| Creating a home that is environmentally friendly | | | | products mean fewer chemicals to off gas into |
| not only helps you, but helps the environment | | | | your air. This means you and your family breathe |
| both now and in the future. "Green" has become | | | | less chemicals, and healthier air quality which |
| the buzz word for making decisions in your home | | | | means a healthier lifestyle. |
| that make it a healthier place to be. Here are 7 | | | | 5. Look for alternate sources of energy such as |
| ways to get the most for the money you will | | | | solar panels. Harnessing the sun's energy for |
| spend when creating a green home. | | | | heating and cooling is a clean source of fuel and |
| 1. Using double or triple pane windows, and | | | | uses less of the earth's resources. Low energy |
| thermal doors with tight seals mean you keep out | | | | light bulbs, and dimmer switches are additional |
| the heat and the cold more efficiently which | | | | ways that you can choose to use only the power |
| means you use less energy to keep the | | | | you need when you need it. |
| temperature in your home comfortable. | | | | 6. Consider using a programmable thermostat for |
| 2. Look for appliances that are energy star rated. | | | | heating and cooling that allows you to use less |
| The Energy Star is awarded by the United States | | | | energy when you are away during the day. |
| Environmental Protection Agency and holds | | | | These timers will also allow you to set timers to |
| manufacturers and their products to a high | | | | keep the temperature slightly cooler at night |
| standard in terms of its consumption of energy. | | | | during the winter months, and slightly warmer |
| And although these products sometimes cost | | | | during the day if you work outside your home. |
| more up front, they make up for the initial | | | | This may seem like a lot of trouble, but the |
| expense with lower power usage. | | | | saving in costs and the environment add up to a |
| 3. There are many innovative and creative | | | | considerable amount over time. |
| products on the market now which give home | | | | 7. Regardless of how green your home is, there |
| owners the option to use earth friendly materials | | | | are certain indoor air pollutants such as household |
| such as floors and furniture that are made from | | | | dust, dust mites, mold and mildew spores, and pet |
| recycled products. Using old flooring, furniture, and | | | | dander that are impossible to keep out. And once |
| architectural pieces that have been salvaged from | | | | they are inside, a green home, because it is so |
| older homes is also an excellent way to reuse and | | | | well insulated, unless you do something, getting |
| recycle. These seemingly small touches, when | | | | the pollutants out is all but impossible. Using a high |
| used by enough conservation- minded people, | | | | efficiency particle arresting (HEPA) air purifier that |
| make a big difference to the environment and | | | | has earned the Energy Star Seal will take your |
| make an elegant addition to any home. | | | | indoor air to the next level of healthy. |
| 4. The use of organic fabrics, carpets, and other | | | | |