When my friend asked me if I would like to tour a “green house” with her I gave her a puzzled look. After all, she knew I was in the midst of winterizing my yard. Then I thought perhaps she wanted to spruce up her home with some potted plants so I agreed. When she told me tickets to tour this “green house” would run about $10 I knew there was something I was missing. Turns out this “green house” is actually a “green home.” A building made of ecologically correct material. I took the bait and we toured the home yesterday.
I was amazed by the entire structure, and what’s more, by all that I learned while we were there. For those of you who have never been to a “green home” or “green building,” there is a lot you may miss unless you have an expert pointing out the details. We had a knowledgeable tour guide and I walked away inspired to apply some of the design practices to my own home (more on that later).
But first, I won’t assume that you know anything about a “green home” (after all, I thought it was a place for flowers) so allow me to get you up to speed:
What makes a building “green” are its building materials and practices.
“Green” materials include:
· Recycled contents—basically materials you would find in a landfill. For example, recycled milk containers and soda bottles. (Did you know they can make carpet with recycled plastic bottles?)
· Renewable Sources—or resources from which the material is made can be readily replenished. For example, many “green homes” have floors made from bamboo, which can be harvested every 3-6 years.
· Non-toxic products—or products that have reduced chemical content such as formaldehyde-free insulation.
· Local Goods-by using local products you reduce or eliminate long-distance transport of building materials, which can help save energy and lessen pollution caused by trucks transporting the materials.
So why would you want to “go green?” I learned that certain green building materials and practices used together can help conserve energy and reduce energy bills. What’s more, “green” construction contributes to improved indoor air quality, and can dramatically reduce your home’s impact on the natural environment.
In “Going Green Part 2” I will discuss ways you can apply these practices to your existing home.