Having the ability to remodel our home allowed my family to select a large variety of eco-friendly options.  After living there for 8 years, my family and I have found new and different ways to minimize our carbon footprint.  During the remodel in 2005, we replaced the old toilets with low flow toilets, installed a garden that produces a variety of fruits and vegetables depending on the season, LED lights throughout the house, a compost in the backyard, and a large bin that holds the excess water from taking showers.  If I had my own home, I would continue the traditions of conserving energy and minimizing my carbon footprint but also install solar panels.  Despite the expenses, installing solar panels would be one of the main sources to get electricity from.  I would also refrain from installing a heating system or an ac system if I have the leisure to do so.  Furthermore, I would not have a large, green yard due to the amount of water used to sustain it.  Instead, I would have a patio or gravel that would fill in the backyard. The location of my ideal house would be cl ose to the facilities that I would use on a daily basis.  I hope to live somewhere that is in walking or biking distance of my office building.  If I am not able to be in a close enough range to have the ability to walk or bike, I wish to at least be located by a carpool system or public transportation.  Lastly, I would implement a garden system in my ideal home.  Currently, my family is growing corn and basil to make pesto.  I hope to continue this system of having home-grown foods in order to minimize the transportation from my house to the grocery store.