Earth Day: Top 5 best ways to Green your home for less

That's too funny.  I was actually just looing at the Trulia newsletter with their eco-friendly home improvements list too!

 

I'm glad they included insulation and window and door efficiency on their list.  Those are definitely lower-barrier to entry things that can make your building envelope way more efficient.  And while they include double-paned windows/vinyl windows as examples of window efficiency...even if you can't quite swing the new windows, simply weather stripping can help a lot.

My comments at the Trulia site - had to lie a little bit as they didn't recognize Izmir as an address!

 

A. Insulate - Yes! B. Seal the air leaks - Yes! 1. I trust you mean hydronic in floor radiant heat - electric is a killer for cost - also this is not your typical remodel job! At least you can use a heat pump with hydronic in floor heat. 2. Solar hot water doesn't have to cost much and saves greatly - I turn off the electric backup on 1 April and will turn it on 1 November. 3. HRV or ERV ventilation heat recovery systems are very useful and depending on the house present heating system may be a 'not to hard' addition. 4. Shading for windows to prevent solar gain - not expensive & effective for windows with certain orientations. 5. Replacement of appliances, as required, with Energy Star appliances. 6. Good thermostats - not expensive & easy.

 

Another comment suggested talking over items such as were on their list with an architect to assist with making a good choice. Depending on the architect it may be a good idea but with the guy we are using you would surely 'end up in the soup'.

 

Lots of research and talking to providers helps also. 

Here's my suggestion for a green home: Save Water at Home. Water Conservation at home is a simple, inexpensive process. Moreover, it is one of the most effective ways to go green. Fresh water shortage is a growing concern across the world. Water levels in many parts of he world (including Southern California) has gone down. Hence water conservation is veri important. The sustenance of life depends on it. Here are some tips to help you get started: http://www.bewaterwise.com/tips01.html

I'm looking for a more eco friendly countertop for the kitchen that won't break the bank as our kitchen is not big.. Any suggestions that won't break the bank? I've already seen Icestone, though very beautiful it's very expensive

We used Staron (believe it from Samsung) - Dupont makes another I believe it is Corel. Don't know what is said about the eco friendly side but if they are good forever then the embodied energy will not be all that high. They are a high density polyethylene and definitely unbreakable.

Both are long life with great appearance. Both are on the expensive side.  

I think you mean Dupont Corian.  We are going to try Concrete.There are a couple of places online that have training vidoes to make your own. (Fu Tung Cheng is one)Of course you need to be a little handy.

 @whirnot - thanks for the correction - I did mean Corian.

Here in Turkey a wood house is very uncommon - everything is concrete as far a floors, walls etc with block fill between columns. Often even roofs are concrete though ours is steel beams with R49 insulation.

With external insulation the place stays cool - haven't turned on the A/C yet which was the aim.

Good luck on the countertop - shouldn't be difficult except for the finishing. There you better be ready. The Staron is easy as someone comes to do it all for you.