See how celebrities are helping to save the planet - one mansion at a time
What do big-name celebrities like Ed Begley Jr., Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Daryl Hannah, Julia Roberts and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have in common? Aside from being ridiculously good looking and having more money than they know what to do with, these celebrities have all taken steps to significantly "green" their homes.
Exotic hardwoods that keep the environment in mind
Thanks to responsible forestry practices, sustainable forestry certification and manufacturer innovation, visually appealing hardwoods can now be part of an environmentally conscious home.
At one time it wasn't easy being green, but these days, consumers are finding a variety of ways to green their lives by recycling and buying products from environmentally conscious companies. From simple home maintenance to daily purchases, greening your lifestyle can translate into a healthier home environment for you and your family.
With the economy making a slow rebound, homeowners continue to look for cost-effective options when building or renovating their homes. Natural exterior building materials are often very expensive and require both time and money to maintain. Choosing vinyl and polymeric siding is one way people are saving on building materials. Both siding options, which many considered at one time to be fake-looking or boring, have become one of the most versatile, detailed and eco-friendly home exterior products available on the market today.
Green power makes lawn and garden care more eco-friendly
When the sun shines on a beautiful summer day, it's easy to gauge how important our yards are. Take a walk around your neighborhood and you'll likely see a majority of your neighbors out mowing lawns, pulling weeds, cutting flowers and more. And once the work of maintaining the yard is done, it becomes the scene of garden parties, backyard barbeques and games like bocce and croquet.
We spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A typical day can include traveling from home to work and back home again with a few periodic trips to schools, the grocery store, the bank, malls and entertainment venues. We depend on our homes, offices, retail stores and other structures to keep us safe; but can buildings also help keep us healthy?
Protecting the earth means using it wisely, a concept that extends to virtually all aspects of life, from the emergence of renewable fuels to the conservation of plants and species.
The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing.
Tip of the day: tax credits for homeowners that can be applied next year
It's not too soon to start thinking about next year's income tax filing season. And with some government tax incentives set to expire at year's end, savvy homeowners are planning today to save for tomorrow by taking advantage of tax credits that reward energy efficiency projects.
Green senior housing growing in America's age wave
Green, sustainable building practices aren't just for celebrities and high-end homes; senior housing is going green too. Green, or environmentally friendly, senior housing is developed using energy-saving construction practices. Green housing and neighborhoods can profoundly affect health outcomes ranging from asthma to longevity, according to the American Society on Aging.
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