Simple Steps to Save Homeowners Money and Make Homes Environmentally Friendly WASHINGTON, April 18 /PRNewswire/ -- As energy costs continue to rise, homeowners should consider alternative ways to help lower their bills -- and help the environment -- by making their homes more "green." The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) is raising awareness of the need for sustainable, environmentally sensitive design and how homeowners can help achieve this goal. ASLA is doing its part to become more "green" by installing a green roof covered with vegetation on its downtown Washington, D.C., headquarters. Green roofs last up to twice as long as conventional roofs, save significantly on heating and cooling costs, improve community air and water quality, and reduce the urban heat island effect in the summertime. While it's not feasible for most homeowners to retrofit their homes with green roofs, there are other steps you can take to minimize your home's impact on the environment.
