COST ACTUALLY SIMILAR
"It's not necessarily true that most materials are more expensive now. They're getting very close to either the same cost or no cost increase at all," said contractor Kevin Stack. He also owns Northeast Natural Homes, a company that specializes in building energy-efficient homes.
OLD HOMES COST, TOO
In fact, homeowners who have standard –or non-green- houses may be paying more money in living expenses. Bill Scranton, a resident in the City of Norwich, said his current home's utility bills run upwards of 600 dollars. To renovate his home he would have to pay around 50,000 dollars-and that would just fix windows and insulation. Cracks in the ceiling and floors, thin walls, and drainage problems would be additional costs.
THE BENEFIT OF GOING GREEN
Instead, he has decided to build a new, energy-efficient home. By doing so, he plans to cut his electric and heating bills down to about 200 dollars a month.
WHO TO TURN TO
In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency established the Energy Star Program. They determine through building, heating, and appliances how much energy can be saved in a home. They hope to cut energy-usage in houses by 30 percent.
TIPS FOR BUILDING GREEN
"It's not necessarily true that most materials are more expensive now. They're getting very close to either the same cost or no cost increase at all," said contractor Kevin Stack. He also owns Northeast Natural Homes, a company that specializes in building energy-efficient homes.
OLD HOMES COST, TOO
In fact, homeowners who have standard –or non-green- houses may be paying more money in living expenses. Bill Scranton, a resident in the City of Norwich, said his current home's utility bills run upwards of 600 dollars. To renovate his home he would have to pay around 50,000 dollars-and that would just fix windows and insulation. Cracks in the ceiling and floors, thin walls, and drainage problems would be additional costs.
THE BENEFIT OF GOING GREEN
Instead, he has decided to build a new, energy-efficient home. By doing so, he plans to cut his electric and heating bills down to about 200 dollars a month.
WHO TO TURN TO
In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency established the Energy Star Program. They determine through building, heating, and appliances how much energy can be saved in a home. They hope to cut energy-usage in houses by 30 percent.
TIPS FOR BUILDING GREEN
When building a green home, good insulation and window placement are key factors. By placing most windows on the south side, a home can be heated mainly through solar power. That’s one way building green can incorporate the environment. Thick insulation from floor to ceiling, around window frames and even behind electric sockets can save your home from letting heat out-or cold air in.
AND IF YOU CAN'T BUILD 'EM, JOIN 'EM
If building an energy-efficient home isn't in your budget this year, there are steps you can take to go green.
-Change your light bulbs. Florescent bulbs last longer, and are better for the environment
AND IF YOU CAN'T BUILD 'EM, JOIN 'EM
If building an energy-efficient home isn't in your budget this year, there are steps you can take to go green.
-Change your light bulbs. Florescent bulbs last longer, and are better for the environment
. 
-Keep doors closed to rooms you aren't using, so energy and money aren't wasted trying to heat those areas.
-If you do have to buy a new appliance, check the energy ratings. The more energy they save, the more money you can.
-Keep doors closed to rooms you aren't using, so energy and money aren't wasted trying to heat those areas.
-If you do have to buy a new appliance, check the energy ratings. The more energy they save, the more money you can.
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