Recycle Remodel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                     
April 23, 2009                                                                                                                                                                        

(Chicago, Ill.) - An increased awareness of the environment has homeowners thinking of ways they can remodel their homes to be a little greener. Whether you're planning to remodel your kitchen or the guest bathroom, taking a green approach will allow you to reduce your carbon footprint, make your home healthier and increase energy savings, overall comfort and value. But you don't have to go as far as Ed Begley, Jr., celebrity host of reality TV show Living with Ed, who has outfitted his own home with a complete solar power system and a rooftop wind turbine.
"Homeowners can incorporate green aspects into any remodeling project," says Matt Lederer, president of Chicago-based Mahogany Builders. "Pick and choose elements that fit your budget. Combined, these small things can have a substantial impact. "

Some green elements Lederer suggests:
• Non-toxic paints and sealants
• Energy-efficient appliances and lighting
• Easily renewable, recycled or salvaged materials
• Local building materials
• Natural fiber rugs and fabrics
• Insulated hot water pipes
Contractors also can reduce waste simply by changing their approach - for example, by conserving existing structures, salvaging usable materials, purchasing only the exact amount of materials needed and sourcing regional materials that require less energy to transport.

According to the Sustainable Building Industry Council (SBIC), housing alone consumes 20 percent of America's energy. Green remodeling conserves energy, while reducing operating costs in the home by increasing efficiency, increasing a home's value and improving the occupants' quality of life.

For additional information on green remodeling, visit the National Association of the Remodeling Industry's green remodeling Web site, http://www.greenremodeling.org.

Mahogany Builders is a Chicago-based remodeling contractor specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, cabinetry and interior renovations. For more information, call (773) 755-0055 or visit www.mahoganybuilders.com.

Note to editors: Matt Lederer is available for interview.

For press inquiries please call:  Amy Solomon -917-693-5339. Amy@SolomonPR.com.