Living eco-friendly doesn’t have to be complicated.
Groundbreakers
Some of the easiest and most efficient ecological
G o f u l l s p e e d a h e a d a n d f l o o r i t w i th o u t
solutions are right under your nose – or above
consequence when you use renewable resources
your head – take the sun, for instance. This
such as cork, bamboo and linoleum underfoot.
limitless ball of brilliant energy looming large
These materials make for excellent flooring options
overhead is one renewable resource just waiting
and don’t wreak havoc on the environment. Cork
to be tapped for its abundance. And Mother
doesn’t require cutting down the cork oak tree from
Earth never disappoints by providing us with
which it is harvested, the bark grows back every
many natural offerings that don’t need to sap
three years. It has anti-microbial properties, acts
the unsustainable. Here are a few favorite ways
as an insect repellant and is fire retardant. Bamboo
to get the most from what is plentiful while still
is a grass with similar properties of hardwood. It’s
giving back to the environment.
super durable, easy to install and renews in just three to five years. And making a comeback with
Soak Up the Sun
a new floor show in exciting patterns and colors is
Capture the potency of sunrays inside solar panels
linoleum. It’s a natural material consisting of linseed
to generate star power – it’s the cleaner, greener
oil, cork dust, tree resins, wood flour, pigments
choice over more conventional forms of energy.
and ground limestone. Fire-retardant and water-
Today, new innovations in panel designs offer more
resistant, it’s a perfect choice for rooms with a lot
aesthetic options like solar shingles that mimic
of traffic. Another eco-friendly option for floors is
traditional ones. The sun’s strength is significant.
glass tiles. Recycled from bottles rescued from
Incorporating solar alternatives into your home affords
landfills, glass is an easy-to-maintain nonstaining
you the satisfaction of contributing to the health of
surface that dazzles. And let’s not leave out popular
our planet. Harnessing its powerful rays, instead of
polished concrete, recycled rubber and reclaimed
relying on fossil fuels, helps reduce toxins, which
wood. All are great flooring choices that lay the
positively impacts all living things. Plus, expect to reap
groundwork for responsible homeownership.
the reward of cost savings. If all these illuminating insights have you charged up, then go solar and
Charge It
bask in the light of the sun.
Street smarts drive this idea home: Plug your energy-efficient electric vehicle into your personal
Water Down
charging station to save money and save the
Consider some of these simple measures for
atmosphere from exhaust emissions. It’s a
conserving water every day. Turn off the faucet
convenient way to be sure you have enough
until you’re ready to rinse while washing your face
power for your commute if public charging stations
and hands or brushing teeth – it’s money, quite
aren’t nearby. Keep greenhouse gases down even
literally, down the drain. Use double-basin sinks as
more by using renewable resources to recharge
intended. Fill one side with soapy water, the other
your charging station – now that’s revving up
with clean water – wash, rinse, repeat, conserve.
environmental responsibility to a whole new level.
Use ENERGY STAR-certified appliances and run only full dishwasher and washer loads. Go low flow
Today, living green is easier than ever. Consider
while showering with water-saving showerheads and
sustainable resources whenever possible and use
reduce the time spent getting wet. Replace older
energy efficiently and wisely. Try to adopt one or
toilets with modern money-saving ones that use far
more of these forward-thinking influences – the
less water. Finally, capture rainwater and use it in
effects are meaningful and contribute to the
the garden – it’s an easy answer to drought and a
common good.
free water resource that’s heaven sent. C O L D W E L L
B A N K E R
R E S I D E N T I A L
B R O K E R A G E
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