

What’s my best option toget an eco-friendly house on a low budget?

Elsie Thomas

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

People often think that to live the green lifestyle they need to have a super-insulated house or a home made from straw bales or earth. But consider this option: Recycle an old house.

Buying an old home that would otherwise be torn down is a great, low-budget option for eco-friendly housing (if the building is still structurally sound). Think about all the framing lumber that would end up buried in a landfill if the structure were not preserved. You can gradually improve the energy efficiency of the house, starting with good insulation and new windows. 

Restoring wood floors hidden under old carpets or linoleum is green, healthy and cost-effective. And using salvaged materials to fix up a house often adds character without the cost of a traditional remodel.

— Troy Griepentrog, associate editor