Creating an Eco-Friendly Home

ENERGY & WATER CONSERVATION

Consider products that reduce your use of energy and water. Lower energy and water bills mean fewer climate changing greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, and less strain on water tables. Keep an eye out for:

How do you know it's really green?
Energy Star is a program administered jointly by the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy to promote greater energy efficiency. Energy Star rated products-including televisions, computers, stereos, fax machines, and printers as well as home appliances, lighting, heating and cooling systems, and building products—can be up to 30% more energy efficient than conventional products.

Now you can also look for the Water Sense Label, a program administered by the EPA (patterned on the Energy Star program) for products such as sinks, toilets, and faucets that are water efficient.

THE LAZY ENVIRONMENTALIST RECOMMENDATION:

Televisions
Okay, if you want to really go environmentally friendly, keep your cathode-ray set around and buck this trend. If you absolutely have to have a flat screen, the Sharp Aquos line of Energy Star rated flat-screen LCD televisions delivers great color quality and clarity and top-ranked energy efficiency. The HDTV-compatible televisions are also manufactured in a production plant that draws approximately one-third of its power from solar energy and an onsite cogeneration system, and recycles all manufacturing wastewater using a state-of-the-art water purification process.

Skylights
Solatube tubular skylights bring natural, healthy sunlight into your home by channeling it through a state-of-the art tube encased in high-tech mirrors, from your roof into any room you choose. Unlike standard skylights, installation of tubular skylights requires no structural changes.

Toilets
The AQUS Toilet System is your instantaneous water recycling solution for the bathroom. Used water from the sink is channeled to the toilet for flushing via a water storage chamber installed inside the sink vanity.

Lighting
Koncept offers a range of sleek, adjustable, and reasonably priced LED lamps that are perfect for bedrooms or offices. In 2006, the Z-Bar LED Desk Lamp received the prestigious "best in category" award by I.D. magazine. The Koncept line also features one of the first LED floor lamps. LEDs are the most efficient lights available using just 5% of the power that incandescents require and lasting up to 60 times longer. They kick CFL's butt.

Energy Provider
Sign up for green energy directly through energy provider. Over 600 power utilities in 35 states offer green energy options directly to homeowners and renters. For a few dollars more per month (and in some instances less) you could be drawing clean energy into the grid when you turn on the lights, watch TV, and play video games.

More Eco-Friendly Home Essentials

Creating an Eco-Home
The Materials
The Air Quality

View Josh Dorfman video on Eco-Friendly Homes