What are cost-effective practices that I can do around my home to save energy?
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. household spends more than $1,600 a year on utility bills. A large portion of this energy is wasted. Some simple tips include: set the thermostat at a comfortable level in the winter and higher in the summer months, use compact fluorescent light bulbs, air dry dishes, turn off appliances when not in use, take short showers, and wash only full loads of dishes and clothing. What materials are used in green building? Being green is contingent on the materials used to produce a building product and where these materials came from. Some products can be made with salvaged, recycled, or agricultural waste content. Some products are developed to conserve natural resources. A number of products save energy or water. And some products simply contribute to a safe, healthy environment. What part do reused or recycled materials play in building green and are there standards to evaluate them? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has st
