Do Your Part...at Home

These website resources cover the home from new construction and remodeling to outfitting your space with new energy efficient appliances and landscaping.

• Home Power (http://www.homepower.com) - Disclaimer - this is the website of a for-profit magazine, but it provides valuable information for home owners on a number of ways they can improve energy efficiency and displace energy use with renewable resources.


• Home Energy Saver (http://hes.lbl.gov) - This website provides a location specific questionnaire that allows users to find the best ways to save energy in their homes.


• Energy Hog (http://www.energyhog.org) - Provides a fun, interactive interface for adults or children to learn more about energy efficiency.


• U.S. Green Building Council (http://www.usgbc.org) - This website is dedicated to promoting sustainable building. Explanations of the LEED building rating system and links to regional green building chapters are included. USGBC is especially good at highlighting upcoming events.


• Building Green (http://www.buildinggreen.com) - This website offers green build and sustainable materials news; however please note a lot of the material is available to "members" only.


• EPA Guide to Energy Star Products (http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuseaction=find_a_product) - Great search engine for homeowners looking to replace appliances. Products in more than 50 categories eligible for ENERGY STAR ratings are listed. They use less energy, save money, and help protect the environment. Ask for the ENERGY STAR.


• EPA Buying Recycled (http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/muncpl/buyrec.htm) - This EPA guide is aimed at creating a strong market for recycled products, and enabling consumers to know where and how to purchase products made from recycled materials.


• GreenScapes (http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/green/index.htm) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) GreenScapes program provides cost-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for landscaping. Enables homeowners to make more holistic decisions regarding waste generation and disposal and the associated impacts on land, water, air, and energy use.


• WaterSense (http://www.epa.gov/watersense/index.htm) - This EPA based website lists quality, water-efficient products.


• Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (http://www.dsireusa.org/index.cfm?EE=0&RE=1) - DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information and database search for state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.


• Internal Revenue Service (http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=154657,00.html) - Homeowner guidelines for available federal tax incentives are available.


• A Little Greener (http://www.alittlegreener.com) - Informative website offering the average person tips on how to make their own lifestyle more sustainable.