The goal of sustainability — or being green — is to effectively use solutions that encourage our coexistence with nature — and the laws of nature. Understanding and implementing green and sustainable practices benefits you, your home and your family.

Sustainability in general terms is concerned with addressing social, economic and environmental needs.Social considerations include the needs of future generations, our health from exposure to toxic materials, the community, and quality of life issues such as sweatshops and child labor. Economic considerations address cost and waste. Here is where we ask the question, how much has waste and pollution really cost us? Environmental considerations address the larger picture of resource management. Here is where we ask the question, how are we affecting our air, water, and land — upon which we rely for our continued existence? And how are we making our decisions in terms of their affect on these three issues?
When it comes to our homes, there are four basic areas where we can help make our home more green — at great benefit to us and our family:
1)Save energy by maximizing energy and water efficiency,
2)Ensure good indoor air quality through careful materials selection,
3)Choose environmentally preferable materials and methods, and
4)Deconstruct and recycle using waste diversion programs.

It might include one or more of the following for example:
Energy Star low-e windows and appliances, flooring of linoleum, bamboo or all natural biodegradable carpeting, cabinets that are formaldehyde-free, and natural mattresses and bedding with organic cotton sheets.
When buying new materials, prioritize materials that are not only low or non-toxic, but which can eventually be reclaimed, including materials that are salvageable for reuse, manufacturer take-backs, recyclable or biodegradable.

To help keep a more global perspective and maintain awareness when remodeling your home or making purchases, there are four questions to ask yourself :
What resources are we using?
How effectively are we using them?
Are we replenishing them?
Are we eliminating waste at all levels?