Going Green in Your Coastal Carolina Home

You've heard the term "going green" countless times and now that you're considering bringing your Crystal Coast beach home into the eco-friendly era, you're wondering what that really means. It seems everyone is jumping on the green train in real estate and the good news is it's not just a trend. Many potential homebuyers are searching for homes with that eco-friendly factor and find it essential for their future homes to follow the lifestyle too.

So what does it really take for your Coastal Carolina home to be green?

According to Zillow, the standard for going green is LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a system of the U.S. Green Building Council. LEED buildings are specifically designed to conserve resources, reduce waste, lower costs, and keep both you and your family safe in terms of a healthy living environment.

But you don't have to build a new home to be a LEED-inspired home. The standards can be applied to new construction or existing homes in the Crystal Coast area. You don't need to go so far as to obtain LEED certification for your home, but the principles can be applied quite easily.

1. Switch to low VOC (volatile organic compound) paint.
2. Use fluorescent light bulbs or LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead of incandescent lights.
3. Install low-flow toilets and other energy conserving appliances and fixtures.
4. Install rain barrels at your downspouts.
5. Switch your laundry to cold water instead of hot.

It doesn't take a lot of work to make your North Carolina home eco-friendly for your family. Going green at home is so great many celebrities are implementing upgrades in their homes as well. Think Harrison Ford, Brad Pitt, and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. With just a few tips and some standard home supplies, you too can be on your way to a greener, healthier lifestyle in your Crystal Coast home.

Gena Gilbert

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