Go Green on the Little Things is a 7 part series, providing various tidbits and advice about green living and choices for the following: home living, office spaces, school, shopping, health and beauty, money and finance, and buildings.

Today, let's discuss Go Green on the Little Things: Buildings. Constructing eco-friendly, green homes are becoming imperative, as well as modifications and upgrades to one's existing home. We are living in an age where the conservation of resources is proving vital to the sustainability of human life. Let's look at some simple ways you can green your home:

Garden and Landscape

1. Gravel, wood chips, nutshells, or other salvaged materials make great covering for your patio, walkways and paths, allowing for water to seep into the ground instead of water running off your property.
2. Minimize the removal of vegetation to help prevent soil erosion.
3. Keep the landscape of your property planted with natural vegetation in order to reduce the emissions from gas powered tools required to maintain lawns.
4. Planting leafy trees to shade your home could help you reduce your air conditioning usage during summer months.

1. Air Conditioning: Buy an Energy Star System, saving 20-40% on your energy usage.
2. Cooling/Heating Systems: Use a programmable thermostat to control energy usage.
3. Reflective Roofing: Save money by making your roof an energy powerhouse.
4. Lighting: Use motion sensors and light dimmers to save energy.
5. Solar Panels: With tax credits and rebates, you can get free energy from the sun.
6. Solar Water Heaters: Think of it this way - why pay for hot water when you can harness it naturally?

1. Carpets: Buy carpet made from recycled products, such as plastic bottles.
2. Bathroom Countertops: Buy 100% recycled countertops.
3. Drywall: Save energy by buying at least 75% recycled content or synthetic gypsum or fly ash.
4. Dual flush Toilets: Save water by installing low flush toilets.
5. Glass Tiles: Buy 100% recycled glass instead of using ceramic tiles.
6. Bamboo Flooring: Forget the wood floors, use bamboo; it grows abundantly and quickly.
7. Insulation: Buy 100% recycled insulation.
8. Kitchen Countertops: Choose durable composite, paper stone, terrazo, stainless steel, or tile countertop with 50-100% recycled content.
9. Linoleum Floors: Made from 100% natural resources, it is a much better alternative to the petroleum-derived vinyl flooring.
10. Paint: Use 100% recycled paint.
11. Pavement: Make sure you use porous pavement so water can seep into the earth versus running off.
12. Windows: Double pane windows will prevent precious heat from escaping your home easily.
13. Wood: Use recycled wood or at least wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

1. Furniture: Buy used, refurbished, or antique items.
2. Textiles: Use recycled fabrics versus polyester fabric.