We’ll have to wean Ourselves from wasting things, By thinking more efficiently we can save money effectively Yes, that’s the key to thinking green. — Primm

What does it mean to go green? Unless you live on the planet Mars you hear it everywhere. On the news, on college campuses, from government officials, even in car commercials. I even heard a rap song about going green.

The Going Green Movement has spawned a whole new language with words like Greenhouse Gases, Closed Loop Recycling and everyone’s favorite Global Warming. Plus a host of other terms too many to mention here.

What does it all mean? The Going Green movement, popularized by former Vice President Al Gore, is performing actions that work to save the environment. For example, recycling, using low-energy appliances, conserving water and a host of other actions people can take.

Yes, Eco- friendly homes are the new trend today, whether you’re a home builder or a home buyer. Because it not only works to help save the planet but it’s a dependable way to save money. The U.S government is even paying people who own homes to go greener in the form of tax breaks and tax credits.

In this week’s newsletter I’ll give you simple but effective tips to helping your household go green. But most important show not only how to go green but how to save some green … as in money.

Here are 5 Tips To Help Your Home Go Green and Save Some Green.

1. Install Low Energy Light Bulbs.

A quick and easy way to start turning your home green and saving the green is by installing energy efficient light bulbs in your home.

Energy efficient light bulbs technical name is Compact Fluorescent lights or CFL’s for short. These light bulbs use one-third the electrical energy of old fashion incandescent light bulbs. In addition, they can last up to 10 times longer. This is instant money savings. Can you say Ka-ching?

2. Trade Thirsty Plants and Landscaping for Drought or Low Maintenance Plants.

Low maintenance plants and landscaping will not only save your home energy cost; it can also save your energy.

Imaging having beautiful landscaping without the hassle of watering, weeding and pampering it on your precious days off. All it takes is a little thought and a little planning.

For example, use plants that are native to your area of the country. Why? Because they’re easier to grow and maintain – plus they’ll use less water.

Pick landscaping that adapts with the climate and soil conditions in your area. The best way to do this is to consult with your local nurseries.

3. Use More Natural Products to Decorate Your Home Instead of Manufactured Products.

When decorating your home think water saving shower heads, toilets and faucets.

When decorating think natural woods like bamboo, teak and other woods that grow fast.

For example, think African Decor. Because many of the woods used come from trees that grow fast and plentiful.

4. Let Your Uncle Sam Pay You To Go Green.

You can receive Home Energy Efficiency Improvement Tax Credits. According to the U.S Department of Energy, consumers who purchase and install specific products, such as energy-efficient windows, insulation, doors, roofs, and heating and cooling equipment in the home can receive a tax credit of up to $500 beginning in January 2006.

The EPACT (The Energy Policy Act of 2005).

This Federal law provides a credit equal to 30% of qualifying expenditures. For purchase of qualified photo voltaic property and for solar water heating property used exclusively for purposes other than heating swimming pools and hot tubs.

The credit shall not exceed $2000.

Improvements must be installed in or on the taxpayer’s principal residence in the United States. Home improvement tax credits apply for improvements made between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2007. -U.S Department of Energy

5. Decorate With More Plants Instead of Plastics.

EPA studies confirm indoor air pollution affects more people than outdoor pollutions. Because of low air circulation indoors and the number of manufactured products such as plastics, glues and paint located inside homes, indoor air pollutions continue as a growing threat. Especially to the many African Americans who suffer from respiratory ailments such as asthma, sinus problems and other allergies.

Natural plants not only work to beautify your decor they have also proven to fight indoor air pollutants. Certain plants help to clear pollutants such as dust, chemicals and allergens from the air. For more details on this subject Click Here!

Yes, thinking green can save you green in and around your home. I encourage you to continue to educate yourself on how you can think green. It’s easy once you start the habit of thinking green. You’ll suddenly see how you’re saving money, saving your time and saving the environment so our children can enjoy it too.

Roy Primm Founder and Publisher of BlackHomeOwnerNews.com the largest source of information for black homeowners. Subscribe to free newsletter and receive the latest home value increasing tips, free government grants benefiting homeowners. 

Before searching for solar panel grants, it is crucial to decide the type of solar energy you are pursuing. There are two main types of solar collectors: solar water heating an photovoltaics (PV). This is important, because the type of solar collector will affect the type of solar panel grants you will be eligible for.

