According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food scraps and yard waste make up 20 percent of what we throw away. Composting organic materials keeps them out of the landfill, which cuts down on greenhouse gases, and enriches the soil. To compost at home, make a pile in your backyard, or introduce an indoor bin for throwaways like apple peels and eggshells.

The houses are set on a three-acre plot of fertile volcanic land, ideal for growing fruit and vegetables.

The side walls have been treated as vertical extension of the horizontal surface of the garden, and are used for growing climbers such as jasmine, grapes, honeysuckle, raspberries, beans, peas, and even a climbing fig. Colorful bird’s houses and bug hotels are also mounted on the walls.

Detail shot of the Inkstone wash-basin in Sand Brown stone.

"Beauty," Olafur Eliasson, 1993. In this work, a spotlight shines through a layer of mist to create a rainbow that's only visible from certain angles.

The rooftop garden not only provides daily food for the family, but also a place to rest every afternoon.

In a historic section of Raleigh, North Carolina, a modern home designed by Louis Cherry became the subject of a lengthy court battle. The house is clad in local cypress and HardiePanel siding in Stormy Monday by Benjamin Moore.

Marsha and Louis collect herbs in a garden by their screened porch (above). The home’s exterior cypress cladding is finished with Sikkens ProLuxe Cetol stain in Teak.

Now more than ever, having a sustainable home that conserves resources and energy usage is paramount. Sustainable design and architecture has seen tremendous growth over the last decade—as has the number of professionals who specialize in designing and building green homes. While major sustainable features pertain to the initial design, planning, and building stages, there are still plenty of changes to make in your home for a greener lifestyle. Have you covered all your bases?

Just off this kitchen is this gorgeous "edible garden" making garden-to-table dining a reality in your very own home.

Nutrient-rich water from the pond is then used to irrigate a rooftop fruit and vegetable garden.

“The house is a machine for sustaining life,” explains Cole.

A neighbor harvests bell peppers in the garden.

The American Modern collection for Bauer Pottery is made in California in a variety of colorways. Shown, is the American Modern divided vegetable bowl in chartreuse.

Detail shot of the Inkstone wash-basins in Black Rock stone.

"There’s a presence to that place—it’s vast, and constantly shifting," designer Lisa Moffitt says. "It was clear that this house should be an observation shed for the changing landscape beyond."

The dishwasher also includes nine wash arms and a maintenance-free, stainless steel water filter that assures even, thorough cleaning.

The vegetable garden produces everything from cauliflower to arugula and Italian parsley.

Just north of San Francisco, the Mill Valley home of former Phish manager and current restaurant owner John Paluska takes its place within its eclectic neighborhood and natural surroundings. A guest cottage flanks the family's garden. The "casita" has hosted friends, family, and even wildfire evacuees; Rachel Paluska refers to it as a "revolving door, in a fun way."

The Infinity Keychain is an elegant personal accessory comprised of vegetable-tanned leather, a copper rivet, and a copper split key ring. The leather includes a smooth exterior and soft touch interior, giving it a pleasant tactile experience when in hand.

When you add ingredients, Mellow will sense the change in weight and prompt your phone through its app.

An organic rooftop garden.

A Fermob table and chairs are on the rooftop terrace. “The weather is unpredictable, to say the least. You want to be outside but you don’t want to sit in the middle of a gale,” says Duncanson. “But [at this house] you can always find a place that’s quiet.”

1993, Pierluigi Cerri.

Cor-ten steel planter

An edible garden from the Little Veggie Patch Co. is located in the backyard and is nourished with compost.

Not only does LG's new Twin Wash System allow for the simultaneous washing of two separate loads (the mini-washer is suited for delicates that require unique wash settings), it also allows users to download preprogrammed wash cycles to a smartphone and activate them by simply tapping their phone to a sensor on the appliance.

Primary outdoor porch.

Roof terrace with planters for fruit, vegetables and herbs

Rooftop patio