Eco-friendly home remodel tips

Considering eco-friendly home remodel ideas? Located in Eugene, Oregon, Fort Rock Construction is nestled in a green-loving, bike riding, plastic bag free, tie-dye wearing, environmentally friendly, tree-hugging community—and proud of it. So it should go without saying that our clients are going to have an interest in ideas for remodeling that involve: reduce, reuse and recycle.

Use recycled materials. Recycled carpet tiles are created by grinding up used vinyl and nylon carpets. Flooring and even paint can be recycled and reused.

Reusing salvaged materials. Whether you find these materials locally or online, they are good for the environment—and your pocket.

Buy local. Using local products and services cuts down on the distance of travel, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

Purchase post-consumer or post-industrial materials that can easily be recycled later.
Investigate whether the materials are sustainably sourced (wood certified as sustainably harvested by the Forest Stewardship Council)

Switch out old appliances with more energy efficient models. Newer models that qualify for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s EnergyStar label can be 20-30 times more energy efficient.

Make sure attics, walls and basements are insulated to keep the cold out. Better yet, try using denim as recycled insulation.

Use occupancy/vacancy censors. This is a kind of motion detector that turns on when someone enters the room or turns off when someone exits.

Switch older single pane windows with double or triple panes that will be more energy efficient.

Add weather stripping around doors and windows.
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Install a low-flow toilet. This uses less water than the traditional models.