Issue Date: May 4, 2008
Find an eco-builder, from the ground up
Making your existing home more green is one thing. But doing it with a home that you're building from scratch is another.
The possibilities are endless -- but don't let that overwhelm you. "If you're only comfortable taking a small step, and your neighbor is taking a small step, it all adds up," says professional house planner Jack Thomasson, who worked on the HGTV Green Home near Hilton Head, S.C. (You can enter to win this eco-friendly dream home until May 9 at HGTV.com.) "There's a cumulative effect of small steps."
Suggestions for green construction
Find a builder who recycles. On the site, Thomasson used separate Dumpsters for metal, plastic and wood, plus one for miscellaneous materials. Scrap wood was used to make the bed in the master bedroom and the bunk beds in the second bedroom.
Avoid meandering pipes. Pipe routes that go directly from the source to the fixture increase overall water efficiency.
Insulate better. Thomasson used spray foam insulation because it fills every crevice, keeping in air that has been heated or cooled.
Go for long-lasting materials. If a product is durable, you won't need to replace it as often, meaning you use fewer resources and less energy.
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