Green is the new, well not so new, buzzword when it comes to buying or remodeling your home. Here in the desert cities, we have a shortage of standing inventory in many sectors. That situation has spurred homeowners to hit the Remodeling Track with gusto. The environment is becoming more and more important to most home buyers, and Locals are extremely aware of our fragile desert ecosystem, creating a huge new understanding of Green, and how important it is. How lucky we are to have educational venues such as South Palm Deserts’ spectacularly popular, Living Desert, where you can experience first hand that delicate balance. When it comes to flooring in your new home, there are a variety of Green choices. For local desert property information, give Kim Kelly a call at 760-285-3578.
Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, is a day of reflection for many of us. As a desert local for almost 40 years, I treasure our resources. I received my GREEN Certification a couple years ago, just to learn more about how we Realtors can help buyers and sellers understand how small a change can be to create a Greener environment. Change out your light bulbs, replace windows with Low-E ones, cut down on your water hungry grass, and insert drought resistant landscapes. But what are our flooring choices?
If you are drawn to natural wood floors, which are indeed beautiful, but you are interested in exploring some wood options that take into consideration weighty issues like deforestation and illegal logging, how about…
- Stretch your imagination, and look for unconventional sources such as wine and whiskey barrels.Great way to recycle, and many of the pieces retain their original stamps and patina.
- Certifiably Green wood products. The FSC, Forest Stewardship Council, who honor goals such as preserving biological diversity, and protecting the rights of forest workers and the local community.
- How about engineered wood if you really do want that wood?? It uses less natural hardwood, since only the thin upper layer is required in it’s manufacture.
It IS possible to employ impactful, powerful design elements, without negatively impacting the Earth!!