Trends in green building:

Siding - Fiber-cement siding is better for the environment than vinyl and will last longer than wood.

Pressure-treated lumber - Instead of CCA treating lumber (Chromated Copper Arsenate), an alternative is ACQ (Alkaline, Copper and Quat)

Cotton Insulation can be used instead of fiberglass. cotton has an added benefit of having great sound absorption.

Bamboo is considered one of the best choices as a sustainable environmental product for hardwood floors. It is available in either a distinctive style where you see the "knots" that occur in bamboo every six inches or so, or a conventional grain look, where the bamboo is cut so you don't see these knots.

You can choose from a variety of colors: ranging from a light "natural" color to a darker "carbonated" finish. Don't worry, once it's dried, bamboo isn't green colored like you think of live bamboo.

Bamboo grows fast, so it's a great choice versus other woods. To five you an idea, bamboo matures in 3.5 to 7 years, vs. 120 years for oak. It can be cut and will grow back quickly and is considered a "sustainable" product.

You can learn more at the Green Resource Center website.

Palm is also gaining popularity. Once palm trees stop producing coconuts, they are cut and new ones planted.

A good article about Flooring for the Environment
 

For builders:

USGBC - U.S. Green Building Council

Green Resource Center