PlanIt Greener:
Consider an  online service to find re-used furniture, appliances, and other items, rather than buying them new. Check out garage sales and thrift stores for clothing and other everyday items. Use your creativity in gift giving, including making homemade gifts, donating to a good cause, or even regifting.
Lighting
Energy efficient lighting can cut down on your utility bills. Designing a kitchen with good natural lighting cuts down on the need to use electricity and passive solar home design will use less energy for heating and cooling. Most standard fixtures are compatible with compact fluorescents (CFLs, which can save 75% of the electricity that incandescent bulbs use.) In the past, some people stayed away from CFLs because they didnÕt like the sterile light they gave off, reminding them of older office lighting. Today CFLs offer cool and warm light and are available in a wider range of wattage and lumens. Look for the Energy Star on the product as well. While the initial cost of these bulbs is slightly higher, they last up to eight times as long.
PlanIt Forever:
Consider buying wind and solar energy from your local utility company or purchasing renewable energy offsets, which offers our best hope for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as well as a host of other pollutants. In some cases, Ògreen energyÓ options can be cheaper than electricity from conventional sources. Explore your green energy options as they differ throughout the country.
Flooring
Eco-Smart Flooring: When resurfacing your floors consider
the many environmentally friendly options available in todayÕs market.
Cork flooring is durable, comfortable under foot and is a terrific insulator for both sound and heat. Cork is also hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly.
Marmoleum is a natural linoleum product. It is extremely
durable and is all naturally made from flax, wood flour and rosins. No adhesives are required and it is non-toxic and resistant to bacteria growth.
Bamboo makes a beautiful, warm, environmentally friendly floor that can be enjoyed for many years.

For more information, visit www.greenfloors.com