Cork flooring is both an environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient flooring option for your home. Here’s more information about this green flooring material:

How It’s Harvested: Cork is harvested from the bark of the cork tree, which is native to the Mediteranean. Cork to be used for flooring is cut into large flat panels. Cork harvesting is is an environmentally friendly process, as only the bark of the tree is used, and the tree is not harmed. Cork trees produce a new layer of cork for harvesting every 5-7 years.

How It’s Installed: Cork flooring installation is similar to the installation of wood flooring. It can be glued down or installed as a tongue and groove “floating floor”. Cork flooring is often treated with natural sealants for easy cleaning.

Cork Flooring Benefits: In addition to being a smart choice for any green remodeling project, cork flooring is sound absorbent, all natural, and energy-efficient. Cork flooring is warm to the touch and will help you conserve energy by acting as a natural insulator.

Cork floors cost about the same as hardwood floors. Here’s more info about cork flooring.

If you’re wanting to create a more energy-efficient home, but you’re not up for a complete green remodeling project, there are some fast and easy projects you can complete in a single weekend. Here are two examples for making your home more energy efficient…in a flash!

Insulate your Attic: For a few hundred dollars and just a few hours work you can dramatically increase your home’s energy efficiency by installing insulation in your attic. Attics are a major source of wasted energy in many homes, especially those that endure cold winter climates. A well-insulated attic will allow you to conserve power, and reduce heating and cooling costs.

Caulk Away: With a $3.00 caulking gun and a tube of caulk, you can be on your way to creating a more energy-efficient, green home. Walk around your home and eliminate any gaps around baseboards and windows with a quick bead of caulk. This will help prevent the escape of air conditioning, heat, and your hard earned dollars.

It’s important to remember that green living isn’t always about expensive alternative products. Sometimes the very best green alternatives are actually quite simple.

Looking for resources for completing a green remodel or green construction? Before you get your tool belt and hammer, check out these websites, which feature information on green building techniques and environmentally friendly construction materials:

BuildingGreen.Com: Building Green features information and news on green construction and green building materials. Their website includes an extensive list, searchable by category, on environmentally friendly products which includes everything from green decking materials to non-toxic paints, interior trim and roofing.

Environmental Protection Agency: The EPA’s website offers quite a lot of free information for green building and green remodeling, including how to reduce indoor air pollution, and how to improve water efficiency in new construction. In addition, the EPA lists state and federal funding sources for green building grants and incentives.

Green Home Guide: An extension of the US Green Building Council, this website offers free guidelines for green home renovations, green product lists, and green building case studies via PDF download. In addition, you’ll find current environmental news and reports.