Going Greener--One Small Gesture at a Time

With more consumers concerned about the environment and their own health, it’s no surprise that new homeowners are among those seeking out green products during remodels. Sellers, in the meantime, may want to choose green products during pre-sale revisions so they can promote these choices to enhance the home’s marketability to an increasingly conscientious buying public.

How can you help clients get “green” in their homes?  Here are several ways clients can conserve energy, prevent waste of materials, and leave a smaller carbon footprint:

Energy-saving home products
You don’t have to replace windows and doors (though it may be a wise idea) to conserve energy at home. Simple gestures such as using solar lights outside, emphasizing open window versus air conditioning in summer, switching to energy-saving bulbs in the house, and unplugging appliances when not in use can conserve precious energy. For more ideas, visit the Web site of Energy Star, the government organization promoting energy education: www.energystar.gov.

Greener cleaning products
Many homeowners have allergies or suspect they may have sensitivities to the chemicals in common household cleansers sold in supermarkets. Increasingly, companies are producing alternative cleaning products. How do you know if you’ve found a greener cleaner? Read product labels and look for choices that use natural cleaning ingredients including baking soda, borax, castile soap, cream of tartar, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, or vinegar as key ingredients. Consumer Reports offers guidance on finding non-toxic cleaning products—and even making your own cleaning products—at its Green Choices site (www.greenerchoices.org).

Cleaner painting products
Paints release what’s known as “volatile organic compounds” or VOCs. It’s difficult but not impossible to find “zero VOC” paint, but Low VOC paint and paints made from natural ingredients are also good choices for conscientious clients. The Web Site EarthEasy offers a guide to environmentally gentle paints here: http://www.eartheasy.com/live_nontoxic_paints.htm.

Cleaner gardening products
For homeowners who want to prevent pollution and keep their yards nice-looking, using organic methods to cultivate plants and combat weeds is a necessity. Rather than use conventional pesticides, clients may be able to use natural ingredients such as vinegar-based solutions to combat weeds. To enhance plant growth, common household foods ranging from compost to coffee grounds can take the place of chemical-based plant boosters. Interested? Consult your local branch of the American Horticultural Society’s Master Gardeners team and ask experts about organic gardening methods: http://www.ahs.org/master_gardeners/.

Consider reclaimed building materials
Materials made using recycled wood, glass or other products may cost more, but they convey a feel-good mystique to clients concerned about wasting precious resources. Another option: Find out where the local salvage stores are, as they frequently sell materials from homes set for demolition. These stores offer a Catch-22 for some homeowners, however. On the one hand, they keep materials from disappearing in a landfill. On the other hand, many materials from older homes feature toxic ingredients—such as lead-based paint.

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