The hottest trend in remodeling and building today is sustainable design. Using recycled, and carbon footprint reducing materials while achieving the desired look is the ultimate goal. There are more products on offer than ever before for the Eco-conscious consumer to choose from. Seeking them out and differentiating them from more traditional materials is the challenge.
Water Saving Toilets and Faucets
One of the easiest ways to reduce the use of resources in the home is to invest in water saving toilets and faucets. Toto toilets are now available with a 1.28 gallon flush system, as opposed to the more standard 1.6 gallon flush. This may not seem like a large savings, but over time, the projected savings of water per year can really add up. This can also work to save money for the home owner over time.
Flow restricted faucets will also cut down on water waste while not sacrificing style. By setting a faucet to one constant stream of water, there is never too much pouring out at one time and going to waste.
Recycled Tile
There are many different types of recycled tile on the market today. Reclaimed tile is probably the most eco friendly, as it has already been produced and is not claiming any more resources. Reclaimed tile is terra cotta and limestone tiles taken from centuries old farm houses around the world, most commonly from France. Reusing these tiles brings history into the home, while reducing the impact on the Earth.
Recycled glass tile is often a mosaic tile comprised of anywhere from 10% to 100% recycled glass. Some of this product comes from left over material from manufacturing light bulbs; others come from recycled glass bottles. Many companies will provide a percentage chart of how much of their material is recycled. This will vary by the color of the material, and will usually be material with the color going straight through the glass, rather than a clear glass with the color painted onto the back.
While it is difficult to recycle a clay body ceramic tile, many companies make an effort to reuse their waste clay and water. Check to see if the EPA has singled out a company for their efforts in reducing their waste when making a decision.
Ideas for Placing Green Building Products
While the green building market has increased in size dramatically over the last ten years, it still has a ways to go in offering all manner of product in an affordable way. If the cost of green material seems prohibitive, try incorporating some materials into an overall design to maximize the dollar while minimizing the impact on resources.
Use recycled glass tile mosaics for backsplash kitchen tile mixed with a subway tile to cut both expense and carbon footprint. Install water saving toilets and faucets in all the rooms of the home, and use reclaimed materials for a foyer or mudroom where their aged beauty and durability will be most appreciated.
Be sure to ask at every plumbing and tile showroom you visit for a list of green products they carry. Many porcelain manufacturers have gotten EPA approval, and more and more glass manufacturers have started to provide lists and sources of their recycled content. When looking at toilets, be sure to ask for Toto’s E-Max flush system, now available in a wide range of styles.
It may take some extra leg work, but creating a sustainable design in the home is well worth the effort.
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