Many Alternative-Energy Solutions Lack Aesthetic Appeal

By Rachel Ward

With the mainstream public's perception and what were once touted as radical environmental views reconciling on the importance of energy and natural resource conservation, why aren't more homeowners electing to renovate in environmentally-friendly ways? Could it possibly be due to do with the fact many of the newest in environmentally friendly furnishings and accents are still a little rough around the edges, like how dingy the den looks with compact florescent lighting, or how rough the loveseat feels when upholstered in coarse, organic wool.

International government-approved initiatives and incentives for homeowners, who redesign their homes to meet energy-efficient standards, include:

• Awarding grants to homeowners who surpass energy-efficient standards

• Loaning and providing tax breaks for homes built before a certain year to tackle energy-efficient problems at the root, rather than cherry-pick quick-fix solutions

• Requiring major gas and electricity suppliers to meet a certain energy-saving target by a projected date—thus prompting the suppliers to persuade their customers to adopt energy-saving measures

• Launching competitions to design low-cost, environmentally friendly lighting products tailored to local markets needs

• Requiring that utilities increase their use of renewable sources of energy such as solar power, solar-thermal technology and biomass/organic materials

The Wall Street Journal recently reported the initiatives of nine cities world wide that are helping lead the way in how to easily implement energy-saving and money-saving methods. In the meantime, consumer will still struggle between saving a dollar by living green and enjoying in-home luxury that appeals to all six senses.