Cardboard, zero carbon go 'green'

November 30, 5:39 PMBaltimore Community ExaminerPamela Mones

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First Zero Carbon Home in U.K.

 Going 'green' in the housing industry is taking some innovative turns. Homebuilders and homebuyers are hoping to create healthier living areas as more and more options become available in the growing awareness of eco-friendly housing choices.

But we may have to take a skip across the pond to get a full grasp of what may be available to us in these forward-thinking trends; when somebody decides to think outside the box, or more precisely, about the box itself.

In researching eco-friendly housing, I discovered www.treehugger.com, which took me to the website, www.zerocarbonhouses.com, featuring the 'first' zero carbon house ever built, the Lighthouse, although it in no way resembles a lighthouse. Energy-saving devices such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and other environmentally friendly features make this project the first of its kind.  It strives to reduce the amount of carbon by producing its own energy and storing it in fuel cells, enabling it to create enough energy to not only fuel the home, but recharge the battery for an electric car.

Another research path took me to www.coolest-gadgets.com, where I couldn't believe my eyes. A cardboard house stood proudly in view as an example what is possible when minds remain open to the unimaginable. According to information on the website, the cardboard house would be useful for emergency situations, and would also withstand rain. After all, who wants a soggy house, say the creators.

If you are interested in engaging in the game of building the most energy-efficient city, take a trip to 'Energyville,' sponsored by Chevron, at www.willyoujoinus.com, where you will be in charge of choosing energy sources. Also on that site is an Energy Generator, which enables you to see how much energy you can save by bicycling to work one day a week,  lowering the thermostat by one degree, or using your blow-dryer six fewer times a month.  

Going green doesn't have to mean painful change, but rather taking a few simple actions, like replacing regular lightbulbs with energy-saving ones.

I welcome your comments and ideas about making our world a greener place to live. Email me, prm@dmv.com