In our world today, people throw around the term "green" quite often. Greenness is often through of as driving a hybrid car, reusing shopping bags, or recycling. But what about our homes? Does green architecture exist?
It is true that one could build a home out of recycled materials. There are people who have done that. But honestly, do you really want a house built out of scrap metal and cork? Probably not. I would much rather have a conventional home. However, even though I would build a "normal" home, I can support green architecture.
Consider the following: I am building a new home. I want to save money on lumber, so I get a company to truck it in from a few hundred miles away as opposed to spending a little more to buy local. I am the enemy squared...not only am I using trees for my lumber, but I am also using a lot of fuel to truck in my lumber. The key here is to buy local. Not only are you stimulating the local economy, but you are going green. You hear everyone talking about the price of gas nowadays...everyone wants to pay less, but no one wants to conserve. Instead of buying your items big chain stores where everything is trucked in, go to a local store that has locally produced products.
Ive also heard in recent news that many people are opposed to mining gravel used in the building of homes. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but consider this: In order to construct most homes, you need gravel. Ok, so I understand you dont want a gravel mine in your back yard. But heres the thing: you need the dirt either way. Either you purchase the gravel locally, promote local economy, and save fuel, or you can spend a lot of money on trucking, not promote the local economy, and have the same product.
The point that I am making with all of this ranting is the fact that many times, green architecture can be found where we least expect it. Yes, most people would think of a building made out of recycled materials with a Prius sitting out front when they think about greeness, but there are more subtle things that the average person can do to promote green architecture. The easiest thing for a consumer to do... buy local.
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Article Title: Greenness in building, what is it?
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