Home Retrofitting
Here is a list of simple things you can do to retrofit your home with green practices that are better for the environment and and in some cases, even your wallet.
Point of entry water filter for your home:
This will allow for a purer form of water for your home and family. A point of entry water filter removes sediments and other fine particles from entering into your home, fixtures, and appliances.
Air filter that is part of your AC unit:
This simple retrofitting technique can filter air for mold, allergens, ultra fine particles and even reduce allergy symptoms. In addition, these air filters work to keep the rest of the AC unit clean and it is important that the filter is matched by the unit. In order to avoid failures and malfunctions, air filters should be inspected for replacement once a month.
The type of paint that is used:
Many paints can have a negative impact on health due to their high chemical concentration such as VOC’s. Typically VOC’s are a result of the chemical reactions that occurring during the process of drying after application. VOC off-gassing can cause a variety of health problems that include nausea, dizziness, respiratory ailments and heat and kidney damage.
Low-VOC paints are available, but not all “Low-VOC” paints are truly considerate to protecting human health. Some “Low-VOC” paints may meet EPA regulations (no more than 250gm/l if VOC’s in Low-VOC latex paint), which are strictly set to reduce ozone formation and outdoor air quality and not to protect human health through indoor air pollution. The use of paints with no more than 150gm/l of VOC’s is required by the Austin Green Building Program. Even lower VOC level paints are available from 0-100 gm/l. It is strongly recommended that zero VOC paint be used for those who have chemical sensitivities.
For eco-friendly paints, finishes and cleaners please visit Bioshield.
Remove cars and other toxic material from garage:
Cars should be removed from garages because they produce CO (carbon monoxide).Walls are not impervious to off-gassing. CO is a highly toxic gas that is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. CO can remain highly toxic even in loose spaces.
Look at the cleaning products in the house. Are they natural?
Typically today’s modern home has a plethora of cleaning products loaded with toxic substances. In response to these concerns a number of commercial natural cleaning products are available that prove to be a healthier and environmentally friendly substitutes. In addition for most home cleaning chores there are many cleaning products that can easily be made from home. Click here to learn more.
Is there a pool in your house?
All pool related chemicals need to be outside and in a well ventilated storage space. Better yet, look into a non-chemical based sanitizing system.
What about insulation in the home?
Insulation is a key ingredient in any home. The standard that has most frequently been used is fiberglass. Now, fiberglass is being questioned as a hazardous substance just as asbestos once was. Fiberglass is itchy and allows for bits to become airborne in smaller sized particles that asbestos. Inhalation of these fine shards can pose significant health dangers.
Alternatives are available that use natural fibers free of chemical substances provided a safe and healthy living environment. Made mostly from post-industrial recycled fibers from denim clothing, cotton insulation is a viable alternative that has proven to have maximum thermal performance and exceptional sound absorption. In addition, this form of insulation acts as a superior flame retardant while also blocking the growth of fungus and mold. For more information or to find a distributor please visit Bonded Logic .
Be aware of electromagnetic radiation:
Televisions and clocks by your bed all produce waves from the motion of electronically charged particles otherwise known as electromagnetic radiation. There is a growing consensus among scientists and doctors that electromagnetic radiation is damaging cells in such a manner that it is potentially cancer causing. To avoid these health hazards, do not keep any electronic devises close to your bed.
Water harvesting:
Rainwater harvesting is a centuries old technique used to supply water for agricultural purposes, landscapes, and homes. It is a method of collecting, storing, and conserving rainwater for use. Rain water is a nearly pure and free source of water. It maintains its quality due to the fact that it avoids contact with soils and rock sediments. It not only conserves water and energy but also prevents runoff and reduces urban flooding. Typically rainwater harvesting requires only the use of a small pump that creates water pressure for household pipes. Collection tanks can be stored underground. If the water is to be used for drinking water it must be filtered and treated.
For more information on locating and purchasing equipment please visit Rainwater Collection Over Texas .
Green Roofs:
Green roofs are roofs that have been covered with dense plant life. A Green Roof conists of a drainage layer and a waterproof membrane typically covered in a thin layer of 2-4 inches of soil compacted with low growing plants. Local weather conditions, temperature, and structural factors should determine the appropriate types of plants that are used. Common plant species include sedum, alpines, delosperma, succulents, and a wide variety of grasses and mosses.
The benefits of having a green roof include aesthetic beauty, environmental, and economic. Green roofs :
- significantly reduce the heat island effect
- capture pollution particles, break them down and reabsorb them as fertilizer and respirate oxygen back into the air.
- Allow for the absorption of stormwater (up to 90% of an areas rainfall), and reduce pollution runoff
- Reduce surface temperature of the membrane up to 40% on hot afternoons
- Reduce noise pollution
- Are easy to install
Constructive Wetlands:
Through the use of constructive wetlands stormwater has a place to go rather than wash into the ocean and becoming salinated.
Parking Lot Driveway:
A new pavement system developed by Presto Geoblock uses recycled plastic materials in the form of interlocking blocks for driveway and heavily trafficked areas. This unique system allows for the protection of grass and turf where natural beauty preservation is desired. This system is made up of four main features: a Geoblock unit, base soil (for support), topsoil, and vegetation.
This system allows for rain to be effectively absorbed into the ground without contributing to storm water runoff as conventional driveways and parking lots do. It also protects the grass and prevents soil compaction. Furthermore, it is easily installed using ordinary tools requiring no special devices.
For more information please visit Presto Products Company .
