(NC)-The smoggy days of summer have all of us concerned about air quality and remind us that we all need to do our part to preserve the environment. Green building is a hot topic and we are bombarded with new products that we should include in our homes - from construction to decoration - to reduce our carbon footprint.
For those of you feeling overwhelmed, consider bringing your environmental contribution back to basics with the choices you make when building or renovating your home. Incorporating masonry products - clay brick, concrete block and natural or manufactured stone - into your home is one of the easiest and most basic ways to build a green home, according to MasonryWorx, Ontario's leading industry association for masonry suppliers, contractors and manufacturers.
The construction materials that our homes are built with can have an immense effect on the environment and even the indoor air quality of our homes. Certain materials can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through a process called out-gassing. VOCs have been known to cause discomfort, and in some cases have been linked to more serious health concerns. Masonry products emit few-to-no VOCs and provide a naturally beautiful finish that eliminates the need for paint and other finishes, which could emit VOCs.
In the event of fire, masonry products further protect the environment (and our health) because they do not burn and therefore do not release any toxic emissions when exposed to fire. A masonry-constructed home is fire resistant and will maintain its structural integrity during a fire.
An emerging trend in green living is considering the distance the products we use have to travel to arrive at our doorstep. More and more of us are buying local - whether it be the food we eat, the clothes we wear, or even the building materials we choose. Ontario's Greater Horseshoe Area is home to many brick, block and stone manufacturing plants. When buying a home made of these materials you are buying locally, and taking another step to reducing your carbon footprint.
You can learn more about green building and the benefits of masonry products online at masonryworx.ca.
Credit: www.newscanada.com