There is no single prototype for living ecologically. Lowering energy bills is the best way to increase the long-term affordability of home ownership. Some builders create smaller spaces with a touch of luxury or rustic Santa Fe-style adobe homes. The quest to lower electric bills increases the outdoor market for solar and wind power.

It is not a one size fits all. Going green is all about reducing your carbon footprint. It includes a new solar or hybrid car, solar pool heaters, solar water heaters, increased attic or wall insulation, and energy efficient home monitoring systems to reduce energy use.

Installing solar lights along the driveway is easy and affordable. Solar gates have been used on ranches for over a decade, avoiding expensive electrical wiring in remote areas.

Water problems are a key factor in ecological life. It requires changing shower heads to those that use less water and replacing old toilets with low-flow toilets. The overhaul of older home systems with a new solar air conditioner, tankless water heaters, energy efficient dishwashers, and solar exterior house lights brings a new fad to older homes.

California has experienced a drought for more than a decade. Electronic and remote metering systems reduce water use and lower water bills. Native landscaping often lowers the water bill in many areas of the world.

Green living focuses on living with less waste and greater energy efficiency. Green homes are optimized for energy efficient appliances, solar heating and cooling systems that use less energy and water. Green building materials can be recycled or natural.

Green energy includes windmills, recycled water for lawns, cisterns to collect water and / or solar energy. It could reduce the water usage and change the zone of the AC systems to react to the smartphone app. Is it possible to use smartphone apps to lower your home thermostat as you go down the office elevator to your car? Many home automation systems control kitchen appliances, light bulbs, water heaters, home thermostats, and swimming pool systems. The best systems offer exterior and interior lights, along with home security systems. Smartphone apps are encrypted and quite secure. Nothing is perfect and hackers can overcome the encryption that protects car computers for navigation. Change passwords frequently and never give them to your neighbors.

Windmills and solar farms can seem expensive. These renewable energy systems can be financed. Homeowners can sell excess power to the local utility company. Windmills have few maintenance problems and can last a century or more.