Home remodeling projects have seen a big change in the last decade of two. People now rely on home remodeling projects not just for beautifying it but to enhance the health and the eco-friendly factor of the home as well. Thanks to several awareness campaigns that made people realize harmful effects of toxic building materials.

Owing to this positive change, now everybody desires non-toxic and eco-friendly renovation projects for their home. This article intends to let you know about the non-toxic building products you can use, and some ideas for a non-toxic kitchen remodel.

Effects of toxic building products

We all worry and feel concerned about the harmful effects of chemicals present in pesticides, medicines and cosmetics. However, not many raise their brows when it comes to the harmful effects of toxic building materials. They releases toxic fumes making indoor air unfit for humans. Here is what you can do to avoid their use and make your home healthy and eco-friendly:

Use non-toxic paints

Paint for walls in your home is a good option, as it comes in a wide assortment of eye-pleasing colors, gives improved performance, etc. However, you should avoid using paints that are marketed as ones that remain on the walls for long years. They contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are responsible for toxic emissions in modern homes, so you must choose zero-VOC paints. They perform beautifully and do not release toxic fumes.

Avoid formaldehyde-based adhesives

 

Formaldehyde is one of the most common and the most dangerous indoor air pollutant. Counter tops, shelving, carpets, cushions, furniture and kitchen cabinets usually use formaldehyde-based adhesives because it holds things well but leaves a detrimental impact on our health. It releases harmful chemicals in the air, which we breathe only to fall ill. You must go for products that come with green labels and do not contain this adhesive.

Consider the PVC problems

PVC is a common product and probably we all have used it in homes at some point or the other. It makes plastics durable and flexible because it contains a group of harmful chemicals. Found in vinyl flooring, ceiling tiles, plumbing pipes, wiring, and carpet backing, they release toxic chemicals that affect our immune system and even cause cancer. Therefore, try to avoid them and go with PEX or polypropylene.

Ideas for a non-toxic kitchen remodel

• Choose eco-friendly green kitchen flooring

You need to let go of old linoleum kitchen flooring and go for eco-friendly flooring. Bamboo, cork, hardwood flooring, or the modern linoleum sheets made of biodegradable materials are some of the best option you can consider. Apart from this, you should choose a material that could stand the high traffic in the kitchen, produces no harmful vapors, and can stand spills and stains well.

• Use stainless steel utensils

Stainless steel is a recyclable material and has some health benefits for us all. Use of stainless steel utensils is good for people with chemical sensitivities and it is not harmful for the environment. Not just utensils, you can go for the stainless steel designer kitchen cabinets as well.

• Choose indigenous stone countertops

While choosing countertop material, choose ones made of indigenous stones and stained concrete, as they are non-toxic. They are durable, water resistant and they are non-toxic, which makes them apt for your green kitchen.

• Install recycling bins in kitchen cupboards

You can make it a practice and encourage children and other family members to become active recyclers. The glass juice bottles, aluminum cans and many other waste products in the recycle bin can straightway go for recycling, rather than going into landfill sites.

Eco-friendly home remodeling does a lot to eliminate toxic substances from home, thus, enhancing the indoor air quality. They also make homes energy efficient and help them conserve environment.