Five Tips for a Sustainable Remodel – Home Depot

Whether lounging in the living room, cooking in the kitchen or slumbering in the bedroom, Americans spend 90 percent of their time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With so much time spent at home, it’s important to make your space feel cozy, as well as better for the environment.  

Thinking about revamping your interior? Here are five tips to do it sustainably:

	1. Go with the Flow WaterSense faucets, toilets and showerheads are high-performing, water-efficient fixtures that reduce water use in your home. It’s an easy way to make sure Earth’s precious resource, and your money, don’t go down the drain.
	2. Just Do It, Again.  FutureFoam is making what was old, new again. Their carpet pads are made from Nike Grind (post-industrial Nike Footwear foam). Redgard, a waterproof flooring layer, also uses 70 percent recycled materials for their uncoupling mats for tile and stone.
	3. Be a Friend to the Forest Nearly all the wood offered at The Home Depot is FSC, SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)-certified. Bonus: more than 90 percent of the wood comes from North America.
	4. Power Down Lights on, but nobody’s home? Try these tips to save on your energy bill:  Install motion sensors so lights are only on when needed. Sensors and dimmer switches use 50 percent less energy than standard switches. Smart, programmable thermostats power down air conditioning or heating when you’re away or less active, saving you $180. ENERGY STAR LED lights are well-worth the investment, using 70-90 percent less energy than conventional light bulbs.
	5. Take a Breath Want a pop of color without breathing in the fumes? Try low or no VOC Behr paint paired with phthalate and formaldehyde-free vinyl flooring, like FloorScore-certified LifeProof flooring. With chemical-free flooring and paint you can be sure your room is full of style without needless fumes.

Interested in making your home more sustainable? Visit the Green interactive house to browse all the EcoOptions tips, tricks and products.