Has the green movement run its course? About ten years ago, companies were clamoring to highlight their latest environmentally friendly products. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) launched its Greenbuild Conference and Expo 16 years ago, and the show enjoyed tremendous growth in the years leading up to the recession. You might say green has become more commonplace and its reach has expanded, so fewer companies are signing up for this specialized event now.

Others could argue that environmentally friendly products are still very much alive and are just a standard part of the many product offerings for homeowners.

Before we delve into that, let me share a great experience of late. I recently interviewed former astronaut Captain Mark Kelly and asked him about this comment he posted on Twitter back in May: “My 1st space flight was in 2001, my last in 2011. I saw our planet change in one decade. This is nuts.” He explained to me that ten years is really nothing when you think of our planet. If he can see damage in ten years, what will the environmental effects be to our planet throughout the course of time? I told that story to my husband and my ten year old was in the car listening. She went to school and told her fifth^–grade teacher, who then had her share it with the class. I was proud that these kids were learning about how changes we make on a daily basis can make a difference.

I am also extremely proud of this year’s DWM Green Award winners, which appear in our November issue, and of all those nominated. This includes Soft-Lite Windows, that has been recognized in the past for the marketing of its green products. The company’s new Barcelona hurricane windows are especially designed to protect homeowners and their homes from airborne debris during hurricane-strength storms. Many in the industry learned firsthand how important this is during hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. The windows are offered with two levels of protection, so consumers can select the model that best meets their impact needs. The windows also feature a high-performance low-E coating and argon gas-fill and are Energy Star certified.

Many homeowners are demanding this kind of energy performance to keep their homes comfortable and their utility costs low.

So no matter where the “green” trend takes us, DWM will continue to honor companies through its annual Green Awards. To those doing the smallest part, to improve that view from space and here on earth, I commend you.