5 simple ways to go green at home and save money
Thinking green throughout the year can offer some significant benefits. Here are some easy ways you can go green in your own home and lower your energy bills:
Invest in a programmable thermostat.
Read More
5 simple ways to increase energy efficiency and savings
Fall and winter can be tough on your home and your wallet. As temperatures drop, chances are your furnace will be working overtime. This results in two things — greater energy consumption and higher heating bills.
Read More
How to build a disaster-resilient house
Extreme weather events in every season now are thrashing, burning, flooding, and flattening many homes into rubble, and such storms are making many homeowners wonder what would happen to their homes if they were in the path of such destructive winds.
Read More
Construction Quick Tip: Build a disaster-resilient home with sustainable technology
Which type of natural disaster might be around the corner where you live, now that extreme weather events are so common? Is it a hurricane, an ice storm, a tornado? Perhaps a flash flood? Forest fires are also on the rise, but even accidental house fires pose a threat. Peace-of-mind is still possible, however.
Read More
Would you like to build a disaster-resilient house?
The icy winds from last year’s Polar Vortex are back on our minds again as we head towards winter. The plummeting temperatures are one thing, but of more concern is the destruction that these extreme weather events can bring, including winds that last year gusted up to 100 kilometers per hour, threatening our personal safety, as well as the very foundation of our homes.
Read More
Home-Building Innovation: Ask your builder about disaster-resilient construction
Today, given the frequency of natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, earthquakes, and floods, it’s a “must” to build the most durable homes possible. Wood-framed walls, for example, are not always reliable, whereas walls constructed with reinforced concrete have proven to withstand some of Mother Nature’s worst performances.
Read More
Technology can play a pivotal role in improving public spaces in your community
Public spaces have long been the focal point of strong communities. Long before the advent of the Internet, smartphones, tablets, and even newspapers, men and women learned about the goings-on in their communities by gathering in town centers and other public spaces.
Read More
Upcycling: Transforming the 'Old' into a Better 'New'
Turn old or discarded furniture, cabinets and doors into fresh new creations through "upcycling" -- high-end "recycling" that reduces trash at landfills by refurbishing or repurposing existing pieces, often enhancing the value. Woodcraft offers the following ideas and products to get you started.
Read More
Responsible building decisions deserve benefits, too
Beauty, spaciousness, interior design -- and every other eye-pleasing esthetic -- are important when building a personal dream home. Today, however, with the reality of energy and environmental concerns, homeowners also insist that the place where they will be living for years on end must be as eco-responsible as possible.
Read More
A reliable guideline is available for building the greenest home
Did you know that energy efficiency and environmental responsibility top the list of demands from home buyers today? Building 'green' from the ground up is a pretty tall order. However, a reliable guideline for the highest standards is available from LEED, the non-profit, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Read More
Choose the greenest builder available
As building codes enforce tightened minimum standards for eco-responsibility, the more progressive builders are illustrating their own accountability by using and producing materials that are even more efficient than mandated.
Read More
Home building methods face major changes
All across North America, home builders tend to agree that the better real estate investments -- for both the occupant and for future re-sale value -- may be best served by a whole new approach to construction. One major change addressing energy consumption and rising fuel costs is the optional use of an air-tight, solid concrete system to replace inefficient wood framing. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) erect a building with an interlocking system, similar to Lego.
Read More
Cut that energy bill and stay green
Homeowners continue to seek creative ways to reduce monthly expenses while being more environmentally conscious. Knowing where your money is being spent gives you a better understanding of how and where to make efficiencies.
Read More
Go Green with Real Wood
So many decking materials in stores today ... which one to choose? If a beautiful, usable, long-lasting deck is your goal -- and you'd like to do your part to protect the environment -- then the choice is obvious: real, natural, authentic wood.
Read More
Show us your Real Outdoor Living -- and Win!
Real pressure-treated wood is the number-one outdoor building material of choice in the US -- and we want you to show us why!
Read More
Construction Quick Tip: Future homes strive to be energy self-sufficient
Housing and energy experts call the goal 'net zero.' It represents a building that has been constructed in such an energy-efficient way -- with methods and materials -- it is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.
