WTVO/WQRF - A major part of our green series has been sharing the little things we can all do to make this a better world.  Of course there's one sector of our economy that's embracing green in a big way.  Architects and builders are thinking green in everything from homes to skyscrapers.

An environmentally friendly, 3200 square foot home only uses about 35 dollars a month worth of electricity.

            That may sound too good to be true, but it's a reality for William Ball and his family.

            Ball started his environmentally friendly construction business, Stellar Sun many years ago, and he certainly practices what he preaches.  His home is fully solar and was built using durable material.  “We are moving more and more to low VOC, volatile organic compounds, stuff that doesn't have formaldehyde in it, things that are sustainable," says Ball.

            Instead of using wood on a deck, a material that rots and wears down, Ball used porcelain tile and steel railings, materials known to last.

            And his lawn? Grass free, to cut down on mowing fuel and fertilizer use.

            This home is also the model of energy efficiency thanks to extra thick, reinforced walls.

            Even the scenic touches are environmental.  This gold fish pond runs off rain water collected in 55 gallon drums.  That water is also used for irrigation.

            L & W Environmental recently started collecting lumber to be re-used or converted into mulch.  They also collect shingles and concrete which can be made into road base.  “Everything that's back here right now would have gone straight into the landfill,” says owner Johnny Varnadore.  “None of it would've been saved."

            So whether you're looking to build an all green estate, or just find good use for some extra two by fours, in today's society, you're just one of many.  Just to give you an idea of how quickly this trend is catching on, www.greenbuildingblocks.com estimates that green construction will increase 400% by the year 2010.