When building a new home or office you should consider the possibility of using an architect that is open to using recycled or environmentally friendly building materials. Because being ‘Green’ is such a big trend right now, this is not too difficult a task. When you begin your search for an architect, look for one who is willing to build an eco friendly house. Discuss building options with the architect and make sure that they are able to work with contractors who will use environmentally friendly building material like:

Bamboo- This wood is great for flooring and is generally one of the less expensive wood flooring options. This wood is also a great countertop option. Bamboo is eco friendly because it grows like a weed, so it naturally replenishes itself.

Wool- Not just for sweaters, wool works great as carpet. This dandy little fabric is all natural and has a longer life than the traditional nylon carpet, which is treated with chemicals. Also unlike nylon carpet, wool carpet will have a changed and improved look over the years.

Vegetable- Believe it or not, you can use a form of vegetable in the construction of your home. Vegetable based spray insulations are now available. This eco friendly insulation works just as well as its chemical counterpart but does not release any gases into your home as it ages.

Clay- Clay is one of the oldest and most natural of building materials and can now be found in paint. The advantage of clay paint is that there is now toxic odor because there are no toxic elements to be found in the paint. Clay based paint will give your walls a warm and textured feeling with nothing more than a paint brush.

Fiber-Cement Roofing- This is eco friendly roofing option is great because often the roofing material contains recycled wood fibers. The material is fire proof, does well in rain and when it needs replacing, the old roof can just be ground into sand and used for something else.