From The Workbench - Alternative + Renewable Energy Blog Valuable information for do-it-yourselfers interested in the latest in alternative + renewable energy

When it comes to being green, sometimes saving money (the “other” green) is one of the first things to be sacrificed.  Sometimes saving the environment can come at the expense of your pocket book and that, if we’re honest, is one of the main reasons so many of us have yet to jump on board the “Green” bandwagon.  I just found an article, however, that aims to help you save your Green, while Being green!

As always, head over and check the full article, but here for your viewing pleasure and for brevity’s sake, are 10 Construction Tips on how to save money while saving the Earth at the very same time.  These are great ideas, so keep them in mind the next project you embark on:

“1. Design smart. Early in the design process, keep standard building sizes in mind. Don’t try to shrink the width of the bathroom resulting in the need of a special ordered tub (more carbon miles and expensive too).
2. Site waste. By asking your suppliers to buy back unused materials or delivering them on returnable pallets, you can cut down on the waste generated by your site. The best way to reduce waste is through good planning.
3. Purchase ability. Buy materials that don’t have excessive packaging. When possible, choose items made of recycled materials.
4. Recycle on site. Waste that is generated on site can be recycled. compose certain to tell your crew that recycling is mandatory from
roofing tiles to Coke bottles.
5. Security. Construction site theft is a constant threat. You can set up solar powered cameras to deter that practice.
6. Salvage yards. Know the rules and requirements at local recycling and salvage yards so that you can better sort your waste. You may even get money for some of the items you bring to them.
7. Control run off. Water and liquid wast runoff from job sites can enter public waterways, damaging the ecosystems and polluting drinking water. Pay attention to all government regulations regarding run off and save yourself some hefty fees later on.
8. Green materials. Familiarize yourself with green materials on the market. Substitutions can be made without breaking the bank.
9. Deconstruction. What goes up must come down. Keep the end of the building’s life in mind when designing. manufacture it easy to take apart or add on to. Using bolts instead of glue give more reusable pieces when it is broken down.
10. Keep records. Documenting your efforts may get you an unexpected LEED certification which could get your higher profits and possible some tax write-offs.“

See, you CAN save the Earth and your check book at the same time.  It is entirely possible to “save two birds with one stone” as it were.