You don't have to build a whole new house to reduce your impact on the environment.

Adding insulation, repairing windows, and even hanging thermal drapes can yield surprising savings. However, be mindful of indoor air quality as you make changes.

Indoor air quality is a serious problem affecting millions of homes. Studies show that air within homes can be more seriously polluted than the air outdoors—even in the largest and most industrialized cities.  Harmful chemicals from construction materials, insulation, furniture, carpeting, padding, paints, solvents and household cleaners, drawn by this moist atmosphere, combine to contaminate the indoor air which then stays trapped inside.  Changing to low VOC paint and environmentally friendly cleaning materials is the first step.

Use low VOC paint	Change to CFL's or LED's	Capture rainwater

Other ways to green-up the home include replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient compact fluorescents, as well as switching out conventional hot water heaters in favour of solar hot water heaters.  And for saving on water, replacing traditional showerheads and toilets with pressurized low-flow alternatives can save litres per day while generating cost savings on municipal bills. Likewise, capturing rainwater and shower “grey-water” to irrigate the garden is another smart move.