How to Choose Green Products
Ways To Green Your Home: Choose Green Products
1. Buy Local
Buying local produce reduces the amount of fossil
fuels required for the transportation of products from
other parts of the country or the world. It also reduces
the amount of plastic and paper products consumed
in the packaging of such far-traveling products. Buying
local reduces consumption of valuable natural
resources.
2. Use Low-VOC Products
Improve your indoor air quality by switching to products
that don't give off "volatile organic compounds"
(VOCs). Some common low-VOC or no-VOC products
include:
• Paint: A low-VOC paint is available from most
major paint brands
• Cleaning products: Low-VOC cleaning alternatives
are available for sale, or you can make your
own VOC-free cleaning products using simple
household materials like baking soda, vinegar
and borax.
3. Use Wood Alternatives or FSC-certified Wood
Products
The type of flooring and cabinetry materials you use
can have a positive effect on your health and pocketbook
while reducing your environmental impacts.
• Consider using environmentally preferable and
rapidly renewable products such as linoleum,
bamboo, recycled-content tile or non-VOC carpet.
• Choose wood products from sustainably managed
forests, such as those certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC).
• Use locally sourced products when possible to
reduce carbon emissions associated with the
transportation of those products.
4. Use Rapidly Renewable Flooring Materials
Now there are affordable, durable, and rich-looking
flooring options made from grasses and trees that mature
in roughly half of the time (or less!) than it takes
hardwoods to reach market size. Bamboo, cork, and
eucalyptus flooring products are a sustainable alternative
to traditional hardwoods.
About the U.S. Green Building Council and LEED® for Homes
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is the nation's foremost coalition of leaders from every sector of the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthy places to live and work. With the help of a cadre of national experts and experienced green homebuilders, USGBC has developed LEED for Homes as a voluntary initiative to promote the transformation of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. It provides a much-needed nationally applicable tool for homebuilders and other professionals in the residential industry for building environmentally sound, healthy, and resource-efficient places to live. For more information about LEED for Homes, visit the USGBC Web site at www.usgbc.org./leed/homes.
US Green Building Council
1800 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Suite 300
Washington, DC 20036
www.usgbc.org
