Green Homes Are the Place To Be

When we as Americans think of the oil industry and the subsequent energy crunch coming in the years ahead, we tend to think of only the automotive industry as the one needing reform. Certainly there as been much ado over the various companies racing to create cars that run on renewable energy such as biodiesel, ethanol, and the Holy Grail of eco-cars, hydrogen power. As anyone that reads this column knows, there are already cars on the market that are either oil/electric hybrids (Toyota Prius), or some other combination of ethanol/biodiesel et. al.

While renewable energy in the automotive industry is certainly one concern it is not the only concern. What people don’t realize is that socio-economic topics like energy or the environment are islands of concern simply isolated from one another. Cars that run on finite sources of energy also cause environmental damage and health problems. It’s a vicious circle. We support products that are cheaper in the short run but inevitably harm us and the environment, costing homeowners more money down the road (in health costs, environmental clean-up costs, and weather-related catastrophic damage to communities). Between the cars we drive, the food we eat, and the seemingly innocuous products we purchase (like beauty products containing carcinogenic ingredients or even t-shirts made with cotton most likely containing large amounts of herbicides and insecticides, many of which are known carcinogens) modern society has driven the cost of living sky high.

Beyond food, oil and consumer products lies an even greater source of mans economic and environmental woes. The very house you live in is probably toxic to one degree or another. That very same house is costing you extra in utility bills by running all of its various parts (appliances, heating/cooling apparatus, electricity etc.) on finite energy. In other words, the very homes we live in are killing us and stealing our dough.

A study of vacuum dust by he Citizen's Environmental Coalition and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York found the following results:

According to the Citizen's Environmental Coalition and the Learning Disabilities Association of New York, our homes are full of at least six dangerous chemicals.

The study examined vacuum dust from 70 homes throughout seven states.

According to the report, all 70 homes had evidence of the six chemicals.

The chemicals have been linked to cancer, developmental disorders and according to doctors -- may even alter the hormone levels in young children.

Sick of Dust report: Alkylphenols: found in laundry detergents, textiles, hair-coloring, pains and all-purpose cleaners.

Organotin Compounds: Found in PVC, polyvinyl chlorid, water pipes, PVC food packing materials, glass coatings, polyurethane foams, and many other consumer products.

Perfluorinated Organics: Used to make Teflon, Goretex and other oil-, water- and stain-resistant materials for nonstick frying pans, utensils, stove hoods, stain-proof carpets, furniture and clothes.

Pesticides: apply in and around homes for controlling infestations of various insects and used in carpets.

Pesticides include a wide range of chemicals.

Phthalates: Used primarily in vinyl products such as shower curtains, raincoats, toys, furniture and flooding.

Polybrominated dephenyl ethers: applied to textiles or incorporated into plastics, foams and electrical goods to prevent or slow the spread of fire.

Group leaders said the chemicals come from everyday products, such as house ware and cleaners.

16 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions are generated from the energy used in houses nationwide. It is estimated that 50,000 people in the United States die each year from heart and lung disease due to air pollution linked to the burning of fossil fuels to generate electricity for their homes.

Even if our homes weren’t cancer batteries, the cost of fueling them is causing many to go broke or avoid buying new homes in a labor environment where consumer costs is outpacing wages at an exponential rate. In short, even if the homes weren’t killing us, younger generations of workers are finding it infinitely more difficult to maintain them once we’ve moved in.

Like all problems there is a viable solution and its color is green. Green homes are not only environmentally friendly but the long term costs of fueling them will greatly lighten the economic burden we’re all carrying as well.

Built Green, is one of the growing numbers of companies dedicated to building healthier, safer, and energy efficient homes in the US. “Built Green promotes use of more durable building products. This not only saves resources, but also reduces maintenance and replacement costs and saves the owner valuable time.”

According to their site there are many features they employ to accomplish the above stated goals:

Quality Enhancing Features Of Built Green

Controlled Ventilation and Filtration - goes beyond code to provide a safer and healthier indoor environment.

