You know how important it is to be eco-friendly and how much of an impact your choices can have on the environment. If you're currently building or planning on building a new home, you may be wondering what kind of materials you can use to make your home as green as possible. Luckily, there are a variety of building materials available today that are both environmentally friendly and practical. What should you consider?

Reclaimed Wood

This type of wood has been saved from an old building or structure. Using reclaimed wood not only helps to conserve forests and natural resources, it also keeps the wood out of landfills. Reclaimed wood is also often more durable than newly sourced wood and can add a unique and rustic touch to your home.

Bamboo

Bamboo is also a strong and durable material that is resistant to moisture and natural pests. It's important to note that some bamboo products may be treated with chemicals, so it's important to do your research before purchasing. However, it's certainly a very popular option among eco-friendly new home builders.

Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs)

ICFs are made from interlocking foam blocks that are filled with concrete. ICFs provide excellent insulation for your home and can help to reduce your energy bills. They're also incredibly durable and resistant to natural disasters such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

Recycled Steel

Recycled steel is an eco-friendly alternative to traditional wood framing. Steel is strong, durable and resistant to pests, fire and natural disasters. Using recycled steel not only helps to conserve natural resources, it also reduces the amount of waste in landfills.

Straw Bale

Straw bale construction involves using bales of straw as the primary building material for walls. Straw bale homes are incredibly energy efficient and can provide superior insulation. While it's not as popular as some other methods, straw bale construction is also affordable, eco-friendly, and environmentally sustainable.

What Should You Do Now?

Making your new home as green as possible doesn't have to come at the cost of practicality or style. By using these environmentally friendly building materials, you can create a beautiful, durable and sustainable home that will stand the test of time. From reclaimed wood to straw bale construction, green building materials can help to reduce your carbon footprint and promote a more sustainable way of living.

So, to get things underway, discuss your environmentally friendly requirements with a new home building contractor.