April 22 is Earth Day, when the national discussion -- media reports, water cooler and online chats, and political speeches -- turns to the environment and the growing acceptance of the world's population to the many advantages of green living. The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) wants homeowners to know they can secure eco-friendly solutions year-round from a professional remodeler.

"If you had to put it in a nutshell, the biggest trend we're seeing is sustainable design," says Stewart Davis, AIA, design director for CG & S Design-Build in Austin, Texas, a NARI member. "We're still doing nice kitchens and baths, but people want to do these projects as green as possible -- and within their budget."

According to NARI, remodelers can help a homeowner decrease energy costs, alleviate health concerns and reduce the consumption of natural resources in the following areas:

Efficient Heating & Cooling New insulation technologies, such as spray-in cellulose insulation, is made from 80 percent post-consumer recycled newspaper and will effectively seal homes from harsh heat and cold. Thermal solar energy is a non-polluting energy source that is easily captured and used for water and space heating. Although solar water heaters can be expensive ($1,000-$4,000), they can show paybacks of four to eight years, according to Austin Energy. Space heating systems can vary from $800 for wall heaters to $4,000 and more for large central systems.

Reducing Water Consumption Selecting the right appliances, such as water-conserving washers, dryers and dishwashers, and installing low-flush toilets and showerheads can reduce the amount of water needed and help trim water bills. NARI notes that approximately 8,000 gallons of water per household each year are lost while waiting for hot water to come from the tap. "Simply positioning the water heater as close as possible to the points of use for hot water can help conserve this valuable resource."

Healthy Indoor Air Modern building materials, such as construction adhesives, paints and treated woods, can have toxic VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) that adversely affect sensitivities to indoor airborne irritants. Remodelers use air filters and new, non-toxic materials that improve the overall health of a home.

Sustainable Materials "Green" surfaces, such as reclaimed hardwood, bamboo flooring and recycled glass countertops leave a lighter footprint on the environment, plus remodelers reduce the environmental impact by choosing materials made from local or regional sources.

Quality Over Quantity Homeowners willing to opt for slightly smaller homes in exchange for smarter planning and design look to multifunctional spaces, such as a home office, that can double as a guest bedroom," Davis says. "In areas with small lots, every square foot needs to count and remodelers and architects can help design spaces that do that." Recycle Construction Waste Eco-conscious remodelers recycle as much project waste as possible during a home renovation project. For example, Texas-based CG &S Design-Build, winners of five regional NARI Contractor of the Year Awards in 2008 and member of the City of Austin's award-winning Green Building Program, brings four waste containers to a project site -- for paper, metal, wood and concrete -- in an effort to recycle more efficiently. "We are very aware that so much waste is traditionally put in a landfill and we are trying reduce that as much as we can," said Stewart Davis, AIA, design director for CG & S.

Note: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry, with more than 7,700 member companies nationwide, is "The Voice of the Remodeling Industry™." To locate a local remodeling professional, visit NARI's Web site at www.RemodelToday.com.