The green movement has gradually become more of a lifestyle choice than just a short-lived trend. This is partly due to the fact that manufacturers have met consumer demand with great force. There are so many eco-friendly products and services at your fingertips these days, why wouldn’t you take advantage of them?

Green building and construction have really gained momentum over the past few years. Not only does this allow business owners and homeowners to reduce their carbon footprint, but it can also save on costs down the road. If you are thinking of renovating your house or are in the market for a new one, you have a golden opportunity to go green.

If you are new to the green scene, you will be surprised at the variety of environmentally conscious home options available these days. To help you make the most sound and sustainable choices, some green home tips have been provided below.

Your Eco-Friendly Home

Embrace the space

Keep in mind when building or remodeling a green home that bigger is not always better. The more square footage that the house is, the more electricity will be needed to keep it well lit, cool, and warm. Don’t be afraid to expand or incorporate large open rooms, but be sure to maximize the space that you do have so that it doesn’t go to waste so to speak.

Optimize to energize

Choose energy star rated appliances for your home and look into solar panels as an alternative energy source. Windows and skylights should be strategically placed in order to receive natural lighting but minimize cooling costs. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) can help you save energy but they are not the optimal choice. Using a tankless water heater is another smart way to save energy.

Friendly furnishings

Pay close attention to the materials that are used to make furniture items, and be conscious of the size of the furnishings you choose. Big bulky pieces of furniture will waste space. You can even select certain kinds of paint to coat your walls, which are considerably less harmful on the environment than others.

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Using recycled materials to build or renovate your house is probably the most basic component of a green home. Bamboo, concrete, glass and granite are ideal and popular material choices.

Think globally

Once you decide to build an environmentally friendly home, you become part of the green movement, which qualifies you for an energy efficient mortgage. Plus, you get to feel good about your home’s impact on the planet as a whole.


The rapid growth of eco-friendly homes represents a promising future for sustainable building and for the environment. Many folks do not realize that incorporating green aspects into their home is not only a viable option, but an affordable one. Open your minds to the endless possibilities of a green house. The sooner you do, the sooner you can reap the benefits.

Written by: Kaity Nakagoshi, Online Community Director

About the Author

Kaity is a native to the state of Florida, where she obtained two bachelor’s degrees from the University of South Florida. She is the Web Content Manager at Zelen Communications and the Online Community Director for Arthur Rutenberg Homes. Some of Kaity’s favorite things are hot yoga, online shopping, Sunday brunch, college football, hair bows and headbands, playing golf, and FaceTiming with her niece.

Images Courtesy of Canva.

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About the Author: Patricia Davis Brown

Patricia, like her blog, is not a one-dimensional designer, which is evident in her accolades of 17 national design awards. Over a 38-year career in the industry, she has carved a niche in several areas of design. Licensed in interior design and certified in kitchen and bath design, she offers a full menu of design services ranging from whole house interior design, kitchen and bath design, lighting design, full remodels, commercial design and universal (ADA) design. Patricia is a sought-after speaker in the industry and has been published in many publications as seen on her interior design firm’s website, https://www.patriciadavisbrowndesigns.com/. She writes for such publications as QuinStreetinc, Relaxed Remodeler, and eHow.com talent offering design tips.