When buying a home, you naturally consider your decision's impact on your lifestyle and finances. But do you think about its impact on the environment? To make your next home purchase a little greener, follow these tips.

        When it's time to begin your home hunt, think "less is more"; the smaller the home the more environmentally friendly it is. That's because fewer resources have been consumed in constructing it, less energy is required to heat, cool, light and otherwise run it, less water is needed to maintain its landscaping, and you won't need to buy as much stuff in order to fill it.

        Choose your location wisely. The closer your home to your workplace, public transit, and those amenities most essential to you, the less driving you'll need to do, which is good news for both the environment and your bank account. Also, avoid properties that were built on environmentally sensitive land; infill developments are the greener choice, as they make use of land that's already been developed.

        Consider, too, the eco-friendliness of the products and materials that have gone into the home's finishing. For instance, are the appliances ENERGY STAR rated? Are the toilets water-conserving low-flow models? Are the floors made of bamboo, cork or linoleum? Are the countertops made from a recycled material like glass? Was it painted with low- or no-VOC paint?

        Those wishing to take their commitment to the green lifestyle a step further may wish to purchase a property that was constructed with an eye toward minimizing environmental impact, such as a property that features energy-efficient heating and cooling systems or one that harnesses the power of solar energy.