Going Green

“Going green” is the new catchphrase used by environmentalists when talking about making changes that are better for the earth and the environment overall. Even the most luxurious and expensive homes these days are getting in on the act, as home builders are finding that eco-friendly products can be as useful and as beautiful as their former counterparts.

But how exactly can one go about this? What are some changes you can make, or options you can try, to make your own home, whether existing or being built, more eco-friendly?

Use the windows.

Many energy-consumption problems can be addressed with simple tweaks to conventional house design, according to Michelle Kaufmann, the founder of eco-friendly home design company Michelle Kaufmann Designs. Windows and sliding glass doors placed on opposite walls, for instance, allow the sun to more evenly wash a room with light and eliminate contrast, which reduces the need for electrical light during the day. Windows also allow for natural air circulation, which reduces demand for heating and air conditioning.

Similarly, a glass wall can make a room seem bigger than it is, which cuts down on the need for McMansion-size family rooms and therefore the amount of raw materials required for building the home in the first place. Many new homes are being built with larger windows in virtually every room; this is not just for the sake of the natural heating element the sun provides, but also for aesthetics as well. Many people just like the feeling of an open, airy room, and appreciate the natural breezes they can get with large open windows as opposed to using the air conditioner or fans placed throughout.

If you’re designing your own home or are working with a builder, be sure to get the largest windows possible, especially for rooms that face south, and especially if your home climate is not that hot and humid. South-facing windows provide the most light, and therefore the most natural heat throughout the winter. By opening your blinds and curtain as early as possible and leaving them open throughout the day, you can cut down on your heating needs tremendously.

Use the best elements.

Want wood floors? Bamboo grows faster than most plants and hence is more ecologically friendly than more commonly used oak or fir. When opting for wood floors, inquire about the use of bamboo rather than these other materials. Often the cost is about the same.

When it comes to countertops, granite and marble are nice, but some stone is actually made from recycled paper that is pressed and polished. Most consumers cannot tell the difference. Ask your supplier about this, or about using remnants of other slabs to help reduce waste. Usually these are so numerous that you have your choice of colors and finishes, so you’re really not giving up anything when it comes to options.

Use of water and other utilities.

It’s thought that the average home contributes more to greenhouse gases than the average car, simply because the utilities they use in the home (heating gas, electric, water) are produced by huge power plants that spew more pollution in the air per person than most cars.

Of course the best way to reduce this problem is to reduce your energy consumption, which sometimes is easier said than done. Homes that are older are usually somewhat drafty, even if they’re considered high-end. It may be well worth your time and money to have an efficiency expert walk through the house, checking the seals on all the windows and doors, a common place for drafts to get in – and heat to get out. Be repairing these, your need for heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer is greatly reduced.

Use of water is another factor that many families rarely consider. Energy-saving and water-efficient appliances for the laundry room are readily available, so it pays to do some comparison shopping and see if perhaps your washer and dryer need an upgrade. Many of these newer models are also large-capacity, meaning that you can do more clothes in less loads, also a big money saver!

Low-flow toilets and showerheads are also readily available. Also, it pays to be mindful of your water consumption overall. Do you take long hot showers on a regular basis? Consider giving yourself a time limit on those. Don’t run the water when you brush your teeth, and make sure you train your children to do the same.

Cut down on packaging.

Excessive packaging is one of the biggest factors in landfills today. It’s also interesting that recently bottled water was called one of the worst products ever manufactured by some environmental watch groups, since it is basically tap water that is put in packaged containers. So, be wary of items you buy and how they’re packaged. Many high-end companies are encouraging their customers to recycle their packages; for example, MAC cosmetics gives a discount to consumers who bring bag so many boxes that their new cosmetics are packaged in. Shop for other products that have similar programs.

From novelty to mainstream.

Green homes appear poised to move from the novelty wing of the housing market to a mainstream product. MKD, which up till now has mostly built one-off homes, is slated to put up around 45 homes in a townhouse development in San Leandro, Calif., and a 40-home project in Las Vegas. Another 42-home subdivision is planned for Denver.

Mainstream developers such as Centex Homes, Lennar Corporation and The Grupe Company have also begun to emphasize green features in their homes, particularly as concerns about electricity grow and housing sales stagnate. These companies have said that homes with integrated solar panels have emerged as status symbols and can sell for more, and at a faster clip, than homes without solar technology.

The mkSolaire, a two-story townhouse design, features lofts and a roof garden. The company's first home design, the Glidehouse, is fashioned after a home owned by an artist in the Pacific Northwest.

So if you’re considering going green in your home, remember that you don’t need to sacrifice luxury, comfort or convenience to be successful. With a few minor changes, you can be proud of knowing that you’re doing your part to leave a beautiful and clean world to your children.

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