While it’s quite popular these days to get on the green bandwagon and tout how much reducing, reusing, and recycling one does, many people are living a true green lifestyle quietly and humbly, whether by choice or necessity.

Going green doesn’t have to mean building a LEED-certified home, although that does go a long way in reducing one’s carbon footprint.

Even architect Michael Goldblum, in our article this month on his LEED silver home renovation, questions why LEED favors new construction. “Isn’t it more green to just reuse what you have?” he asks.

Indeed. Most sustainable architects and builders creatively incorporate reclaimed stone, recycled materials, and reused objects in their work. Homeowners can, too, whether they’re doing major renovations or not, by obtaining gently used goods from Green Demolitions, freecycle.com, Hudson Valley Materials Exchange, and other sources.

On an even smaller scale, there are many simple and inexpensive things to do around one’s existing home, using existing resources.

Simply repurposing found objects, such as actress/artist Denny Dillon does in her creative artwork, or capturing rainwater in a rain barrel, as our reporter Gina Marinelli outlines in our Do It Green column, are easy ways to be green.

As I meet more New York House readers, I am struck by how our magazine has inspired and encouraged New Yorkers to find new ways to go green. We strive to be an even better, more authoritative resource for sustainable living. As such, we welcome your comments and ideas. Please e-mail me to share your own green tips.

See you in the neighborhood,

Nancy Meyer