Many builders used to build homes containing chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but are also bad for people.
If you're redoing your home or building a brand new home, there are products you can use that are better for both the environment and your family.
The following tips will help you design a greener home:

• Hire green professionals.
  There are many builders out there that specialize in building green homes.
  
• Put an addition onto your home instead of building a brand new one.
  Adding a second floor is usually cheaper than adding on rooms to the first floor.
  This will save on construction costs and also reduces the homes impact on the landscape.
  
• Build a smaller home instead of a larger one.
  This will not only use less material but will also use less energy to heat and cool.
  
• Chose non-toxic materials.
  Let the builder know from the very beginning that this is important to you.
  
• Design an energy efficient home.
  Install sky lights, use solar panels, and install high-performance windows.
  
• Use recycled products as much as possible.
  
• Use rainwater.
  Set up a rainwater system that collects rain from your roof.
  You can use this to water your garden.
  
• Design your landscaping to be low maintenance and water efficient.
  Choose plants that are native to your area.
  
• Consider using a gray water system.
  

These are just a few ideas to get your started.
There are books available that will give you many other ideas.
If you hire a green builder he will have lots of suggestions as well.
Building a green home doesn't have to be that much more expensive that building a traditional home.
And you can move in knowing that your family isn't at risk by being around toxic chemicals from building products.