Options Exist for Those Looking to 'Go Green'

May 09, 2008 by Eric Ray

Annual Live Green Festival is Saturday in Salt Lake

(KCPW News) Those looking to make their homes more environmentally friendly have an increasing number of options available to them, says Ashley Patterson of the Green Building Center. She says with incandescent light bulbs on the way out and concerns about mercury in compact fluorescent bulbs, LED bulbs are on the way in.

"We've been researching and finding some LED lightbulbs. They're pretty exciting because they are actually half the energy use while producing the same amount of light as a compact flourescent," says Patterson. "They're still quite expensive, but I think we'll see the price come down a lot over the next year."

In addition to changing light bulbs, Patterson says homeowners should consider using low toxicity paints to reduce air pollution. She says there are also several flooring options that make a home greener, like cork.

"First of all it's really beautiful. Second of all, it's pretty warm and comfortable to stand on, so it's insulating," says Patterson. "It's also quiet. I think people tend to select carpets because they like something warm under their feet, and they also like the quiet. Cork serves that purpose."

More information about green living will be available at Saturday's Live Green Festival at the Downtown City Library. The festival runs from 10am to 6pm and will feature speakers, food and music.

A conversation about the festival, and green living alternatives, is available on the Midday Metro page.

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