescent bulbs and have a life estimate ten times longer. If you have outdoor lighting, hook your system up to a motion sensor, or a timer. This will make any wildlife in your area more comfortable, and keep you from spending money on energy that your family doesn’t need.A form of home remodeling is repurposing furniture you already have. Why throw away a piece that could serve a perfectly good use in another room? See what shelves you can turn into tables, or change that chair with the busted back into a fashionable footstool. The possibilities for home improvement are endless when you’re thinking green, so get started today.