Greener Lifestyle

Girl recycling symbol

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, living a greener lifestyle can be as simple as making sustainable choices about what we eat, how we travel, what we buy, and how we use and dispose of it.

Below are some ways to get started living a greener lifestyle:

Benefits of Greenbuilding

  • Lower monthly and operating costs
  • Use of more durable materials
  • Less Maintenance
  • Possible tax credits and rebates
  • More comfortable and healthier homes: improved air quality and less allergens and toxins
  • Higher quality materials

Easy Everyday Green Steps

  • Select Energy Star Appliances
  • Use compact fluorescent bulbs
  • Install dimmer switches and occupancy sensors
  • Use no VOC paints
  • Install a CO2 sensor
  • Install a humidistat

Greening an Existing Home

  • Have a home performance test completed by a green building specialist
  • Determine how green building standards can be constructed and utilized
  • Use engineered lumbar and wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
  • Reduce water use by installing energy efficient appliances
  • Develop a landscape water management system to reduce outdoor water usage
  • Install better insulation and double pane windows to improve energy efficiency
  • Install renewable energy systems such as solar water heating and photovoltaic panels
  • Improve indoor air quality by using low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) paints, cleaners and adhesives
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