You can’t read the news without at reading about how everyone is going green. If you stop to think about it much of what you read actually makes sense. The benefits of being environmentally conscience can save you money while saving the planet. By being green we often see instant results in our wallets. Many earth-friendly ideas actually pay for themselves over a short time. Thinking green when building and remodeling is no exception. Here are a few tips that are helping millions of people be more earth friendly while saving cash when building and remodeling:

Green Grass Roof: Let’s approach this top to bottom. There are several green tips for your roof. One is green grass roofs. Green grass roofs are becoming more common every day. They are both cost efficient and attractive. You easily apply a green roofing system to your entire roof or just a portion. The extra insulation helps keep energy cost down.

Solar panels: Solar panels have been around for ages now, but thanks to almost daily advances in technology they are now more accessible and cost effective to the general public. New attractive designs make them more visually appealing. There are clever ways to install them so that your roof is not covered from one end to the other with solar panels. Solar panels are most often used to heat swimming pools and they may even power an entire home.

Wind turbines: These are another excellent idea for gathering free energy from your natural surroundings. Wind turbines are highly effective in producing energy for your home by using wind as its power source. Before you get too excited about nabbing some of that free electricity be sure to first check your local building codes.

Water collection systems: While collecting rain water is not a new concept the technology surrounding this method has changed to become more efficient. Many hardware stores carry large barrels that are used for the sole purpose of collecting rain water. This water can be used to water plants as well as other uses limited only by ones imagination. Use collected rain water with a simple filtration system and solar energy and you have a free shower.

Recycled materials: Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of recycled materials is that they are so versatile. There are no limits to the recycled materials that can be used in green architecture designs. Reclaimed wood can be used for flooring, trim and exposed wood ceilings. Recycled rubber tire chips can be used in landscaping. Even broken glass fragments are being used inside walls for insulation.

Just remember to keep open lines of communication with your architecture firm so that you two can fully evaluate any and all viable green options.