11 Separate your construction debris for proper recycling. Clean wood and drywall are completely recyclable, so try to make sure the scraps don't end up in the landfill. Even pulled nails can be recycled.
12 The 100-mile diet can work for the house too. Locally manufactured or sourced products, such as lumber and stone, don't require long-distance transportation as internationally sourced products might. Buy locally when you can.
13 Purchase Energy Star-rated appliances to reduce your carbon footprint and also your monthly utility bills.
14 Energy Star-rated windows will keep the cold out in the winter and the heat out in the summer. Simply installing sun-blocking window films or insulating drapery can boost the energy performance of old windows.
15 Install an efficient ceiling fan. It can reduce the demand on the furnace in the winter and air conditioner in summer by promoting air circulation.
16 Compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs are becoming available in a much wider assortment, including CFLs designed for trendy pot lights and dimmable CFLs and LED bulbs, which use tiny amounts of electricity.
17 Green up your yard. Drought-resistant grasses, wildflowers and trees lessen the urban heat island effect, contribute to better air quality and are much less toxic than a backyard covered in asphalt.
18 Watch out for adhesives that give off VOCs. There are low- and zero-VOC construction adhesives, as well as tile and flooring adhesives available, such as Titebond GREENchoice construction adhesive.
19 Explore alternative off-the-grid energy sources, such as photovoltaic electricity generation or geothermal heat, for providing power or heat to your cottage or house.
20 Get an energy audit before your renovation to pinpoint how you can improve your home's efficiency most effectively. (Click here for a listing of some programs that will help with the energy audit.)
21 Tiles made from recycled glass are both durable and beautiful.
22 Install an on-demand water heater. By eliminating the large tank of water that is continuously kept hot, you will reduce the amount of gas or electricity you use.
23 Insulate a standard hot-water tank and the water pipes that lead to and from it. The insulation can reduce how often the tank has to switch on to heat water.
24 Composite lumber for decking and other applications is made from recycled wood and plastic and can typically be recycled as well.
25 Keep the rain out of the house and the recyclables out of the landfill. There are a number of engineered roofing products that incorporate recycled plastics or rubber tires to emulate cedar shakes or slate roofing.
Read more in Home Reno & Design and Green Renovations
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