The word “green” may be a trendy buzz word, but this isn’t a fair-weather fad for homeowners:

Going green can change the bottomline on your energy and water bills. Plus, new technology in paints, appliances and home mechanics can improve indoor air quality. You can start with modest changes, such as compact fluorescent lightbulbs, low-toxic paints, and new shower heads. Or,  you can make a bigger commitment with cool roofs, non-toxic insulation and energy efficient appliances.

RESOURCES FOR GREEN RENOVATION 

• Green Home Guide Renovation Checklist 
• Green Home Guide Retrofit Checklist
• Energy Star: Appliance that Produce Energy Savings    
• Low-toxic Paint
• Civic Works "Cool Roofs"  This smooth, bright white surface reflects solar radiation and releases a large percentage of absorbed heat, reducing heat transfer to the interior of the building and reducing air conditioning demands.
• Preservation Green Guide: The Cost of Going Green  This guide lists average costs for energy-saving features easily integrated into old or new homes of about 2,500 square feet. To determine what you need to do now -- and exactly how much you're likely to save -- the guide recommends you start with an energy audit because "it's a green investment you can afford to make."

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BUY LOCAL

• Bluehouse for earth-friendly home goods
• Earth Alley features fair- trade goodies made from reusable materials and supports nonprofit causes in the artist's country of origin
• Loading Dock  provides landfill-bound, reusable and affordable buiding materials
• Second Chance rescues wood, metal, marble, plaster, stone and other architectural elements
• Housewerks specializes in unusual and carefully selected architectural antiques, industrial salvage, and one of a kind finds