Going Green Inside the Home
By Linda Rudd with contributions from Sylvia Allen

What does it mean when we say we are "going green?" The trend to make everything disposable is going by the wayside, and the new trend is to "use and reuse." We have become more aware and more concerned about our environment, our resources, and our planet.

Recycling is a big part of going green - finding new purpose for things we have already used, or breaking them down and creating something new again without consuming more resources. Going green means not only being aware of how we use our resources, but what effect that use has on our environment.

Where do you start? Reduce the amount of electricity you use, use natural cleaners like vinegar and baking soda, and recycle. Don't forget to complete the cycle by buying recycled products as well. If you want to go a step further, install low-flow toilets and solar hot water heaters, and consider eco-friendly products when building or remodeling your home.

Most of all, get the whole family involved. Everyone can do their part to collectively reduce our carbon footprint on our world. For more information on how to go green in your home, visit www.lowimpactliving.com, www.greensourcebuilders.com, or www.thegreenguide.com.

• Vacuum carpet twice weekly in medium traffic areas.
• Professionally deep clean your carpet every 12 to 18 months.
• Change air filters monthly.
• Use no odor/low VOC paint.
• When purchasing new carpet, make sure to use an installer that follows the CRI installation guidelines and unrolls the new carpet in a well-ventilated warehouse for 24 hours or more before installation.
• Look for and purchase carpet, carpet cushions, and floor covering installation adhesive products that display the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Indoor Air Quality label.
• Thoroughly clean and dry water-damaged carpets and building materials (within 24 hours if possible) or consider removal and replacement.
• Open the windows. Indoor air quality is often worse that outdoors, so let the fresh air in and germs and odors out.

Green Flooring Choices to Help the Environment
Purchase products made out of recycled products. Every yard of carpet made from recycled plastic bottles keeps 30 bottles out of landfills. Carpet can also be made from recycled nylon, and rubber tiles can be made from old car tires.

Select floor covering that come from sustainable and renewable resources. Bamboo and cork floorings come from rapidly renewable sources. Be sure to only buy bamboo and cork from reputable dealers that sell U.S. Green Build approved products.
Choose hardwood harvested and milled in a socially responsible manner.

Support local recycling efforts. Make sure you choose floor covering dealers who recycle old carpet and cushion to keep it out of landfills.

Install linoleum instead of vinyl. Linoleum is made of 100% natural and renewable materials. It is non-toxic and strengthens with age while vinyl becomes brittle.

Use recycled glass and porcelain tile. Made of up to 100% post-consumer recycled content, tile is very beneficial to indoor air quality. It will not support bacterial or fungal growth, nor will it absorb or release other contaminants.

Reuse! Existing hardwood floors can be sanded and refinished.

Green Cleaning Starts with Vacuuming!

• Vacuum daily in high-traffic or pet areas.
• Vacuum twice weekly in medium-traffic areas.
• Vacuum weekly in light-traffic areas, using attachments at carpet edges.
• Consider vacuuming with a CRI-certified machine. Carpet fibers serve as a trap for allergens and other particles. Removing them with a CRI-approved vacuum effectively sucks up the dust from the carpet, locks it in the machine and keeps it out of the air.

Go to the CRI website (http://www.carpet-rug.org/residential-customers/cleaning-and-maintenance/seal-of-approval-products/vacuums.cfm) for more information.

Sources: CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, BuildingGreen.com, and Virginia Sustainable Building Network

Sylvia Allen, B.S. Chemical Engineering, Class A Contractor/Builder, member Virginia Sustainable Building Network, member National Home Builders Association, Spotsylvania mother of two, and co-owner of Penn-Mar Floors.