As one article said, “Green is the new black.” Whether looking at house cleaning products, building materials, or the sheets you use on your bed, you are sure to find a brand that is proudly declaring it’s new green products.
If you feel like the green movement is out of control and too good to be true, you’re not the only one. In fact, the labeling of “green” products and the relentless pushing of the green agenda has its own name: Greenwashing.
Greenwashing occurs when companies label their products as green to encourage more consumers to purchase them. Although some companies might truly be trying to protect the environment and lessen the damage their products cause, others are simply trying to make more money.
In the building industry, we often see more emphasis placed on green products than on green practices. When this happens, the big picture is often overlooked. Builders may use green roofing materials and bathroom countertops, but their houses waste water and energy.
Green building materials are effective if used with systems and practices that save energy, use fewer resources, and lower the home’s overall carbon footprint. This can be accomplished by using framing products made from scrap lumber that would otherwise be thrown away, instead of purchasing a “green” product made of organic materials.
Location can also be a factor in creating an environmentally friendly home. Choosing a site that doesn’t interrupt watersheds or destroy habitats can lower the impact your home will have on the
environment. Orienting your house to take advantage of the sun’s positioning and heat can help save energy.
Once your home is built, you can continue to keep it eco-friendly by keeping up with the maintenance and making sure your home is performing at its environmentally friendly best! Contact Integrity Remodeling & Custom Homes for more information on greenwashing and building a truly green home.
How have you encountered greenwashing? Has this article changed your view of green building?
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