Eco-friendly homes
Globally Minded Blog | Make Life Better for All

Eco-Friendly Homes: Green Living

04 December 2007 03:45 PM Filed in: Green Living
By Kat Vaughan
bamboo600
Although the US is going through a traumatic mortgage crunch, eco-friendly homes are on the rise for globally minded, socially conscious builders and buyers. By building and buying green homes, you'll make two profitable investments: financial and sowing into the next generation. Indeed, I am a strong believer that humankind is called to steward the earth and have dominion over all creation. Taking care of the earth is something we should've been doing all along.

So what makes a green home green? In addition to being environmentally sensitive, green homes and communities are:
  • Natural resource efficient
  • Energy efficient
  • Clean air friendly, and
  • Water efficient
By simply investing in more socially responsible, eco-friendly construction materials, builders and home owners can improve the world for all. The use of recycled wood and material, bamboo, and natural fibers for rugs, all contribute to eco-friendly buildings. In addition, alternative energy reduces our dependence upon oil rich nations so we can heat homes with a conscience and not fear the ghastly gas bill every month. By using natural ventilation systems and lots of windows for natural light and warmth, mold and other allergens are greatly reduced. Who doesn't want that?

If you can't afford to buy a green home, consider the following simple ways you can green your home today:

Decrease Your Utility Bill

  • Use energy efficient compact florescent light (CFL) bulbs. Merely changing 5 of your most frequently used lights keeps $100+/year in your pocket.
  • Program your thermostat 78 degrees plus in the summer and less than 62 degrees in the winter. This could save you $100+/year.
  • Weatherstrip your doors and windows from any air pockets, saving $100+/year on your utility bill.
  • Replace your heating and cooling filters and you'll save another $100+/year.

And remember, you can easily save money by going to bed early (no lights), wearing warmer clothing in the winter and cooler clothing in the summer (so you don't have to adjust the temp) as you lounge around your house.

Use Green Products

  • Think globally and buy locally, while reducing fuel consumption, packaging and plastics.
  • Buy energy efficient appliances and cut your energy bill $50/year per appliance.
  • Reduce water usage by using low flow toilets and water heads, installing aerators, fixing drips, and incorporating native plants in landscape.
  • Improve your indoor air quality with natural cleaning products like baking soda or vinegar.
  • Use wood alternatives, specifically rapidly renewable products: bamboo, linoleum, recycled content tile or non-volatile organic compounds carpet and wood products from sustainable managed forests, such as those certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
  • Use rapidly renewing floor materials like cork, eucalyptus, or bamboo.
Now that you know what to do, go shopping and remember to buy locally. What are you waiting for?

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