Maus Haus sound, practical advice...nice article.

Sigrid Some of the waste comes from insurance concerns. When a friend demolished her house, appliances and perfectly good fixtures all went in the dumpster. She was advised that letting people take anything they wanted was a liability problem and she could be sued if some idiot tried to move a huge fridge himself and it fell on him.

lynnag When I remodeled I wanted my kitchen to be biodegradable. So I used wood cabinets and butcher block countertops. Also I got an account on freecycle.com and advertised my old kitchen cabinets, carpeting, and appliances. All of which had takers - the cabinets became attic storage for someone. Rather bugs me on the home make over shows when they take a sledge hammer to perfectly good cabinets rather than modeling for watchers the potential of re-using such products with serviceable use. As for concerns of being sued by the takers of old appliances I've never heard of it. And having lived on very limited incomes in the past getting other people's used appliances was a life saver for me!

c2blum There are some very nice efficient low-flow showerheads and faucets now available. We got most of ours from Moen. Someday drinking water will be more expensive than gasoline!?!

Despite the mess, blown in cellulose is great for high R factor insulation.

bubblyjock Utterly off-topic, for which I apologize, but it drives me BONKERS when an expert author goes to the trouble of compiling a knowledgeable and thoughtful ideabook such as this one on greener renovating, and includes images already posted on Houzz, which is fine, but those images were originally posted by people who NEVER.BOTHER.TO.RETURN.AND.ANSWER.QUESTIONS.

I'm talking about you, "Megan Buchanan." You posted #4, shabby chic sun porch with black chaise longue, in your idea-book.

I was so impressed I went and looked at your other idea-books, and your work seems really nice, but even though you're a photographer, not an architect or a designer, please, don't post work unless you're prepared to engage in discussion about it! You've got TONS of questions about many of your photos; feel free to follow up and answer...even if you don't know the answer, have the good grace to say so, redirect where applicable, etc.

Aarrgghh.

Rant over. Time for first coffee of the day.

minimumjoe It's about time articles like this, which create an awareness of the practical steps for "green" in our designing, were highlighted on Houzz! Good job -- you covered an awful lot in a short time. Thanks.

Too many people think "green" means piles of insulation but don't think to airseal. And here, in the south, so-called "green" homes are shown with the ductwork still in 140-degree attics. If someone had bothered to think of a few simple, common sense bits of information and advice -- like this article and this series promote -- that wouldn't be happening. Not as much anyway.

PamDesigns 3D Great "take away" from this article - "There's no telling what tastes will be like in the future, ...a space that is well designed and well executed with quality materials is much less likely to be remodeled — even if it doesn't match the new owner's taste. A beautiful space can even change a homeowner's taste!"

Yes... people CAN change. They do it all the time. It's inevitable.

Being "green" is a newer concept but it can have a timeless classic style and be high quality.

Sara Williams Consider donating your old cabinets, appliances and such to Habitat for Humanity. Many of them have "deconstruction" services...so not only do the items get reused, but they're also removed for you and are considered a tax deductible donation.

nnicolaisen Great tips and advice. So many people overbuild these huge house for just 2-4 people. It saves so much time and energy to choose smaller and buy as much local as possible. Thanks for sharing.

apriltini @bubblyjock Kudos to you! I get so annoyed that contributors never bother to return to answer questions. I've seen some questions that were asked well over a year ago, with no answer. Ever. I've learned to look at the dates for questions, and see if there are any answers. No answers means I don't even bother asking anymore.

Architectural Antiques every homeowner should read this... especially the "salvage, salvage, salvage" part ;)

KMNelson Design, LLC There are so many hidden ways to further reduce, reuse, and recycle than only working with an existing structure. They will work in new construction as well. Below, I've noted some of my standard practices and favorite ideas which save money or even make money for my clients while also being environmentally beneficial.

My favorites:
1. VISIT NEIGHBORHOOD CONSTRUCTION SITES for old, solid wood flooring - for free (or almost)!
If you are remodelling a home with existing wood floors and other homes in your neighborhood/area are being remodelled or torn down, chances are the wood floors are similar or the same as yours. If you ask early enough, you can ask to claim the salvage and then incorporate it into your home. Bear in mind, you or your contractor may have to do the removal or pay the other contractor's time to pull it out carefully so it can be reused. But benefits are many, including cost savings and reducing waste!

2. REUSE/RECYCLE/REPURPOSE pieces of your home in new ways.
I've taken old cabinetry and used it in new areas jazzing it up sometimes with paint, new trim moulding, or other tweaks to make it feel fresh and to save money. Or sometimes it gets reused because it speaks to the soul and character of the house. The carpenter isnt usually happy about it because it's so much easier for them to plan and place something brand new that doesnt need any additional work, but the difference is night and day because you can't build that kind of soul and character new.

3. REUSE your existing (good condition) windows, doors and other high cost items if possible or find at salvage yards.
If you have existing windows, interior or exterior doors that are in good shape, are the same style you will be using in your reno but will be taken out or down in the process of remodelling, figure out if and where you can replace them. It's surprising how often they can be employed with just a little forethought.

4. SELL architectural details, building elements (doors, windows, shutters...), fixtures and fittings to salvage dealers!
Never underestimate the value of your own building's elements. Before demo begins, walk around your home and determine what if anything that is in good condition but wont be reused in your new construction, could be of interest to a salvage agent or salvage company. Do some research to get contact information and email them a note with interior and exterior photos to see if they want to come take a look around for potential purchases. There is always a possibility that they will find something worthwhile which puts money in your pocket instead of emptying it!

4. DONATE to nonprofits
It's not just Habitat for Humanity that can use building items and elements, so do local charities such as St Joseph's in the Los Angeles area!! Call everyone to see what they take. If any of the items being removed are in working condition or reusable by a nonprofit, call them with a list/email photos and arrange for them to pick up. They will come and get it, give you a receipt for the charitable contribution and then put it use for someone in need; you have avoided adding to landfill, saved money by not paying for the hauing and trash fee, made money from the contribution and helped someone else. NOW THAT IS A WIN-WIN!