Green Building
Hurricane Katrina was one of the most horrific natural disasters to hit the U.S. in recent history. This terrible tragedy demonstrated that global warming is both real and a serious problem, one that makes it all the more important to utilize environmentally friendly building practices that reduce pollution and battle global warming. There are several ways to build durable, comfortable homes without using excessive amounts of energy. Today more and more homebuilders are using natural materials such as straw bales, rocks and bamboo. Straw works an exceptional insulator as well as an effective sound proofing material, when used in 18” thick walls it will block out almost all outside noise. And the dry climate of Las Vegas makes it the perfect place to utilize straw bales as building materials. Rocks can be used to create beautiful and affordable landscaping, and in the desert it is one of the most practical options available. Homes built out of rock also blend into the mountains that surround the valley, making them all the more attractive.
Bamboo is inexpensive and both quick and easy to grow. Floors, furniture and fences can easily be made out of this attractive natural material. The use of bamboo in construction also helps save forests. Numerous natural resources are far more beneficial to the environment than many of the commonplace contemporary materials. The purpose of using natural materials is to minimize the use of energy and reduce the pollution that comes from manufacturing and transporting synthetic construction materials.
