Building Green and Eating Organic

Posted by Kelly Smith Apr 27, 2008

Just lately there seems to be more emphasis on all things green and organic. I guess it's due to the fact that Earth Day happened recently and the main thing in the news cycle is Hillary and Obama slapping each other.

Yesterday I was at the gym on the treadmill watching CNN. They were discussing the fact that food prices are rising due to fuel costs and the corn crop getting hijacked by the bogus fuel, ethanol. This is leading consumers in some areas to buy their produce directly from the farmers. Good idea.

But then, listening to a home improvement show on the radio later, I found out more about green home building than I ever imagined. For example, did you know that one criteria is that the building materials should come from a close location? I believe he said less than 500 miles away.

Well, that makes sense. Especially in light of transportation costs.

Whether you support the global warning issue or not, there's no denying the fact that keeping utility bills low is a good idea. Of course, I've been on that mission around my home for a couple of years now. I've done the radiant barrier paint, gone to compact fluorescent lights, and added to my attic insulation.

We bought a new refrigerator in the middle of last year and it's certainly saving some juice. Gotta love the ENERGY STAR!