Exploring eco-friendly options for home-related projects
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Whether you're hiring a contractor for major work or a house cleaner to help you out, you might be looking to go "green."
Angie's List says most people want to hire eco-friendly workers, but many aren't sure they're getting the real deal.
From new home construction to remodels, to simply cleaning up, more homeowners are looking to be environmentally friendly.
"In a recent Angie's List poll, more than 70 percent of the respondents said they are interested in green services," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. “And 15 percent said they hire exclusively green service providers. So my guess is this trend is going to continue and become more and more important."
But in that same survey, two thirds of respondents said they're skeptical or think green claims are gimmicks.
You have to do your research to separate the shady from the sincere. Ask a lot of questions instead of taking the claims at face value.
Companies can be certified as "being green" by a third party. They should be able to explain their green training and possibly licensing. Ask about the type of products the company will use.
"There are a lot of eco-friendly opportunities for consumers around their house. For example, if your hardwood floor is in need of attention, you can potentially repair it instead of taking it out. Also, when you are painting, use non-toxic, low VOC paint. Even house cleaners are looking at eco-friendly opportunities, using eco-friendly products when cleaning,” Hicks said.
Take the time to talk to potential workers and let them know the environment is important to you.
As you discuss priorities, your passion - and theirs - should be clear.
Angie's List says most people want to hire eco-friendly workers, but many aren't sure they're getting the real deal.
From new home construction to remodels, to simply cleaning up, more homeowners are looking to be environmentally friendly.
"In a recent Angie's List poll, more than 70 percent of the respondents said they are interested in green services," said Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. “And 15 percent said they hire exclusively green service providers. So my guess is this trend is going to continue and become more and more important."
But in that same survey, two thirds of respondents said they're skeptical or think green claims are gimmicks.
You have to do your research to separate the shady from the sincere. Ask a lot of questions instead of taking the claims at face value.
Companies can be certified as "being green" by a third party. They should be able to explain their green training and possibly licensing. Ask about the type of products the company will use.
"There are a lot of eco-friendly opportunities for consumers around their house. For example, if your hardwood floor is in need of attention, you can potentially repair it instead of taking it out. Also, when you are painting, use non-toxic, low VOC paint. Even house cleaners are looking at eco-friendly opportunities, using eco-friendly products when cleaning,” Hicks said.
Take the time to talk to potential workers and let them know the environment is important to you.
As you discuss priorities, your passion - and theirs - should be clear.
