"Green" is the word. It's not just pollution anymore - specifically, it's melting polar icecaps and the greenhouse effect. These are the phrases of our generation and now, more than ever, people are aware of our effect on the environment. Energy efficient appliances and reusable grocery bags are commonplace.

Another trend picking up speed is sustainable architecture. This involves buildings designed to have as little effect on the environment as possible. If you are thinking of building a home that is environmentally sound, here are some of the basic principles of sustainable architecture design:

1. Preserve natural surroundings:

This encompasses two philosophies. One is to build small. You don't need a Mc mansion to live comfortably. Build only as big as you need and build up instead of out. The other is to build into the natural landscape not over it.

Utilize the trees and bushes around your lot instead of clearing them out. Try to maintain as much as you can of the surrounding landscape. It will save you money because you won't have to pay someone to come in and plant for you plus it saves the environment.

2. Use renewable resources:

The sun, the earth, the wind- these are all at your disposal and are things that will never run out. You can harness the sun to heat and light your home with solar panels. Wind power is gaining popularity on a larger scale by using windmills to supply electricity for entire towns. The earth can also be used to heat your home with geothermal heating elements placed underneath the house.

For your lumber, make sure the wood is either reclaimed or comes from a certified forest. Bamboo is becoming popularly used for wood flooring and it is a very renewable wood source and looks attractive too.

3. Recycle:

If you can't redo or build your home using these principles, you can still do your part by recycling. Use left-over building supplies for other projects instead of dumping them in the landfill. Capture rainwater for outdoor irrigation. On a smaller scale, recycle your plastic, aluminum and paper.

4. Use energy efficient appliances:

Everything comes with that little star on it designating it as an energy efficient appliance. They do all the work for you by using less water, heat and energy while efficiently running the dishwasher, washing machine and all other appliances. You may also get a tax credit for replacing your old stuff with the energy-efficient models.

5. Buy locally:

If you are remodeling or building a sustainable architecture design home, buy your supplies locally. This puts money back into your community and is good for everyone. A healthy community is a big part of creating a healthy environment.

If you can incorporate one or all of these principles into the building or remodel of your home, you will be doing a great service to the environment. Good or bad, every little thing that we do has an impact on the earth. Sustainable architecture design is something you can do to make a difference.