The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Materials
As the world begins recognizing the impact we make on the environment, as well as how finite the world’s supply of construction materials is, innovative and economical building companies begin looking to eco-friendly materials.
Better for the Environment
The most obvious benefit to using eco-friendly materials for home renovation is that it’s better for the environment. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), residential and commercial buildings account for 30% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. While your home might only account for a fraction of that, if enough people make more sustainable choices, it adds up to make a big difference in the battle against climate change.
The choices you make in terms of materials you use for a building project, big or small, can greatly impact the environment. The U.S. construction industry sends over 160 million tons of non-industrial waste to landfills each year. By choosing to use recycled or sustainable materials, you’re doing your part to reduce this waste.
Eco-Friendly is Economical
Even if you don’t believe in climate change, or don’t think reducing an individual carbon footprint will make a difference, eco-friendly materials are still a smart building choice. In particular, sustainable materials can often be much cheaper than other construction materials.
This is typically because they’re made from recycled materials, so the cost to source and create the final product is reduced. For example, it costs around $140 per ton to dispose of concrete blocks in a landfill but only costs $21 per ton to recycle the same material. These save contractors money, and those savings are then passed on to you, the homeowner. A deal like that is hard to pass up!
On top of that, eco-friendly materials often have enhanced durability and resilience compared to traditional building materials. For example, many eco-friendly materials have better moisture resistance, which prevents water-related damage and corrosion caused by nor’easters. Their enhanced durability also makes them more resistant to the passage of time, so repairs and replacements will be fewer and far between.
Eco-Friendly Materials Are Healthier for You
On top of being better for the environment and your wallet, eco-friendly materials can be better for your health. Green building materials often don’t have volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or by-products that could release toxic fumes. Why does this matter? Because such materials are linked to respiratory diseases as well as allergies and other health disorders. When you use eco-friendly, green materials, you reduce your exposure to toxins and greatly improve your indoor air quality.
Eco-friendly materials can be a massive benefit to your remodeling plans. They can reduce your carbon footprint, costs, and even long-term health issues. When planning your next construction project, consider using sustainable, eco-friendly building materials.
