With land at such a premium in Southern Nevada, we are witnessing a transformation in the building industry. Many new single-family homes are getting smaller and we're seeing more urban high-rise development as well. Although it is primarily driven by cost, I think the trend toward smaller dwellings is one that we should take a closer look at.

The choices we make about where and how we live have a tremendous impact on our environment. If we choose wisely, we can minimize the negative impacts while maximizing value. They go hand in hand.

Well-designed, efficient spaces can be beautiful, functional and can comfortably provide for our needs while simultaneously creating a sense of proportion that just feels right.

In her books "The Not So Big House" and "Creating the Not So Big House," Sarah Susanka, an architect and author, defined a relationship with the home that is driven by quality not quantity. This is a timeless message that is often lost in our culture of consumption and growth. The term "bigger is better" means little when it comes to green living.

The environmental benefits of a "right-sized" home are substantial and long term. First of all, there is the savings in raw materials. Fewer trees are cut, less concrete poured and less fuel is consumed transporting materials to our valley.

Those who choose to live in smaller homes can focus more on the things that make life richer and more meaningful. They can spend more time with family and less time cleaning. Since we are talking about quality, not quantity, smart builders that select green materials and standards can increase value for their customers. A compact home built to good green building standards can save the owner tens of thousands of dollars in avoided energy, water, maintenance and even health-care costs.

Older homes are almost always smaller, since the trend has been a steady increase in square footage per family. Restoring an older home using green building methods is a great way to revitalize neighborhoods, improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

People with small homes can do amazing things. A small office at home can double as a guest room when needed. Urban gardening is practically becoming an art form, especially in tight spaces. Cities across the nation are being transformed by the creative use of space in the production of food. From the roof tops of New York City to suburban yards in Pasadena, edible gardens are increasingly popular.

There are compact composting systems that are clean, have no odor and turn waste into rich, valuable soil. Some are even designed to work right in your kitchen.

Our small organic garden is producing healthy food in a very compact backyard. Locally grown food is not only fresh but requires very little fossil fuel to get it to the dinner table.

There are so many of us sharing the Earth that our collective impact is enormous. We can redefine what is of true value and embrace the benefits of living in "Not So Big" houses. Our new story can include choosing quality over quantity, richness of detail over square footage and long-term environmental health over the short-term status of living in a "McMansion."

Just as smoking has become a personal and societal liability, so is the concept of living beyond the sustainable capacity of our planet. Green living is about choosing wisely with clarity and consciousness.

The joy of living within our environmental means is something we should all strive for. Spending time in a cozy home that is just the right size is one way to get there.

Steve Rypka is a green living consultant and president of GreenDream Enterprises, specializing in renewable energy, green building, alternative transportation and lifestyle choices for both residential and commercial clients. The company is committed to helping people live lighter on the planet. Steve can be reached via e-mail at steve@greendream.biz or at www.greendream.biz.