With the economy making a slow rebound, homeowners continue to look for cost-effective options when building or renovating their homes. Natural exterior building materials are often very expensive and require both time and money to maintain. Choosing vinyl and polymeric siding is one way people are saving on building materials. Both siding options, which many considered at one time to be fake-looking or boring, have become one of the most versatile, detailed and eco-friendly home exterior products available on the market today.

(ARA) - What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child's college savings.

Automobiles are as American as baseball and apple pie. Admit it, you can't remember the last time you walked or biked to get somewhere. Your car is just too convenient a mode of transportation, but it may be time to rethink your ways.

When you think of soft water, the first thing that probably comes to mind is lustrous, easy-to-manage hair. Another benefit is washing clothes in the water leaves them softer and saves a significant amount of detergent. Best of all, when cleaning, you don't get that ugly bathtub ring. By eliminating hard water minerals, you can see health and cosmetic benefits as well as reduce the maintenance costs associated with scale buildup in home plumbing.

The trend for gardening at home continues to grow - and people are taking a particular interest in raising their flowers and vegetables organically. With such prominent figures as Michelle Obama taking public initiatives in organic gardening, more and more products that cater to the trend are appearing.

A long-term investment in improved energy efficiency can make sound dollar sense for your family. Energy-efficient home improvements can help reduce energy use, lower utility bills and cut your home's environmental impact.

Whether you are looking to conserve energy or save money, reviewing the EnergyGuide label on appliances and looking for the ENERGY STAR label on appliances, electronics and other energy-using products is a great way to identify the most energy-efficient products on the market.

The tax credit eligibility for qualified garage doors will expire on Dec. 31. Now is your last chance to save 30 percent off the price of an energy-saving curb-appeal-inspiring garage door, courtesy of the U.S. government.

We spend 90 percent of our lives indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. A typical day can include traveling from home to work and back home again with a few periodic trips to schools, the grocery store, the bank, malls and entertainment venues. We depend on our homes, offices, retail stores and other structures to keep us safe; but can buildings also help keep us healthy?

Going "green" is great at any time of the year. No matter the season, there are always "green" steps that can be introduced into everyday family routines that can lessen our negative effects on the environment and our health while helping us to save money at the same time.