Make Your Home Green and Save Greenbacks

Jan. 10, 2007 — -- Now, more than ever, scientists are saying that global warming is one of the biggest threats to the world's future.

They're calling greenhouse gases from factories, cars and construction a major cause of climate change.

"The construction and maintenance of our buildings, including homes, uses 40 percent of the world's energy and resources, and creates 33 percent or more of greenhouse gases," said Matt Peterson, CEO of the environmental action group Global Green.

Homes are some of the biggest offenders in terms of energy waste and greenhouse emissions.

"We are wasting so much energy, and if we could just corral that, it would be a significant step towards controlling global warming," said environmental activist Laurie David.

John and Susan Zinner are heeding David's advice, running their Santa Monica, Calif., home in an energy-efficient way. By following their example, every American can make their home more green -- and save some greenbacks in the process.

Despite the California sun, temperatures in the Santa Monica region can swing wildly. Balmy, 70-degree weather can change to a brisk 40 degrees in a matter of hours, and heating/cooling costs can add up.

To slash their energy bill and help the environment, the Zinners made some simple changes to their 70-year-old home, making it a model of green efficiency.

The innovation starts in the Zinners' front yard.

"Instead of water-thirsty grass, we've got native plants and a very efficient irrigation system," John Zinner said.

The small amount of water the Zinners provide for the lawn comes from a drip irrigation system that uses far less water than a spray. The system is run by a "smart" sprinkler control.

"It is connected to a satellite, so if it rained yesterday, sprinklers don't go on today," he said. "Secondly, you program it to your plants instead of just saying 10 minutes to that zone. Type in 'shade,' 'plants,' and it automatically figures out how much water it needs."