Kermit the frog said it first, but it still rings true today. In our daily lives we make many choices throughout the day that make a statement and have an impact on the world. While we can't all be chaining ourselves to trees in the amazon, everyone should take a look at their daily consumption, and think about ways to consume less, or more importantly consume with a conscience.

Here are a few ways to consume smart on a personal level and from a builder's perspective.

1. Buy here! This translates for all goods and products, construction and building included. This can be difficult to apply on a grand scale, as we are a nation built on business and international commerce, but when we can buy local, an effort should be made to do so. The amount of fuel used in shipping products from other countries has a huge impact on our ozone layer. Support local businesses, and keep that carbon footprint to a small size.

The production of most plastics is very toxic to us and the environment. Plastics are then thrown away and sit in landfills for centuries before decomposing and resurfacing in our water and food supply. And recently in the news, there appears to be a link between the consumption of water from plastic bottles and cancer. We should stay away from plastic products as much as possible. We have two great tips for this. Instead of buying bottled water, install a water filtration system. This is truly a great choice in a greener lifestyle. Composite decking is also great way to reuse plastic instead of putting it in landfills. Composite decking combines recycled plastic with wood to make a low maintenance durable decking material, that comes in a variety of colors and textures.

One of the best ways for your home to be green is to make sure it is energy efficient! Making sure your entire home is properly caulked and sealed, will save the environment and your pocketbook from your heating and air conditioning use. Before you start you next home remodel, consider your energy consumption. Strategic window and skylight placement can cut down in lighting and heating/AC use, and installing ceiling fans instead of an AC unit will also cut down on energy use and is a greener choice.

Stay cool this summer and look for more tips on green living soon.