Over the past year or so, "going green" has become a very big social trend, and also very big business. By now, almost every type of commercial entity from hybrid-powered automobile manufacturers to non-toxic cleaning product sellers are loudly proclaiming themselves part of the "Green Revolution."

The core of the green revolution, in my opinion, is energy. Rising fuel costs are an issue for everyone, but they're an even more critical economic, political and social consideration for Hawai'i because of our physical isolation, dependence on shipping, and increasing population. We Hawaiians have many practical, dollars-and-cents incentives to move to the forefront of the green movement.

A solar water heating system offers an excellent starting point. Water heating accounts for 30-35% of an average Hawaiian home's electric bill. A typical solar system can save over 200 gallons of oil annually and reduce a typical household's electric bill by up to $12 per person per month. Our state electric companies offer incentive programs of up to $1,000 per installed system. There is also a tax credit available for additional savings.

Lighting is the next biggest energy consumer for Hawaiian homes and businesses. There is a lot of talk and advertising for CFL (compact fluorescent) bulbs, focusing on the energy savings compared to a standard incandescent light source. However, these CFL's contain a fair amount of mercury and pose a real disposal issue. Thankfully there is another lighting alternative that is readily available, uses only 12 watts compared to 30 watts for a comparable CFL and 65 watts for an incandescent, has a very low heat output and a bulb life of more than 50,000 hours. The LED, or light emitting diode, has been primarily used in electronics but is now available for the home in a variety of bulb types and sizes.

One of the best retrofits available is for the standard 6" and 4" can lighting you see in many homes and businesses. The LED units are designed to fit the standard light fixture housing.

To further reduce lighting requirements, solar light tubes are another great way to bring natural sun light into darker spaces like laundry rooms, closets and even shower stalls where skylights are impractical or cost prohibitive. Some solar tubes can also be fitted with lighting so one ceiling fixture can be utilized night and day and with an LED bulb. This provides the most efficient lighting source possible.

Once a home's energy efficiency has been maximized, the homeowner can then begin to look at the numerous "green" finish materials that are available for the interior and exterior. Typical cabinetry uses a tremendous amount of raw materials and, next to appliances, is one of the larger purchases for new homes and remodel projects. Today manufacturers like Crystal Cabinet works are utilizing "Greencore" box materials made from wheat stalks and soy based resins with no added formaldehyde. They are also using sustainably grown and harvested hardwoods like Lyptus, which has the density and characteristics similar to mahogany as well as highly renewable bamboo and coconut for a variety of door styles.

In the world of countertops, granite was the longtime standard. Today, however, numerous recycled products are available - as well as attractive, easy to clean, and durable. Ice stone is made of recycled glass and concrete with 27 stunning finishes and colors. It's free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs, meaning it doesn't emit unhealthy gases).

Paperstone and Richlite offer countertop materials made from recycled paper and non-petrolium phenolic resin. These materials are also stain-resistant, very durable, come in a wide variety of colors, and can be fabricated by most solid surface professionals.

The "green revolution" in home design and décor includes flooring and wall finishes. Cork and linoleum have been around for generations, but are both renewable materials. They come in a wide variety of colors and are very durable. Enviro Traz is new to the market; it's recycled glass and porcelain, poured in place for terrazzo-style flooring. Palm wood flooring made from reclaimed palm trees from copra plantations, is low VOC, rich in color, durable and renewable.

To learn more about "green" design and products available for the home meet with a design professional and ask about the numerous products available today. You will be pleasantly surprised by how much you can do to help save the planet, not to mention save on your monthly bills, by launching your own in-home "Green Revolution."