This is, among other things, an economic opportunity. Builders can encourage recycling by making it convenient for homeowners to participate in recycling programs by incorporating recycling centers in the kitchen or utility room. They can help raise awareness of the value of recycled products by highlighting those products in their home such as carpet and tile made from recycled material, and they can provide new homeowners with information and resources for local recycling programs. On the more local level, the reduction of energy helps keep dollars in the local economy instead of leaving the community to pay for fuel. Builders who provide more energy-efficient homes are making a significant contribution to cleaner air.
Individuals have an impact on air quality inside their homes as well as outside.
Built Green Colorado encourages these building features and many more. Colorado builders have a clear advantage over most areas in the United States, with a statewide program that promotes green-building benefits to new home buyers. Doug Seiter is a consultant in environmental building and energy efficiency,and is the state coordinator for Built Green Colorado.