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As individual homes contribute far more to global warming than most people realize, there are many different technologies, adjustments, and replacements that home owners can implement to reduce the environmental damage their house is creating...and save money, too.

Alternative energy technologies are just one of the ways that home owners can help solve the current energy crisis.

Solar panels and wind turbines, for instance, can be installed or retrofitted on virtually any kind of house.

For those lucky enough to have access to running water, a waterwheel or turbine of some kind can also provide sustainable energy for home owners and reduce electricity bills.

Home owners can also implement a wide variety of measures to cut down on existing power sources. Heating a house takes a lot of energy, and heat can easily escape through windows, doors, and other areas of the house not properly insulated.

Replacing, repairing, or patching these and other areas which are leaking heat is a good way to make a house more energy efficient.

In addition, merely replacing a light bulb, or the family fridge, can have a big long term impact on the energy resources that each of us use by simply choosing more energy efficient and cost-saving versions of everyday electronic gadgets and appliances.

Also consider intelligent heating systems which can provide big savings on household energy. Rather than leaving the heating system on all day, an intelligent heating system can be programmed to shut off when no one is home, and turn on again right before they arrive.

Growing food either in a garden, a greenhouse, or with hydroponics can reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and provide a healthier diet for you and your family. Food recycling is yet another great way for home owners to go green. It keeps recyclable waste out of landfills and makes great fertilizer when properly composted in the family garden.

More information about green homes & energy savings around the Web:

Green Home Guide - A beginners guide to building a green home from the foundation up, along with extensive information on remodeling and retrofitting tips for existing homes, product checklists, FAQ, related resources.

Mother Earth News - Green Homes - Guides encompassing how to's on building green, expert advice on energy saving remodeling, with related feature stories and video reports, related blogs, discussion forums.

10 Ways to Go Green and Save Green - Brief but informative fact sheet on ways to save money, energy & natural resources with advice on transportation alternatives, water savings, how to's on making homemade cleaning products, and related tips for maintaining eco-friendly households and communities.

also see -> Green Cities