Originally published July 5 2005
Environmentally friendly housing growing trend among homeowners
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
According to The Standard-Times, "green" homes - with features such as solar power, water conservation systems and recyclable materials - are becoming a national trend as ecological concerns grow.
High on a hill, surrounded by a breathtaking view of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, Heather Bernikoff and David Raboy's low-slung ranch-style home gives no hint that it is an environmentally friendly home, otherwise known as "green."
At least, not until you see the solar panels on the hillside that save the couple an estimated $700 a year on electricity, or the laminate floor that costs about $13,000 less than a hardwood floor -- or a score of other "green" innovations around the house.
These include water conservation, energy efficiency, recyclable materials and waste reduction, land planning to preserve the environment, and site development to reduce erosion.
In the area of energy conservation alone, more than 300,000 energy-efficient homes have been built under six programs designed to reduce energy usage in new and existing homes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Raboy agrees, adding that his life is no different now that he lives in an environmentally friendly home -- except for the money he saves.
The two chose the Catheys Valley, Calif., house partially because they wanted to live in a small town, Raboy said.
They moved from Pleasant Hill, Calif., to their new home in 2003 and installed the solar panels right away.
It took two days for a professional installer to get the panels in place.
The $9,500 setup fee for solar energy seems high, but Raboy noted, it also provides the fuel for his electric truck.
"I drive my truck for free," the programmer said.
The bathroom glows like burnished metal, enhanced by 12-inch-by-12-inch red-brown tiles, a wine-colored wall and the ever-present sweeping view of the Sierras through a large window.
Conserving energy is a basic part of the couples' belief system, Raboy said.
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