New Eco-Friendly Materials That Can Be Used To Remodel Your Home

in

The demand for green homes is increasing gradually as more people become environmentally conscious. Green homes are dwellings that have minimal or zero impact on the environment. If you are planning to build or remodel your home in Portland Oregon, you need to choose sustainable building options. Here are a few remodeling materials that you can use to renovate your home.

Recycled Insulation

Using recycled materials reduce the rate of forest destruction. You need to upgrade your home insulation with cellulose fiber from wood and recycled paper. It is advisable to hire a green construction company to ensure your house meets the desired standards. Also, install insulated glass on your windows to ensure energy efficiency.

Go Solar

You can take advantage of passive solar heating in your home. All you need is to replace or modify windows and roofing to enjoy the heat from the sun during the cold season and reduce the heat from the sun in summer. You can also install solar panels to provide energy, replace fossil fuel and cut energy bills.

Energy Efficient Appliances

When undertaking a home remodeling project, choose energy efficient materials and appliances. Appliances with energy star label use minimal power and can reduce energy bills. You can look for energy guides online to find the best articles or tools depending on your remodeling needs.

Non-VOC Materials

Most pressure-treated materials are dangerous. They contain volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde that pose health risks after prolonged exposure. Some paints, steel studs, plastics products, and wood composite contain hazardous compounds. It is advisable to consult green home builders to avoid these materials.

Recycled Flooring And Roof Materials

Recycled materials conserve the environment. They use less energy and are associated with few pollutants if any. Some of the green alternatives for your roof include slate-style shingles. You may also use pulverized-stone chips, recycled rubber, driveway pavers, masonry veneers among other materials for home remodeling.

Choose Eco-Friendly Paint

Painting is one of the most common renovation activities that many homeowners undertake every year. If you want to paint your home, you can now find odorless paints that reduce exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. They contain less chemical fumes that dry out quickly after application. You no longer have to use conventional water or oil-based paints.

Renovating your home with eco-friendly materials will have a positive impact on the environment. The green home builders are helping reduce the environmental impact of construction projects. If you want to save money, reduce exposure to toxins and conserve the environment, you should hire green home builders in Oregon.

Statistics Behind Pedestrian-Vehicle Related Accidents in Washington State

in

Legal Help for the Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Washington

An increase in pedestrian deaths in Washington state has set back efforts to completely eliminate traffic fatalities within its borders by 2030. The victims of pedestrian accidents and their families may require legal assistance to help them deal with these tragic events, which is why they should consider turning to the services of a personal injury attorney in Vancouver WA.

The Increase in Pedestrian Deaths

According to figures provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation, 109 pedestrians were struck and killed by vehicles throughout the state during 2017. This was an increase of 21 such deaths over 2016 and marks the fifth straight year that pedestrian fatalities in Washington have risen. The death toll in 2013 was, in fact, less than half that of 2017. In addition to the fatalities, hundreds of pedestrians are injured throughout Washington every year. The increase in deaths is not easily explained, although there are some common reasons for such accidents:

•Driver and pedestrian distraction
•Intoxication of drivers or pedestrians
•Jaywalking by pedestrians
•Vehicular speeding

Reducing the Risk

In their Target Zero program initiated in 2000, state authorities vowed to eliminate traffic deaths in Washington within 30 years. Pedestrians can help the state reach this goal by following certain rules. They should always follow the same traffic signals as vehicles and remember to yield to passing traffic when they walk outside of marked or unmarked crosswalks. They should also wear bright clothing that can easily be seen by motorists. Those involved in serious accidents that result from the negligence of others should seek proper legal representation.

Understanding Personal Injury Law

A tort is wrongdoing that can lead to action in the civil court system. It differs from a crime, which is prosecuted by government authorities. In a personal injury case, the person filing the lawsuit, or the plaintiff, can seek monetary damages from the guilty party, or defendant. A large number of personal injury cases stemming from traffic accidents. Other torts include acts of medical malpractice, falls, and injuries caused by defective products.

After a Pedestrian Accident

Such accidents can have serious consequences for the victims, including broken bones, spinal injuries, and brain trauma. The victims may seek monetary damages to cover the costs of their injuries, including medical expenses and lost wages. The families of those injured or killed may also seek compensation. It is for these and other reasons why those involved in pedestrian accidents need the help of a personal injury attorney.