"Friendly" Paints, Sealers, Adhesives and Solvents - low-toxic formulas reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.

Extra Energy Efficient Shell - going beyond code, the home provides a quieter, more comfortable interior prized by homeowners.

Recycled-Content Carpeting - looks and performs like conventional synthetic carpeting; is highly resistant to fading, stains, and static shock.

Natural Alternatives to Wood Flooring - in flooring and countertops, bamboo, cork, linoleum, for example, offer a natural look while being more stable and more long-lasting than conventional products.

Innovative Bio-Composite Products - new products add decorative flair to a home on the market.

Recycled-Content Ceramic Tile - performs like conventional ceramic tile.
"Friendly" Insulation - a variety available including low toxic, recycled content, and high density options.

Quality Enhancing Exterior Features

Fiber Cement Siding - lasts 30 years longer than conventional siding products and is easier to maintain.

Drought Tolerant Landscaping - protects and beautifies the site, reduces water consumption and routine yard maintenance.

Erosion Control and Preservation of Topsoil during construction not only protects soil from washing away into streams, but reapplying topsoil after construction helps plants grow better and require less irrigation.

Dollar Saving Features of Built Green

Advanced Framing Technique - provides more insulation while saving lumber costs by 10% or more.

Passive Solar Siting and Design - uses nature's energy, not the utility's, to supplement heating and lighting.

Radiant Floor Heating - generating an ambient temperature of 65 degrees can provide the same comfort as a forced air system generating an ambient temperature of 72 degrees, shaving 20% to 40% off heating bills.

Compact Fluorescent Lighting - uses one-quarter to one-third as much electricity as incandescents and last 10 times longer.

Front Loading (Horizontal-Axis) Clothes Washers - use one-third as much water as conventional washers, reducing water and energy use by two-thirds. They are also quieter and cause less wear on fabrics.

Native Landscaping - reduces water consumption as much as 50%, requires less maintenance and little or no chemical treatments.

Water-conserving Showerheads and Faucets - can cut hot water use in half, saving a family of four 14,000 gallons of water a year and the energy required to heat it.

The federal government is attempting to take lead in endeavoring to move toward Green homes and building via the Evironmental Protection Agency (EPA). First there is ENERGY STAR, which is a joint program of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices.

Their site states that if you want to save your life and the environment, in so few words, you should follow these guidelines:

If looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy.

If looking for a new home, look for one that has earned the ENERGY STAR.

If looking to make larger improvements to your home, EPA offers tools and resources to help you plan and undertake projects to reduce your energy bills and improve home comfort.

In fact, the EPA has become the first federal agency to be powered %100 by green technology. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has closed a deal making it the first federal agency to purchase renewable energy, or "green power," equivalent to 100 percent of its annual electricity needs. The agency signed a contract with 3 Phases Energy Services to purchase more than 100 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in renewable energy certificates, effective Sept. 1. The arrangement extends annual green-power purchases to more than 190 EPA facilities nationwide.

This green-power purchase brings the agency total to nearly 300 million kWh per year, which is equivalent to 100 percent of the electricity EPA uses nationwide annually. It is enough electricity to power 27,970 homes for a year. (source)

One of the simplest ways to save money on heating and cooling is to replace your old insulation with environmentally friendly products. You can purchase insulation made from old denim scrap or recycled newspaper and the costs post-installation range in the $700 area.

There are options out there for people who are ready to get serious about their health, their wallet and the environment. Simply Google searching the term “Green House” will bring 100’s of advertisements for “green” products and contractors not to mention all the news that fit to print in newsletters and papers that don’t make the mainstream news cycle.

If you are planning to build a new home, are interested in just trying to cut some costs, are interested in having a house that isn’t slowly killing you, or are interested in a hot and rising investment opportunity, you should check out what’s new in the world of Green Homes.