That was an informative article.  I had no idea that our buildings helped worsen the problem.  I should have known, I simply did not think about it in that light before.  Thank you for sharing it with me.

It is wonderful that children are being talk alternative and renewable energy sources at a young age.  The natural curiosity of children leads them to see things that we adults often miss.  If we teach them to look in unexpected places to find solutions to problems, they often find the ones we overlooked.  My daughter didn't do the wind powered car, but her class experimented with making sail boats to let float on a nearby pond.  That experiment has her now very curious into energy, and why we don't use more renewable energy.  She's asking fantastic questions, too.  "Wind is free, Mommy.  Why don't we use more of that and less of what costs us money?"

I'd also like to know when green building is going to become affordable for all--via tax breaks, government subsidies, etc.  I don't understand why the government feels it's so smart to keep giving all of these huge, horrible building projects the green light and not help real consumers build sustainably.

Wow! Excellent tips! I didn't know this much especially for number 1,3 and 4. I have been using standard appliances and some low electric consume light bulb. But I haven't heard anything like this. Thanks a lot for the tips!

If DST has nothing to do with energy savings, why we all do it? Why not we turn back into normal time and there will be no more confusion over the time (where you forgot to change your time and go to work late).

There is no doubt - farmers' markets are wonderful things, and, as a farmer who has sold produce at such markets, I can honestly say that farmer love sharing thier produce with the public.  Farmers' markets help the environment, the customer, and the farmer!

I was wondering if anyone had info regarding the use of Eco-Block (Insulated Concrete Form)? I've read most of eco-block.com, but they're trying to sell it basically. I need real life stories. Is it more/less expensive than other green materials? Difficult to work with? Does it live up to the claims? Is it better/worse for the environment?

Any info would help. Thanks so much!

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I am not sure how new is new when it comes to toilets, but this has worked in every one I have had. Try it, it is simple enough to undo.

For more extreme measures I have lived in 2 houses where toilets were flushed by a "bucket flush" method. Five gallon buckets were left in the shower and outside in the rain to collect water and then this was poured into the toilet bowl directly to flush it. 

It seemed like a great way to save water, though we put them away when nicer company came!

I did flush the regular way once every other day just as a precaution, though I don't think it did any harm any way. Any thoughts?

I use a on-demand propane water heater and I have begun to use cold water for small tasks like rinsing my hands of flour or salt while cooking. If I am only rising my hands, not really washing them, then the water will never get from the heater to my hands before I am done so there it seems like a waste of the gas.

And when I am using a sink with a hot water tank the same thing is true. The hot water won't reach my hands before I am done, so I just reach for the cold.

A great way to get started would be to look into if there are community gardens in your area. Many cities have them. A few places to try begin your search are http://acga.localharvest.org/, your local Agricultural Extension office, or your local Parks and Rec. Usually you can rent a small plot for a nominal fee. Community gardens are also a great way to go for novices because you can learn from other gardeners in the same location.

If you have a porch you may also be able to grow herbs, tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries in pots!

Good luck!