Here at GSH, we couldn’t agree more that where you choose to make your home, and what home you choose to live in, does indeed define a part of who you are.

Shelly Banjo of The Wall Street Journal recently wrote a snappy article describing this curious thought process.

Here’s a snippet from the article:

Across the country, thousands of communities are trying to fight urban sprawl and global warming from the ground up.

Instead of adding eco-friendly touches to existing neighborhoods, developers are building whole new communities designed along green principles. Some of these developments offer very basic solutions to environmental concerns, such as street layouts that promote walking and discourage driving.

Others go much further, incorporating environmentalist ideas into every aspect of community life. Some, for instance, use eco-friendly building design and set aside a portion of the neighborhood property as preserved land. Some save on resources — and build community spirit — by having residents share amenities such as washing machines.

Here’s a look at four basic types of environmentally friendly communities that are flowering across the country.

NEW URBANIST

When the Congress for the New Urbanism was founded in 1993, the emphasis was on fostering a sense of community, not saving the planet. The founders were fed up with neighborhoods that separated residential areas from commercial ones — and forced people to drive everywhere.

Read the rest of Shelly’s sustainable article here

Who wants a flooded home, with a roof to repair and damages to fix?

Not many, finds a new survey by Harris Interactive.

People are waking up to realize not just the environmental advantages of using steel for their homes but also the advantages to the economy and their wallets.

The survey, conducted by the global research firm Harris Interactive, also found that 42 percent of consumers say that steel is the roofing material they would prefer if living in an area that could be affected by hurricanes. These findings indicate that consumers recognize the important role that steel plays in protecting their homes and families.- Modern Trade

It seems the tide is truly turning…

It’s funny when you start thinking about green electronics such as printers, tv’s, iPhones, PC’s or Macs.

A survey of 5,000 American adults conducted by Forrester Research found that 12% are ready to dish out extra dollars for computers and TVs that use less energy or come from an environmentally friendly company.- L.A Times

Why is this huge news?

The Power of Percents
Because 12% is a huge chunk of the American population that is not only thinking about going green but is willing to act on that notion as well. Not just greening their houses, but greening gadgets and toys as well.

The financial and economic benefits of going green in every way shape and form far outweigh the costs we would pay if we continue to overuse our resources.

An article from the L.A Times suggests that companies that have green initiatives such as Apple, Toshiba, and HP do more to educate their customers to this fact.

I agree wholeheartedly.

Your thoughts?

Homeowners are literally crawling all over themselves in the effort to not only save the world, but save their wallets at the same time.

Ecohomeguy reports on a new McGraw-Hill Company study that found the following data:

• The market for true green homes is expected to rise from $2 billion to up to $20 billion over the next five years.
• Standard homes are becoming increasingly green, with homeowners using green products for 40% of their remodeling work.
• Most Americans find out about green homes through word-of-mouth, followed by television and the Internet.
• Homeowners are buying green homes because they are concerned about the health of their families, as well as to reduce energy and other home operating costs.

Interestingly enough, lack of awareness is still the biggest obstacle in homeowners going green. But, not enough to stop $20 billion dollars.