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Posts Tagged ‘Eco Friendly Products’

Eco Friendly Property Doesn’t Cost the Earth…………

In fact, quite the reverse. There is a widely held conception that anything green, whilst good for the environment, ultimately costs more in monetary terms. ECO friendly properties are cheaper and quicker to construct, and cheaper to run on a day to day basis.

One of the main factors behind this is build time. Traditional build times are generally between twelve and eighteen months for a decent size three bedroom villa. Using systems such as ICF (Insulating Concrete Form), Thermocellit build blocks or Ytong, reduces the build time to between 60-90 days, dependant on the size of the build. This has numerous environmental benefits. The use of electric, water and even transportation costs and emissions for the builders is significantly reduced, and the end result is much more efficient building than its traditional comparatives.

Originally developed in Canada (where concrete home building is standard) ICF systems have been used successfully around the world for more than 40 years. Tens of thousands of ICF homes have been built in recent years throughout the United States and Canada. They have proven successful in every region and climate, from Orlando to Calgary. ICF systems are accepted by all the major model codes in the U.S. and by the National Building Codes in Canada. Several major European countries are now building with this system on a massive scale. It is recognised in Spain and most of Europe and passes all necessary regulations.

Here are some key ICF Advantages for the Homeowner:

ICF Homes are Sound Dampening

Escape for the noisy outside world – The solid concrete walls of ICF homes greatly reduce outside noise making your home more peaceful and relaxing. ICF homes can reduce unwanted outside noise by up to 87%

ICF Homes are Fire Resistant

Have peace of mind that your home will still be standing even if fire threatens your neighbourhood. ICF homes have a fire rating of up to 4 hours.

ICF Homes are Energy Efficient

Splurge on the finer things in life with the money you’ll be saving each month on your utility bills. Buildings built with ICF exterior walls can require 50% less energy to heat and cool than comparable frame houses. These energy efficiencies also allow economic efficiency by allowing smaller HVAC units to be installed.

ICF Walls are Pest Resistant

Be confident that your home will be protected against termites, roaches and rodents. – Your home’s concrete walls will be impenetrable to pests.

ICF Homes are environmentally Friendly

Be satisfied in the fact that Solid Core ICF homes are built using Inert, Non-toxic concrete that is often manufactured locally. And the fire-resistant insulating foam is CFC free. The Rebar, Webs & Ties, EPS foam & concrete are recyclable. Building a 2,000 sq. ft. ICF home can save up to 47 trees.

ICF Homes are economically Friendly

Get the financial benefits of lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies recognize all the strengths of ICF homes and offer a discount on premium for ICF homes. One ICF homeowner reported a 20% savings on his insurance premiums.

ICF Homes are Draft Free

Enjoy the comfort of a perfect environment – The solid core walls of ICF homes eliminate air infiltration through the wall and virtually eliminate hot and cold spots.

ICF Homes are Allergen Resistant. Get the relief you deserve – Most mould and mildew problems are caused by moisture. A fibre glass insulated wall develops condensation within the wall where warm and cold air meet. The solid core walls of ICF homes eliminate air infiltration so there is no moisture to feed the growth of moulds and bacteria.

ICF Homes are Beautiful

Live in style – while the walls of the home are sturdy concrete, the design can take on any style you desire: Modern, Victorian, Colonial, Adobe.etc etc.

ICF Homes are Affordable

ICF homes are priced very competitively with traditional “stick built” homes. And when you take into account all the additional benefits they have, the true value of ICF homes simply can’t be matched.

Having your own Eco friendly villa built gives a wealth of options to the degree of environmentally friendliness you want. Solar panels, Geo thermal heating, energy efficient and water saving appliances are just a few further ways to go green, saving you money and also doing your bit for the environment at the same time.

For further information visit http://www.1st2spain.com

By: K.Towers

About the Author:

Lately there’s been a huge number of companies coming out with “green” or “eco friendly” cleaning products.

However, some manufacturers may be promoting their products as being good for the environment without their truly being eco friendly.

How can you tell if the products in the store are good for the environment, or if they’re just using that phrase on their labeling to make you think they are?

There are no standards to verify a product as “green” or “eco friendly.” Some products on the market are listed as eco safe, environmentally friendly, environmentally safe, green, or non-toxic. Any manufacturer can choose to use those labels. But do these labels really mean that the products are safe for the environment?

If you can’t tell if a product is environmentally safe just by reading the labels, how do you know if it is safe to use or not? Until there is some type of certification to very that a product is “green” the consumer is responsible for evaluating the products they use and whether the products claims are true.

You can always use household products like white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils to make home recipes that would be very effective in cleaning your home. Be sure to label the homemade cleaners clearly and store them where children cannot reach them. Also, NEVER mix ammonia and chlorine bleach; the results are extremely toxic.

One product that has been used widely to disinfect modern homes is chlorine bleach. However, chlorine bleach has chemical compounds in it that should not be used in the home, and are extremely toxic. If you need an alternative for chlorine bleach, try hydrogen peroxide bleach, leaving it on the surface to be cleaned for a minimum of ten minutes. Wiping it up any sooner will not kill the germs.

What if you need another cleaner? Throw your support behind companies that list each and every ingredient in their product. Two such companies are Ecover and Seventh Generation. Although they are not required by law to list all of their ingredients, they are proving that the product is safe by doing so.

Choose a product that specifies how long it takes for them to decompose in nature. Being labeled “biodegradable” doesn’t necessarily mean that you should choose this product. Use a product that specifies that it will biodegrade completely in “X” number of days. You will know that after that time, the product will no longer affect the environment.

Here are some labels that you should avoid:

corrosive

chlorine bleach

ammonia

phosphates

petroleum products

You’ll also want to avoid products that have artificial fragrances and those made with animal by-products. All of these labels indicate that the product is harmful, not only to the environment but also to your family.

Finally, if you’re not 100% sure about a product, you can always call the toll-free telephone number on the product. Ask them questions about the ingredients. Request as much specific information about it as you can. And, if the manufacturer refuses to answer your questions, you might consider finding another product.

Finding truly economic-friendly products that are safe and effective for cleaning your home is not impossible. It takes a little time reading labels but the time is worth it. The only other option would be to make your own.

By: Gina Buss