Parents today do so much to ensure that their children have a healthy, happy future: they buy organic groceries, drive hybrid cars, go the extra mile to get a tutor for math or make sure the kids get to soccer practice on time. So when it comes time to remodel the kitchen or bath, many parents look for ways to extend the “green and healthy” philosophy to their new rooms. But in terms of remodeling, what does it mean to go green? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you undertake your next home remodel project:

● Rule #1: There are literally thousands of options for green remodeling! Don’t get discouraged if you can’t implement every brilliant idea that you come across. Figure out what works for your lifestyle, timetable and budget, and stick with that. The great thing about going green is that even a little goes a long way!
● Recycling: The gift that keeps on giving. Without a doubt, the easiest and least expensive way to green-up your remodel is by recycling. Your old cabinets and appliances don’t have to end up in some landfill! Ask your remodeler to help you donate your old things to a local charity, or to a national organization such as Habitat for Humanity. Recycle the packing material that comes with your new cabinets and appliances. In planning your new kitchen, ask your designer to include a recycling station, with separate bins for glass, plastic, paper, etc.

● Materials: Green and gorgeous! Renewable resources are common watchwords in the subject of green remodeling. Flooring and cabinets made from easily-replenished woods (such as bamboo) can be beautiful, long-lasting and budgetfriendly.

● Appliances: Energy effi cient and earth friendly. You don’t have to give up your microwave, coff ee maker or dishwasher to qualify as earth friendly (and a good thing, too!). Th ese days, many appliance manufacturers off er energyeffi cient products. ● Windows: Savings and credits. Th e wide selection of beautiful window styles can save you a bundle on heating and cooling costs – no more draft y rooms and loft y energy bills! Keep your eye open for tax credits, such as those off ered to homeowners who had new windows installed in 2009.

---

MISHA CREWS CRIZER
Misha Crews Crizer is the Director of Promotions with SELECT Kitchen & Bath in
Springfield, VA
703-866-4224
www.selectkitchenandbath.com