“Going green” gets plenty of environmental attention, but people often forget that environmentally smart behavior can save money as well. Help celebrate Earth Day (April 22) by doing a “green check” of how to make both energy- and money- smart plans for your home and lifestyle going forward. 
“The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.”
–Native American Proverb
My wife just asked if I wanted to go have fish & chips; as a Lennon & McCartney song lingers in the background. This got me suddenly thinking of synergistic parings. peanut butter & jelly some combinations are just meant to be–almost as if the forces of nature are in cahoots to manifest something greater than just the sum of the parts; and have the potential for a match made in heaven.
The aging population and the green movement are two seemingly unrelated global conditions that are on the rise.
Green Aging in Place: 4 Components
Aging in place and green construction/remodeling are two mega-trends for the 21st century which act synergistically to help older adults remain independent and healthy while supporting the environment. The 4 components of green aging in place are, Green Strategies, Universal Design, Assistive Technologies, and Traditional Neighborhood Developments (TND) :
#1 Green strategies for the home generally consists of 5 elements
1. Environmentally friendly construction- Using renewable materials and recycled content, as well as home design/orientation that takes advantage of natural light.
2. Energy saving- Use of energy-efficient bulbs, appliances, windows, and water heating systems with ENERGY STAR ratings.
3. Water conservation- Replacing old (or buying new), faucets, showerheads, and toilets with low-flow fixtures, tankless water heaters, low-volume irrigation systems, rain water collection systems, and hot water recirculation systems.
4. Healthy indoor quality- Use of low- VOC paints, finishes, and wall papers, heating & AC ventilation systems sized for efficient and properly vented home, bathroom-kitchen fans to cycle fresh air.
5. Outside the house- Preserving trees and other native vegetation, landscaping with plants appropriate for the climate—and grouping according to water needs, limit solid surfaces concrete in exchange for permeable surfaces life gravel whenever possible.
#2 Universal Design
Universal design is the creation of environments and products which are meant to usable by all people to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialization.
Universal design is the legacy of the late Ron Mace, FAIA, and founder of The Center for Universal Design at North Carolina State University. His vision of a world accessible to everyone regardless of abilities is realized through a set of 7 design principles:
1. Equitable Use – The design does not disadvantage or stigmatize any group of users and is marketable to people with diverse abilities.
2. Flexibility in Use – The design accommodates a wide range of individual preferences (i.e., L/R handed) and abilities; provides choice in methods of use.
3. Simple and Intuitive Use – Use of the design is easy to understand, regardless of the user’s experienc...
