Green Scene

The Green Life

From recycled carpet to energy-efficient windows, everything seems to be growing a little more green.

Photograph by Kenneth M. Wyner Photography

The progressive design of this home goes great lengths to incorporate the natural–from the surrounding trees to the sunlight that pierces the forest canopy.

Now it’s cool to be green. Go to the movies, turn on the TV, or pick up a, well, home and garden magazine, and everybody is talking about how important it is to conserve energy and use earth-friendly building materials. But if you’re thinking about remodeling a kitchen or finishing a basement, what does green really mean?

How can you go through the messy process of demolition and construction without getting sent on a guilt trip about the trees used in your new hardwood floor or the granite pulled out of the earth for your new countertop? Finding the answers to those questions isn’t as hard as it used to be.

Sustain Yourself

Small jobs like replacing a countertop or repainting a room give homeowners an easy way to take baby steps into the world of green, but you can also dive right in and take on a major renovation like Ronda Cole did in McLean.

Although her 1970s-era contemporary ended up being totally reconfigured, Cole and her architect, Lorena Checa of Washington, D.C., didn’t want the house to get any bigger. “I know Lorena was concerned about the footprint,” says Cole, “but she came up with a cool design that was totally her.”

The design won a Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design, not for its fixtures or finishes, but for something that most people might not think about. “We had a form that was naturally ventilating and made good use of daylight,” says Checa. “I’ve always designed with sustainability in mind.” The house caught the attention of the American Institute of Architects because the large, efficient windows that were added let in so much sunlight that the lights only need to come on at night. The new windows were also positioned to take advantage of cross-ventilation, which means lower air conditioning usage.

The Green Machine

Jason and Michelle Holstine have created a store where you can learn everything you need to know about building green and then actually buy what you need to do it. The Amicus Green Building Center in Kensington sprang into existence in January, 2006, but for the previous one-and-a-half years the couple ran the business out of their home. Before going into green retailing, Jason worked at the EPA, then spent two years as a green energy consultant. Michelle is a former school teacher.

“Having one source where you could find all this stuff was certainly needed in this area; it was a no-brainer,” says Michelle. “Before, the only place you could find the information was on the Internet.” The store provides a wealth of information, and more importantly, products and samples of earth-friendly paints, carpeting, flooring, countertops, cabinets, plumbing fixtures, tile, lighting, and insulation.

If you’re looking for green products, such as paint, countertops, or flooring, the people at Amicus can help you consider your options and find what’s right for your project and budget. But the company also offers consulting services for entire projects by identifying green design elements, ways to reduce energy consumption, and how much “greening” your project is likely to cost.

What makes each product green varies, but you should know up front that you won’t be buying the cheapest materials in town just because they are recycled or environmentally friendly. “The products are built to last,” says Holstine, “not to be replaced in five years.”

Only a few years ago, information on green building and materials could only be found through extensive searching. Now it’s taken a headfirst dive into the mainstream, right into our kitchens and bathrooms. “We’re starting to see more regular Joes and Janes coming in,” says Holstine. “We’re getting them to realize how easy it is for every single one of them to make a difference.” Being green is still a challenge, but it’s hardly an insurmountable one. With the right know-how, making your life green can actually be downright comfortable and–in the long run–much less costly.

–Scott Sowers

8 Ways to Go Green at Home

EcoTimber Australian Chestnut Flooring

1 Paints/Stains

Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs (benzene, methylene chloride), are typically found in non-green paints and stains. Check out low- or no-VOC paints and stains from companies like American Pride.
Price per gallon: $29-$33
Bonus Benefit: It’s nearly odorless.

2 Carpeting

Synthetic fibers like acrylics are made using petroleum. Consider buying natural fibers like wool, or try Interface Carpet tiles made from recycled carpet.
Price per square foot: $6.99-$30.99
Bonus Benefit: If you get tired of your Interface floor, the company will take it back and recycle it for you.

3 Hardwood Flooring

Look for wood from suppliers who are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Also consider reclaimed wood and bamboo.
Price per square foot: FSC-certified hardwood: $7-$14 (not installed); FSC-certified bamboo: $4-$6 (not installed)
Bonus Benefit: Many FSC-certified “engineered” woods offer greater stability and are thick enough to be refinished if needed.

4 Countertops

PaperStone™ is made from recycled paper, and IceStone® is made from concrete and recycled glass.
Price per square foot: PaperStone: $43-$48; IceStone: $90-$135
Bonus Benefit: Both products are made in the U.S. PaperStone is fabricated in Washington State, and IceStone is manufactured in Brooklyn, New York.

5 Cabinets

Look into purchasing locally built, custom cabinets made with green-friendly materials like bamboo and wheatboard and sealed with no-VOC finishes.
Price per linear foot: $120
Bonus Benefit: Because the cabinets are made locally, it takes less fuel to transport them to your house.

6 Sinks and Tubs

Porcelain or fiberglass can crack, but metal is forever. Consider a hand-hammered copper sink from Cobre or cast aluminum tubs from Eleek. Other eco-friendly fixture choices include dual-flush toilets, tankless water heaters, and water flow reducers for showers.
Prices: Sinks $220-$1,139
Tubs $700-$3,000
Bonus Benefit: Because they are made one at a time, each unit features a totally unique look.

7 Glass Tile

If you like the look of glass tile, you are already a little green. Most glass tile is made with recycled glass.
Price per square foot: ∼$40
Bonus Benefit: Glass tile is now being manufactured in a variety of sizes, including 12 x 12 inches.

8 Insulation

The best investment you can make to increase energy efficiency is insulation. Check out Ultra Touch insulation, which is made from recycled blue jeans.
Price per square foot: 74 cents-$1
Bonus Benefit: You won’t be itchy after installing it.