Going Green is a concept that is spreading like wildfire.  The first affordable "green" house in Miami Dade County is currently under construction.  Upon completion it will be sold to Tangelia Sands, a mother of four, who has been on the waiting list for affordable housing for about a year.  It is estimated that with all the energy efficient additions, Ms. Sands will save roughly $2,000 a year in her energy bills.  $2,000 is a great deal for her and she will simultaneously be helping out the environment, effortlessly.  Additional green components includes: insulated concrete walls, insulated air conditioning ducts, recycled oak flooring, energy efficient appliances, solar closet lighting, compact fluorescent lights, low VOC paints, drought-resistant landscaping, and even impact resistant windows for hurricane protection.  Ms. Sands' home sits beside a home identical to hers, differing only in its lack of energy efficient upgrades, this provides a direct comparison that may be observed over the span of several years.  I found out all about this interesting topic in an article titled "House is not only affordable, it's green" from The Miami Heralds.  To learn more about the first green home and what you can expect in the future, click on the previous link to view the full length article.