Building a Home? A Few Environmentally Friendly Tips

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

09 Jul 2007 09:07 AM

Okay, to be real honest, I'm not all caught up in man-made global warming hype, especially since I'm old enough to remember the "global cooling" hype from when I was in grade school. Still, there is something to be said for caring for our planet. We should not be reckless with the environment and I believe we have a duty to leave the Earth better than we found it for those who follow after us.

When building a home, there are a few fairly simple measures that can be instituted to help protect the Earth. Choosing a building site is an important step. Try to select a spot that allows shade to help keep the home cool during warmer months but also gets enough sun to help warm the home in colder months and allows you to take advantage of solar energy.

Solar power can be not only more cost effective, but also a more environmentally friendly alternative. Even if you're not currently building a home, a good example is exchanging your regular patio lights for solar powered alternatives.

Did you know that even landscaping can be a part of the problem? While gorgeous landscapes and manicured lawns are often sought after features when building a new home, they not only disturb the natural landscape and disrupt natural cycles, but emissions are created when they are maintained (for example, a lawn that must be mowed each week).

Using less water is also important. There are many products available to help in this regard, such as water saving toilets and showers (that give the sense of strong water pressure without using as much water in the process). You could save several gallons of water each day within a few flushes. You can also collect rain water for watering plants and flowers (just don't leave water sitting long enough to stagnate as it will draw mosquitoes).

Also, keep in mind that the purchase of building supplies that are produced in your local area will mean fewer emissions from trucks and trains required to transport materials from other locations.

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Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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