It Is Easy Bein' Green
by Evelyn Bartin

"It's not that easy bein' green," laments Kermit the Frog. And so, too, lament U.S. citizens, claiming that the "being green" is complicated, costs too much, and is for the lunatic fringe. And even if all that weren't true, the lament continues, the problems with the environment are so huge that one person's efforts don't really make a difference.

I understand the sentiment. In fact, ten years ago, I was singin' the same tune. But today we all might like to take a look around and see how important and easy! it's gotten to be green. Here, in Northern Dutchess County where I live and work as a residential designer and construction planner, I can't help but notice the amazing amount of home building going on. So to all of you who are forging ahead with your projects, I ask you — please! — before you select your siding, pick your fixtures, choose your tile, or point to your wall colors, take note of a few environmental facts about homes in the United States:

• Older toilets use 3.7 to 7 gallons of water per flush.

• Top-loading clothes washers with agitators use an average of 45 gallons per load

• A dripping faucet wastes 15 to 21 gallons per day.

• The U.S. EPA ranks indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks. (Even in new construction, "unhealthy" air is found in up to 30% of these buildings.)

• Woodstoves that are not properly maintained and vented can give off carbon monoxide, nitrogen, particulates, and hydrocarbons. Gas ranges that are not well-vented or are used as a significant source of home heat can produce nitrogen dioxide (which can cause respiratory problems).

• Building materials and textiles that use particular chemicals and adhesives in their fabrication (for example, particle board, insulation, carpeting) can emit gases that can cause nausea, vomiting, respiratory problems, dry or inflamed skin, and eye irritation.

But don't let these facts daunt you! Instead, let them inspire you! There are lots of easy things you can do to start correcting the situation (some will cost you more; but most will save you money in the end). For instance:

• The new low-flow toilets use only a maximum of 1.6 gallons per flush. Think of the savings on your water bill and on clean water resources!

• The newer resource-efficient clothes washers — usually front-loading — use far less water than older agitator-driven top-loading machines, and tend to spin the clothes faster, thus requiring less drying time.

• While your plumber is there installing your gorgeous new fixtures and appliances, have him or her be sure to check for leaks and drips, and secure all the seals and vents.

• And while you're at it, think about installing ceiling fans. They'll cut down dramatically on your A/C use, saving you electrical cost and saving the earth some gas emissions.

You can also do some things that may or may not cost you more, but are easily eco-friendly (some may involve doing a small bit of homework):

• Ask about the building materials being used on your project. Find out what resins, binding agents, chemicals, etc. are used not only in their fabrication but also what gases and toxins they may emit after they're installed. Sometimes the solution is a simple coat of paint or sealer on these materials to contain the emissions. Think of your lungs!

• Consider some of the newer concrete-based materials, such as roof shingles and exterior siding. These are typically very cost effective, require little or no on-going maintenance, and often look sensational.

• Do an equally quick check on finish materials and products. Try to use sustainable materials (such as glass tiles or bamboo floors) and water-based products (such as latex paints and stains).

If you're not building or redecorating, think about changing your light bulbs from incandescent to fluorescent. Compared to a 60-watt incandescent light bulb, each 13-watt compact fluorescent light bulb (CFL) puts out roughly the same light and, yes, costs more, but lasts about six-and-a-half times longer and uses far less electricity. The amount of gaseous emissions spared the environment by using a single such bulb (based on 10,000 hours of light) is: 730 pounds of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas, one of the major contributors to global warming); 1.6 pounds of nitrogen oxide (a contributor to ozone depletion and acid rain), and 4.3 pounds of sulfur dioxide (a contributor to haze and acid rain). One light bulb!

"When green is all there is to be, It could make you wonder why, but wonder why? Wonder, And I think it's what I want to be." Kermit, I'm with you!

Evelyn Bartin is a designer and construction planner whose company, E. Bartin Inc., is located in Milan.