| The majority of scientists and other experts now | | | | Other methods of making a home eco friendly |
| agree that human activity is having a negative | | | | include: |
| impact on the planet. Global warming, increased | | | | Make sure windows are air tight to reduce |
| pollution, and our diminishing natural resources | | | | energy consumption. |
| have resulted in an urgent need to change our | | | | Use recycled and environmentally friendly |
| lifestyles. One way of creating a more sustainable | | | | insulation that do not contain any chemicals. Baled |
| environment is by building eco friendly homes. | | | | straw is a good choice. |
| By building eco friendly new homes we are | | | | Bricks can be recycled and reused with very |
| protecting our forests and reducing the amount | | | | little processing and energy consumption. |
| of toxins and green house gases being released | | | | Concrete countertops made from recycled |
| into the air. For instance, bamboo is becoming | | | | newspaper and fly ash |
| popular as a source of wood for building homes. | | | | Paint walls with an eco-friendly paint. |
| Bamboo is durable and it grows quickly therefore | | | | Use energy efficient light bulbs. |
| we are replenishing forests quickly instead of | | | | Install ventilation systems to remove dust, |
| depleting them. As well, it absorbs four times as | | | | dirt, and toxins that are in the air. |
| much carbon dioxide as most trees. Another | | | | There are a host of energy efficient |
| method of obtaining wood is through harvesting | | | | appliances on the market such as refrigerators, |
| wood from sustainable forests and from recycled | | | | washers, water heaters...etc. |
| wood. One should consider using 'green' lumber | | | | Install cabinets that do not contain any toxic |
| certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. | | | | substances |
| Acquiring furniture made from eco-friendly | | | | Install fans in the bathroom to remove |
| methods is another way of protecting | | | | moisture and install exhaust fans over the stove |
| environment. There are many companies that | | | | to remove gases. |
| recycle old furniture into beautiful products. As | | | | For flooring, use either cork, bamboo, |
| well, waste wood from lumber yards and wood | | | | hardwood from certified sustainable forests, or |
| from sustainable forests are also used to make | | | | biodegradable linoleum. |
| eco-friendly furniture. | | | | Install low flow shower heads and water |
| For concrete foundations, fly ash, the residue | | | | conserving toilets. |
| from coal-fired power plants, can be used to | | | | According to the Worldwatch Institute, an |
| replace at least half the cement used to make | | | | independent organization that evaluates serious |
| concrete. Utilizing fly ash reduces the cost of | | | | global issues, "one-fourth of the world's wood and |
| concrete, and produces a superior quality product. | | | | one-sixth of its fresh water are used in building |
| One main source of indoor pollution is carpeting | | | | construction." More companies are now responding |
| and rugs. They are known for collecting toxins, | | | | to consumers' demands for an eco friendly |
| dirt, dust, pet dander, pollen, and bacteria. Using an | | | | lifestyle. Because there are now such a wide |
| eco friendly carpet made from eco friendly | | | | range of earth friendly materials available, building |
| materials helps reduce the amount of indoor | | | | an eco friendly home is one way we can reduce |
| harmful toxins in the home. | | | | our carbon footprint. |