1. Recycle everything you can. Waste wood and metal, both pulled out of the house and trimmed off the new materials, can be recycled. Some materials can be reused and others may be useful to a salvage company. www.buildingreuse.org offers a directory of reuse stores and salvage services. This also will save money on Dumpster costs.

Louie Favorite / AJC (ENLARGE)

Recycle or reuse everything you can when remodeling, including bathroom fixtures and basins.

2. Update insulation. Anytime you're going into walls or ceilings there's an opportunity to add insulation and other barriers to outside air intrusion. You'll save on heating and cooling costs, as well as making your home more comfortable.

3. Think about finishes. Using paints with low or no VOC (volatile organic compounds) and water-based wood finishes on cabinets and floors will improve the indoor air quality of your home significantly.

4. What wood will you use? Avoid exotics harvested from rain forests. Try to use local materials and manufacturers or locally salvaged wood for flooring and cabinetry. You'll save on shipping and do good things for the environment as well. Choose long-lasting species that can be refinished over and over.

5. Use less power. If you are replacing lighting fixtures, use ones that can take compact flourescent bulbs or LED technology. Replace old appliances with Energy-STAR rated ones that operate more efficiently. Consider a tankless water heater that heats water on demand.

6. Educate yourself and your contractor. Use www.greenhomeguide.com to find National Association of the Remodeling Industry Green Certified Professionals. Look further on the NARI site to find green remodeling guidelines. Also look at the National Association of Home Builders site.

Source: "Building Products," March/April 2008, www.ebuild.com

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