Laura's Tips

• Just be creative with what you already have, and you're on the path to a Greener lifestyle, says Laura. For instance, instead of replacing the original metal light fixture in the laundry room, Laura and Jeff painted the old one.
• Sustainability is the goal, and it's not as hard as it sounds. "To me, sustainability means something is repeatable--you can make that decision over and over again without a negative impact on yourself or on the environment," says Laura. "Composting vegetables and then using the compost to grow more vegetables is an easy example."
• "Green living is about making smart, healthy, long-term decisions," says Laura. Purchase only natural materials, choose energy- efficient options when buying everything from appliances to lightbulbs, and let the sun and wind heat and cool your home.