Making Your Home Green

In the modern era, everyone is becoming more conscious of the environment. The health benefits of “going green” to ourselves and the planet on which we live are incalculable. If you are interested in living a green lifestyle, a great way to start will be in the home in which you live. Here are some tips for making your home a green home.

Green Home Tip No. 1 -- Building or Re-Building a Green Home

When building or remodeling your home, find a green builder. The EPA’s Energy Star program provides a great way for you to use a builder who will create an environmentally friendly home. You can go to EnergyStar.gov and find green certified builders and homes.
Energy Star homes are 15 percent more energy efficient than traditional homes and generate considerably less pollution through efficient insulation, heating and cooling systems and general construction.

Green Home Tip No. 2 -- Creating a Non-Toxic Environment

Many people would be surprised at the amount of dangerous chemicals and hazardous waste in their homes. Your first step should be to gather up all the chemicals in your home, such as detergents and cleansers, and take them to a hazardous waste facility for disposal. You can make your own cleaning products using non-toxic materials.

Once you get rid of all the poisons in your home, refresh the atmosphere by adding plants. Plants such as Aloe, Philodendrons and Spider Plants are great for cleaning toxins from the air you breathe.

Green Home Tip No. 3 -- Creating a Garden

Nothing’s more green than a garden. Instead of putting a chlorine filled swimming pool in the back yard, consider using it to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. It’s not only good for the environment, it can also add a tranquility and satisfaction to your life that you may not be able to get through your normal daily activities.

Green Home Tip No. 4 -- Buying or Selling a Green Home

If you’re in the market for a home that’s already green, or if you’re looking to move on and let another homeowner benefit from the environmentally residence you have created, you can take advantage of ListedGreen. ListedGreen is an MLS (Multiple Listing Service) consisting entirely of energy efficient, green homes for sale. You can easily add your own home to the listing for just $20 a month by following the directions on the website.