subject: Green Planet Home Designs [print this page] Todays world is paying closer attention to home designs that include some form of green elements to help protect our planet. That could meanhouse plans are drawn up to take full use of only renewable and recycled products. Also much attention is being paid to making homes more energy efficient. Then there are those homes that combine all the above and are fully self-sufficient.
Energy efficiency is the most desirable aspect of any home designs these days, whether the homes are created from the most environmentally friendly materials or not. House plans these days automatically include designs that include the best level of insulation available. Designing homes also take into consideration energy efficient appliances.
Homeowners enjoy knowing that they are doing something positive for the planet so they request recycled materials in their homes. Eco-friendly products are showing up in every room of the house. Even kitchen and bathroom counter tops are being made from recycled and reconstructed materials and some of them even take on the appearance of granite.
Appliances like air conditioners, washers and dryers, refrigerators, ranges, and small electric appliances are the ones that can make the most difference in energy savings, and home designs often take this into consideration. The Energy Star label should be something that you look for when searching for new appliances. Be sure to recycle your old ones if they are still working by giving them away or selling them at garage sales.
Another element to consider when designing your home is the furniture. Most people, when it is time to redesign the look of the home consider purchasing brand new furniture. That could mean that the older furniture will end up in the landfill. New tables, chairs, sofas and other furniture can be expensive to purchase, and dont forget that green is in.
Outdated or worn furniture that still has a good foundation can be reworked. If it can be repainted or reupholstered why not give it a try. You already know it will fit in the room. Most furniture pieces, if they are made well can be reconstructed to look just like new.
One of the most critical elements of a home is the flooring. Here is where you can really go green with all the new materials that have been created for this purpose. Cork and bamboo are products that are well received by green activists, and they are just as if not more durable as other hard woods.
As a rule, it is not more costly to go green, and in fact in most cases it does save money. Isnt it time to go green?
