Designing Your Sustainable Dream Home: 10 Things Every Eco-Home Should Have
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July/August 2007
By Judith A. Stock
6. Water Conservation
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Low-flow plumbing fixtures keep money from going down the drain and save substantial amounts of water. Low-flow toilets only use 1.6 gallons of water per flush (older models average 5 gpf); low-flow showerheads use 2.5 gallons per minute or less (conventional models use 5 to 8 gpm); and low-flow faucet aerators cut water usage to as low as 1 gallon per minute.
7. Sustainable Landscaping
Rain gardens, ponds, birdbaths and streams are good for the environment, friendly to the animal world, and soothing and relaxing for us. Native and drought-resistant plants require less water and maintenance. Organic gardening, which uses natural fertilizers and pest-control techniques and eschews harsh chemicals, is friendly to both the earth and people.
8. Energy-Efficient Appliances
Buying energy- and water-saving appliances lets you "do well by doing good." You save money on the electric bill and help the environment. Check out Energy Star labels on kitchen, laundry and bath appliances and fixtures. This year, the Department of Energy will be updating energy-efficiency standards for all appliances, so watch for even more efficient products to come onto the market.
9. Renewable Energy
Solar, wind, water and geothermal are all renewable forms of energy. Although installing solar panels or a wind generator is a fabulous goal, it may not be attainable immediately if you have budget constraints. A great right-now solution is to buy wind-generated or other renewable power from your local utility-it may be as simple as marking a little box on your energy bill to sign up. In many areas, it's not much more expensive than conventional energy. Also take a look at solar water heaters, which can pay for themselves quickly by reducing energy bills. For information on financial incentives for installing renewable-energy systems, check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (www.DSIREusa.org).
10. Location, Location, Location
Living close to shopping, recreation and your workplace reduces your car dependence. "It's hard to justify a home in the middle of nowhere as a green home," says Brian Dunbar, executive director of the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University. "It matters if you have to get in your car and drive everywhere."
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