Green Wishlist
April 30th, 2008
As Earth Month comes to a close, there are still plenty of things we’d like to do to reduce, reuse and recycle, such as:
- Replace showerhead and faucets with low-flow units
- Replace the toilet with a dual-flush, low-flow unit, like the Aquia from Toto or the selection from Caroma
- Finish replacing all lightbulbs with CFLs. Research shows that it doesn’t pay to hold onto incandescent bulbs until they burn out — it’s better to replace them now and discard. However we will keep incandescents in light sockets that are only used for a few minutes, like closets. CFLs are better for areas that are turned on for 15 minutes or longer
- Install a solar panel awning to provide some shade as we’re powering ourselves! I have no idea how much this would cost or if it’s even feasible, but I want to look into it
- Insulate attic with Bonded Logic insulation, made with recycled blue jeans, or with Soy foam insulation
- Use recycled materials when we remodel our kitchen, such as countertops from Paperstone, Richlite, or IceStone
Anybody have other green remodeling ideas they’d like to share?
2 Responses to “Green Wishlist”
Megan April 30th, 2008 at 3:33 pm #
We recently installed Richlite and are very happy with the results. I initially wanted Paperstone, but Richlite was about half the price. The surface does scratch a little- the first time I scratched the surface with the rough side of a sponge- but this will all be a part of the patina and character that I want in my home! We also used Marmoleum for our floor and love it!!
denise May 1st, 2008 at 9:43 am #
Megan—that’s great to hear that you’re happy with the Richlite. What color did you get? I have been leaning toward the Slate Black, thinking that it may resemble soapstone (which I’d love to use, but I hate that almost all soapstone is shipped from Brazil).
Marmoleum is another great green product which I’d use in a heartbeat, but luckily we have maple floors in our kitchen.