As the name suggests, solar water heating heats up water for use around your house (for bathing, washing laundry, dishwashers, etc.). The old solar panel technology heated an antifreeze mixture which then was used to heat your water, but the new standard is to directly heat the water you use. This direct heating is more eco-friendly and energy efficient. Direct water heating evacuated tubes can often be used with your existing water heater and there are no moving parts so there is little to no maintenance involved. In most cases, evacuated tubes can provide for a family of 4-5 people. The tubes simply heat up the hot water and return it to your hot water tank. This type of solar energy can work in winter months and cloudy days too, as long as you have good southern exposure. There are many good websites out there that can connect you with professional installers in your area. There are also do-it-yourself kits available for ambitious homeowners desiring to switch to solar water heating. But please check with your government before installing panels yourself, because in some areas (the UK for instance) receiving solar panel grants is contingent on getting professional installation.

Photovoltaic’s generates electricity (rather than just heating your water) from solar energy. It is more costly to install and is often seen on larger buildings and offices, although it’s becoming more common to find PV panels on regular households. PV requires only daylight, not direct sunlight to generate electricity, so it can still power your appliances and lights on cloudy days.

Photovoltaic systems use cells to convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cell consists of one or two layers of semi-conducting material, usually silicone. When light shines on the cell it creates an electric field across the layers causing electricity to flow. The greater the intensity of light, the greater the electricity. PV cells are referred to in terms of the amount of energy they generate in full sunlight, known as kilowatt peak or kWp.

To be eligible for a PV solar panel grant, you will need to use a certified installer and products. You may also want to look into a solar panel grant to reinforce your roof as PV solar panels are not light and the roof must be strong enough to withstand their weight.

Search my site for solar panel grants here: http://www.FreeGrantDollars.com/Solar-Panel-Grants

The best place to start asking these questions is your state’s energy department. You can contact the National Association of State Energy Officials, 1414 Prince Street, Suite 200, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; Phone: (703) 299-8800 or online at www.naseo.org. On their website you will find a map of the United States, just click on your state to find out the location and address of it’s energy office. This site also provides information on requirements and financing for solar as well as other energy resources.

Another resource for solar power is The North Carolina Solar Center online at www.dsireusa.org. It tells you; sate by state what resources and opportunities are available to those considering renewable energy resources.

There are a wide variety of rebate, grants, and buy down programs, tax credits, and exemptions available. Before you decide exactly what kind of solar power system you will install in your home, you need to know what funds are available. Every state is different. How much help you’ll be able to round up to pay for your particular solar power system varies regionally. Just keep in mind, as you search these resources, that programs and incentive packages change frequently and therefore it is advisable to contact the local agency to verify the details on any and all programs before you move forward with any projects.

Fannie Mae Mortgages- www.fanniemae.com

Department of Housing and Urban Development – www.hud.gov

Department of Veterans Affairs – www.va.gov/vas/loan

EPA Energy Star Financing – www.energystar.gov

Residential Energy Services Network – www.natresnet.org

Another great source would be the solar power system company that is your local installer. These are the folks who will know about local assistance programs. Local solar companies doing any kind of solar energy installations will be aware of any financial incentives that are available to their potential customers. Start by looking in your local Yellow Pages under Solar.

Solar power is really cool stuff that wasn’t available a few years ago at an affordable price, but today it’s just waiting to be installed in, and on, your home. To learn more about all the options available today, government grants, incentive programs and the latest solar power technology visit the popular site www.solarenergyassociation.com to conserve energy from nature’s free and renewable energy source.

There are numerous sources for the funding of green project research and construction. They exist on the National, State, and local level. They include grants, tax credits, and loans. The important thing to understand when you begin a search for a source of funding is that the government and society in general is very anxious to assist you with your green project. We are not just waking to the global dangers. Our leaders are already wide awake and know that green construction is an essential element of the future health of our nation. They want to help, particularly on the state level.

The central clearing house for Federal Programs is the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA). This website based catalog gives information of all federal programs that supply funds to state agencies, local agencies, and non-profit organizations. They also list programs that are available to private developers and even individuals. This catalog can be accessed online and application made online as well.

There are over $400 billion dollars offered in over 1,000 Federal Grant programs. These programs are all listed and explained on the grant [dot] gov website. In addition to full information, application forms for the grants can be downloaded from the site, and the final submission can be entered there as well. Grants are not as easy to get as some people think, but they are possible. They also have the major advantage over loans and other funding sources because they do not have to be repaid in most cases.

There are several national green construction funding opportunities. One is the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). Obviously, this office is interested in Energy Efficiency in building construction use and also of the use of renewable energy sources. They will provide funding for research and the demonstration of these two things in green construction. Green Communities is a five year and $555 million dollar initiative to build a total of 8,500 environmentally health houses for low income families.

There are also several Foundations dedicated to green construction funding. The Home Depot Foundation is one, and another is the Kresage Foundation. There is help available on the State and local level also. The Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) is one example of a State level resource. There are also a large number of local based incentives as well. Green construction is an interesting meeting between those looking for funding and those agencies willing to provide it.

Zack Verde is with GreenBuildingCompanies.com – providing information on green construction