Go Green to Get More Coin

Cutting back on consumption isn't the only reason homeowners are undertaking green remodels, according to The Wall Street Journal. Certified green homes are garnering a higher resale value. A recent study of real-estate listings in Seattle found green homes sold not only for a higher price, but sat on the market a quarter less time.  With as much as 20 percent of all new construction expected to be green by 2012, going green is a wise choice for the planet and for the future value of your home.

Think you need to go all out to make a lasting impact? There are plenty of small steps you can take to increase your home's value over time, not to mention make it healthier and more efficient. Stick to upgrades proven to make a difference when it comes to resale, but do so with a green twist, like freshening up walls with a new coat of paint. But be sure to use one with low-volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) to reduce gaseous pollutants in your home.

In the Name of Green

Have you been longing to upgrade your home electronics, but haven't been able to find a good enough reason? Helping the environment is a great way to convince your family to make additional updates to your home. By switching from your standard tube-based television to an LCD flat panel model, you'll significantly reduce your energy consumption -- by more than 30 percent. Trade in your old desktop computer for a laptop and reduce your usage with 75 percent energy savings.

Electronics aren't the only thing you can revamp for the sake of helping the planet. Your bathrooms can always use a little greening. One of the easiest ways to save water without a change in experience is to upgrade your showerhead. Moen's new Nurture water-efficient, three-setting showerheads use up to 30 percent less water while still providing a superior shower experience with full-body coverage.

With a flow rate of 1.75 gallons per minute (gpm), it's one of the first to offer significant savings in reducing both water consumption and energy costs from the industry-standard 2.5 gpm showerheads without sacrificing performance. Available at Lowe's, Nurture multi-setting showerheads also allow you to choose the distinct spray setting that suits your mood. Who knew being green could feel so good?

Green Your Daily Routine

In addition to projects around the house, little changes in your everyday activities will help to save the planet and add some green to your wallet:

* Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth or shaving and save up to 10 gallons of water a day.

* Depending on your showerhead, just reducing your daily shower by five minutes can save between 5,000 and 19,000 gallons of water and hundreds of dollars each year.

* Staying away from the hot cycle when washing your clothes will not only prolong the life and look of your fabrics, but also help you save on energy -- between 80 and 85 percent.

* Want more ideas to learn how to make your home greener? Check out the Energy Star Home Advisor (www.energystar.gov) to get green advice.

This spring, when you're contemplating whether or not those green updates will really make a difference, just go for it. You'll not only have a home with a higher resale value, but you'll also provide great energy savings and a healthier environment for the whole family to enjoy.