 2 HOMES EXTRAThe Edmonton Sun n Sunday, May 29, 2011Reduce, reuse, RenovateRobCramerHomes Extra Editor If you want to shrink your carbon footprint, try taking these tips to heart during your next renovation. Paints, stains and other architectural coatings are the second biggest producer of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from consumer and commercial products after automobiles. Instead, try Bioshield's solvent-free, clay based wall paints which contain zero solvents and zero VOCs. Cork flooring is an environmentally friendly choice for your renovation. Quite magically, it's only the bark of the cork oak that is harvested, and this regenerates abundantly after just nine years. This means that when you choose a cork floor, not a single tree is sacrificed. Wool carpeting is an extremely sustainable building material. The majority of unwanted carpet is currently non-biodegradable nylon. The beauty of wool carpets is that they are naturally durable, fire-resistant and stain repellant. Looking for and using recycled products makes curbside recycling collection count. For classy countertops with a conscience, consider Paperstone. "It offers undeniable durability and stone-like qualities," says Jessica Kyca, a sustainable interior decorator from eco home retailer Raising Spaces. "Made from FSC certified recycled paper and petro-free resin, Paperstone is a lowimpact countertop choice. In contrast, granite is extracted from quarries, which carry extreme consequences for wildlife, ecosystems, air and water quality."Follow me on TwitterEdmSunRobCramer RobCramerBob Paterson Homes & Interiors Editor 468-0272 director of advertising 468-0114 rob.cramer@sunmedia.ca bob.paterson@sunmedia.ca Wendy Yaremchuk advertising Executive 468-0240 wendy.yaremchuk@sunmedia.ca Don Kimery advertising Executive 444-5455 don.kimery@sunmedia.caBeaumontPages 11-14Cheryll GillespiePage 5Star SpacesPages 8 & 9
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