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What's Great About "Green"?

Indoor air has become a big problem and can affect the way you live. Most Americans spend up to 90% of their time 
indoors. The U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) studies have found that for many pollutants indoor levels
are 2 to 5 times higher than outside levels, and can be 100 times higher. Those most affected by these pollutants are 
children, pregnant women, and the elderly. Poor indoor air quality can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches;
fatigue; dizziness; and increased susceptibility to common illnesses. Some studies have shown that extended exposure to
these pollutants may cause types of asthma, cancer, lung disease, and allergies. Improve air quality by reducing or
eliminating the toxin
s brought into the house when it is built or remodeled and when occupied. Careful choice of cleaning
and other products reduces off gassing in the home.
 
 

Energy efficiency has become a big issue due to rising energy costs for consumers. We spend 44% of our electricity on
heating/cooling our homes. The good news is there are many options for reducing energy costs.
-  Use high R value insulation and seal gaps and cracks
-  Good windows (double or triple pane is best) not only save on energy but prevent noise pollution as well.
-  Use a higher efficiency HVAC system which will save on utility costs, improve humidity control, and uses an 
   ozone-friendly refrigerant.
-  Install solar panels to cut energy usage by 40% or more, which lowers cost and unhealthy emissions 
   (rebate info @ www.commerce.state.mn.us).
-  Switch to Energy Star water saving appliances - save $ and resources.
  
Water is a natural resource that so many of us take for granted. A whopping 73% of the water used in the home is
flushed down the toilet or washed down the shower drain.
A few changes big and small make a huge difference.
Here are some examples:

-Replace old faucets and showerheads with low flow fixtures and old toilets with dual or low gpf toilets.
-Tankless water heaters save on energy for heating, space, and wasted water.
-Incorporate a Graywater and/or Rainwater capture system. Rain barrels can be used for irrigation and  landscaping.
-Water saving appliances such as Energy Star dishwashers and washing machines reduce water consumption.

Sustainable materials ensure that your home has beauty and quality that will last for years. These products are 
durable, renewable, recycled and recyclable. Proper planning and choices will improve quality and reduce waste and 
pollutants. Whenever possible, local products are preferred to reduce carbon emissions and support local economy.

Awareness and Education is a profoundly important factor in “keeping our green homes green”. Additional 
explanation and understanding is necessary to maximize the benefits of a green home. Living green means to implement 
these values into our everyday lives and to pass those values onto our children.

   
 jeremy@uniquedesignsmn.com    Office 507.625.4510    Mobile 507.469.0067    Fax 507.625.4547   angela@uniquedesignsmn.com

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