I know its been mentioned before, but I think its really important for people to understand how important it is to design wholistically. Too often people think because they have recycled content in the materials, that their home is green.

Having a sustainable home is more than just one technology or approach. It's about looking at the whole system, understanding the synergies and doing the right thing at every step.

I wouldn't say you should do it all at once, that could be daunting and overwhelming, but do everything with an eye toward a finished system.

Couldn't you take it a step further and say that we should live to a whole system mentality. Living sustainably is so much more than the home or the cars we choose. Its about behaviors and adaptation. Its about resourcefulness, communal attitudes and a long perspective.

If we try to push people down that broad path of complete sustainable living, it is likely that there will be those who are overwhelmed as well as others who become resistant. If we nibble away and start industry by industry trends, you build a consensus and a momentum among a larger group. Slow and steady wins the race.