13 Steps To A Dream Green Home Infographic

Building a green home is easier than ever with these ecofriendly materials and products.1. Avoid west-facing construction - This minimizes sun exposure and helps keep the home cool2. Use structural insulated panels (SIPS) for construction - these are efficient, lightweight and structurally sound.3. Select environmentally friendly materials - use low-VOC or no-VOC stains and varnishes4. Avoid cabinetry and fixtures containing chemicals - look for cabinetry and fixtures with no formaldehydye, heavy metals and dyes.5. Insulate the home properly - this reduces energy consumption in all weather.6. Use ENERGY STAR windows and appliances - Low energy consumption refrigerators, clothes dryers, hot water heaters, etc. You can also install low water consumption toilets, water heaters, dishwashers, washing machines and showers.7. Think green HVAC - Get a geothermal heat pump, radian floor heating or ENERGY STAR HVAC system.8. Protect the property - Make sure the construction isn't obtrusive to wetlanks, protected wildlife or vegetation.9. Optimize for solar power - install solar panels on the roof.10. Ventilate the attic - this lowers cooling costs by preventing heat build up.11. Use ecofriendly lighting - optimize sunlight with lots of windows and supplement with LEED-certified light fixtures.12. Install a cistern - collect rainwater for gray water uses, such as toilets and sprinkler systems.13. Choose indigenous landscaping - local plants are better for the environment than exotics.Read more at http://www.greenhomegnome.com/tips-building-green-home/#yDX5K9cvkw2LYj4F.99. This Article Originally Posted at The Green Home Gnome. Green Home Gnome invites you to reprint, copy, distribute, and alter CC-licensed text as long as you provide a clickable link back to www.greenhomegnome.com and share-alike.Reposted on: Reposted on: frugallysustainable.com, theprairiehomestead.com