 EnviroCitizen.org would answer "no" to this question. There is a common misconception about green home features. Many tend to think that green options are more expensive, most likely because such features can be seen as extravagant. However, there is nothing extravagant about a home that is energy-efficient and costs less to maintain than a conventional home. In fact, if you consider government incentives offered to homeowners and the cost savings over time, affordable, green housing is entirely viable and less costly to maintain.
Green housing developments are one of the greatest places to live. To many environmentalists, urban living is the most eco-friendly option around. For example, a high-rise apartment building can be a green way to live. Per square foot of space, it is one of the most efficient methods of dwelling. Energy and temperature control systems work best under these kinds of settings, where they collective spreads the energy amongst all of the units/residents. If a high-rise apartment heats only the bottom and top floors along with the apartments that are on the corners of the building, the other apartments do not need heating at all since heat radiates out.
High-rise apartments aren't for everyone though, and affordable, green housing exists in many forms. Developers are starting to build green housing communities. Some of these new green communities are even powered by on-site solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines! These communities capture their gray water (the water that comes from your shower and sinks) to use for watering the landscaping. Often times, the landscape is eco-friendly since local plants don't need synthetic chemicals to thrive and use less water than foreign plants. Deciduous trees can help to lower the inside temperature of homes in the summer and enable the sun to help heat homes in the winter.
EnviroCitizen.org wants you to know that you don't need to move into a high-rise or a new community to find affordable, green housing. You can transform your own home into an eco-friendly living space! An energy audit can help to determine how you consume energy in your home and where the phantom energy suckers are hiding. This is a great tool because it enables homeowners to determine what changes should be made and which changes will be of the most benefit.
You can also assess the insulative properties of your home. Check to see that your insulation is effective and that your windows seal well. By increasing the energy efficiency of your home, you can save money and reduce your energy needs. You can also purchase energy efficient appliances and if you're remodeling, you can easily incorporate eco-friendly materials into your home.
Small changes can add up, and there really is no limit to how green you can live. Many resources exist in most communities to help you determine which options are best for you and your family. In the end, EnviroCitizen.org has found that affordable, green housing is plentiful, available and easily-attainable. |
