| Remodeling your bathroom and your kitchen are the | | | | keep items cool. |
| two best ways to update your home and to increase | | | | Making Your Bathroom Eco-Friendly |
| its value. If you are looking to improve the value of | | | | If you want to make your bathroom more |
| your home while also doing your part to protect the | | | | eco-friendly, you might want to consider these |
| environment, you might want to consider making | | | | bathroom-specific remodeling ideas: |
| some green upgrades to your home. Here are a few | | | | * Replace the toilet with a low-flow model |
| green ideas you might want to consider for your | | | | * Install tile that are made from recycled materials |
| kitchen as well as for your bathroom. | | | | * Install flow reduces on the faucets and in your |
| Making Your Kitchen Eco-Friendly | | | | shower in order to reduce the amount of water that |
| There are several steps you can take to make your | | | | is used |
| kitchen more "green." Some of these steps include: | | | | General Eco-Friendly Remodeling Tips |
| * Purchasing appliances with an Energy Star rating. | | | | Of course, regardless of the room you are |
| Energy Star appliances use less energy than those | | | | remodeling, there are a few other tips that you |
| that are not Energy Star rated. Even better, they | | | | should keep in mind. Some considerations to make |
| usually do not cost more to purchase. In fact, you | | | | when completing any remodeling project include: |
| may even be able to get a rebate from your utility | | | | * Don't add on more than what you need, as using |
| company and you might be able to receive a federal | | | | less materials is always the more eco-friendly way to |
| tax credit when you purchase one of these | | | | go. |
| appliances for your kitchen. | | | | * Install ceiling fans in the room in order to keep the |
| * Install cabinetry that is free from formaldehyde in | | | | warm air down during the wintertime and to provide |
| order to avoid releasing toxins. | | | | cool air in the summertime. |
| * Purchase cabinetry and other wood fixtures that | | | | * Install insulation in the attic as well as in the walls in |
| are made from woods that are sustainably harvested | | | | order to prevent heat transfer from occurring. |
| by purchasing those that are certified by the Forest | | | | * Place shades, windows and overhangs in strategic |
| Stewardship Council (FSC). | | | | locations in order to use the sun's heat in the |
| * Install countertops made from recycled-content | | | | wintertime to help keep the room warm. |
| glass. | | | | When it comes to completing a remodeling project, |
| * Purchase a water filter rather than buying bottled | | | | choosing the right materials and implementing a few |
| water. | | | | helpful strategies will go a long way toward making |
| * Use natural light whenever possible by installing | | | | your home more eco-friendly. Not only will you help |
| well-placed skylights, windows and sun tunnels. | | | | the environment, but you will save money in the |
| * Place the refrigerator away from the oven and out | | | | long-run while also helping to make your home more |
| of sunlight so it will not have to work too hard to | | | | valuable. |