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[A29]A Eco Friendly House

by Gregg- Camp, Gre

What comes to mind when you hear the term "eco-friendly homes"? Energy efficiency is something that people most often equate with this term and that is certainly an important part of eco-friendly homes, but there is more to being eco-friendly than just saving energy, a whole lot more. True eco-friendly homes should be created from materials that are either recycled or at least are not made from fossil fuels. Eco-friendly homes are about reducing waste, making better use of space and keeping things clean. Reduce, re-use, recycle is the mantra of the eco-friendly home builder.

Green Building Techniques

In fact, even the building techniques used to make a home can be easier on the environment. Builders are starting to think about building homes on fewer square feet of land (more earth left for plants to grow) and even including roof top gardens that help to insulate the home, while making more room for carbon monoxide-loving oxygen-producing plants, to grow. That is an example of what it truly means to "go green" with eco-friendly homes. Even small things like building the home in a south facing position can help to make better use of natural sunlight which can help the home to be more energy efficient.

Eco-friendly Building Materials

Building materials that do not result in deforestation of the earth, especially the delicate rain forests also help make eco-friendly homes. This can be anything from reclaimed wood that comes from river beds, standing dead wood or even from buildings or homes that are being torn down. So long as no living tree was cut down to build a home, that home is more eco-friendly. Mud, stones and even straw are natural building materials that are commonly being used in eco-friendly homes along with renewable resources like bamboo. Nowadays many types of products are being made from bamboo, a member of the grass family, from flooring to cabinets, to wall coverings.

Energy Efficiency

Of course, energy efficiency is an important part of eco-friendly homes. A well-insulated home with low E glass, double glazed windows, will help save energy and adding solar panels can help you create energy. Some eco-friendly homes even add power into the power grid and make money back from the electric companies by using solar or wind power. And adding solar panels to a home isn't nearly as expensive as it used to be, you can even make your own solar panels with simple instructions and a kit that you can purchase. Some choose to heat their water with solar panel, thereby reducing their need for gas or electricity.

Making the Earth a Better Place

More and more people are realizing the importance and benefits of creating eco-friendly homes to better manage the earth's natural resources so it can be a better place for future generations. More homes are being built with green building materials and techniques and people are even taking steps to make their current homes more environmentally sound. As building eco-friendly homes becomes more popular, these techniques will likely become more commonplace and actually become the standard for the home building industry. Meanwhile, a people who are looking to purchase or build a new homes should seriously consider "going green" with eco-friendly homes.

There are several choices for decking materials and each one affects the environment in good and bad ways. The lessons from using pressure-treated wood, which has been phased out for residential use due to the adverse affects of its arsenic content, make us sensitive to how our choices affect our lives. What becomes of the waste materials? How do I clean my deck? What happens to the deck when its life span is over? These are some of the things to be considered.

Wood Decks
Wood is the original deck material. It's strong, it looks good, and it breaks down into natural components. Hard woods, such as redwood and cedar, and ipe (pronounced ee-pay) are the best choice because they are the most naturally resistant to rot and insects. Old growth wood is also preferable but not readily available, although there are opportunities to salvage it from older buildings and other structures. Softer woods are also a good alternative but they require chemicals and preservatives to ward off rot and insects.

When purchasing wood materials, consider where they come from. Hard woods from farther away require more energy and have a higher carbon input to get them to market. Also, it's better to buy them from a managed resource rather than cutting down virgin rain forests. There are organizations, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) that certify growers so that you can be assured of what you're purchasing.

Some of the downsides to choosing wood include problems during installation, such as cracking and splitting, chemicals used to stain the wood a desired color, and the annual maintenance and chemicals required to reduce mildew, rot, and warping.

Composite Decks
Composite materials are a combination of wood, plastic, and other materials such as wax and fiberglass. Not all composite materials are made the same so ask to see if they are made from recycled or virgin plastic and if they contain any other harmful chemicals. They are especially helpful for creative designs because they are easily shaped for curves and custom edging. Contact a deck contractor for ideas for your home.

Composite materials last longer than wood, many being guaranteed for up to 25 years. They do not have the installation and maintenance problems of wood nor do they require the preservatives or chemicals that wood does. Because some of them are made from recycled products and their lifespan is so long, they help to keep those wasteful products out of the landfill. Unfortunately, once these materials are no longer useful, they can not be recycled and most likely will end up being thrown away, where they will be around for a long time.

Plastic Decks
Plastic Lumber is usually made from 100% recycled PET, HDPE or LDPE but sometimes has wood or other materials mixed in, which can make the materials weaker and more prone to warping. Plastic doesn't require chemicals or preservatives and is easily cleaned with your garden hose but again, once it's life span is over, it is most likely thrown away.

Each option for deck materials has its own pros and cons depending on how they will be used. For help in deciding which material would be best for your situation, consult a professional deck contractor.

Article Source : Pg. 112

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Both Gregg- Camp & Mike Mussog are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Gregg- Camp has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management. Gregg Camp is an experienced who has spent more than 20 years working in the beautiful. Gregg- Camp's top article generates over 22200 views. to your Favourites.

Mike Mussog has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Kitchen Home Improvement and Landscaping. is the trusted resource for designing, financing, and creating your dream outdoor environment. Learn more about our. Mike Mussog's top article generates over 1000 views. to your Favourites.