Read More
Environment Watch: Students teach parents about their futuristic school
It's Open House at Richardsville Elementary School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, but this is not your usual parent-teacher event. On the faces of beaming students, it is immediately obvious that today it will be the parents that learn a thing or two.
Read More
Net-zero school is a living lesson in conservation
At Richardsville Elementary school, all the electricity is produced self-sufficiently. This is the result of a groundbreaking collaboration between the architects, builder, and suppliers to produce the first net-zero achievable school in the United States. This building in Bowling Green, Kentucky is so energy efficient it is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.
Read More
Technology News: First 'net-zero' school sets a fine example
Energy-efficient construction is celebrating one more milestone. It is now possible to build a facility -- perhaps even a home -- that is able to produce, on site, as much energy as it uses over the course of a year.
Read More
Decorating trends: Eco-friendly hardwood floors lead healthy home trend
The "healthy home" movement has become more than just a decorating fad. It marks a major shift in the priorities and ideologies of consumers who are now making concerted efforts to seek out eco-friendly and health-conscious decor choices for their homes. Innovative designers and manufacturers have caught on to this reality and are now giving consumers more options for healthy materials for their homes.
Read More
Healthy hardwood flooring Soy-based finished floors new 'green' innovation for parents
Since most of an infant's time is spent on the floor playing, crawling and discovering, more and more parents are now looking for flooring options that will minimize exposure to harmful allergens, germs and toxins.
Read More
Save money on energy bills
Home is where the heart is, where families grow, and generally where the most of our leisure time is spent. Working with green technology for the best insulation will keep your house warm, welcoming, comfortable and cozy -- and will save you money, all at the same time.
Read More
What to know about dangerous mercury in fish
Seafood has long been touted as an important part of a healthy diet. Not only does seafood tend to be lean and low in overall calories when compared to other protein sources, it is also low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids. These components make it a heart-healthy food. Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential in the healthy development of the brain, which is why eating fish and shellfish can be beneficial to younger children as well as adults.
Read More
How to disinfect water in the case of an emergency
When a weather emergency occurs, the effects can prove devastating. Natural disasters like hurricanes have turned cities upside down, floods have caused the deaths of thousands and snowstorms have shut communities down for days.
Read More
What is LEED?
The term LEED is often bandied about when conversations shift to the environment. A term used when discussing building certification, LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is an internationally recognized green building certification system that was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council 12 years ago.
Read More
Turning trash into treasure
It's said that one person's trash is another person's treasure. This often applies to discarded items that others find have real value. But it's not just those discarded trinkets that can benefit others. When trash like food scraps and other refuse can be turned into a fuel that powers machines or reduces solid waste, it can be a win-win situation.
Read More
Top three innovations to improve home efficiency
Our homes are a great measuring stick of how far we've progressed in the past 20 years, especially when it comes to their efficiency in terms of saving us energy and money.
Read More
Cork not just for floors anymore
Over the last several years, homeowners have increasingly looked for ways to make their homes more environmentally friendly. From more complicated projects such as installing eco-friendly home fixtures to simpler measures like replacing incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescent lightbulbs that consume far less energy, the options for eco-conscious homeowners are numerous.
Read More
Setting green goals for the future
With such a global focus on the deteriorating condition of the environment and how humans contributing to its demise, many people are setting goals to participate in a sustainable lifestyle that incorporates a series of green goals for the upcoming year.
Read More
Protect kids from poor environmental factors in the year ahead
As many across the globe adopt more eco-friendly lifestyles, protecting the environment remains a top priority. The popularity of hybrid cars continues to rise while more and more communities are recycling and reusing. Each of those things is an effort to decrease carbon footprint and protect the environment from human behaviors that can be harmful to the planet.
Read More
Cut energy costs at home
Homeowners spend thousands of dollars per year on energy. Whether a home is big or small, energy costs are a concern for homeowners.
Though some of the costs of home ownership are beyond a person's control, there are some steps homeowners can take to reduce energy costs and save substantial amounts of money as a result.
Read More
Easy ways to reuse and recycle holiday gift wrap
Now that the holidays have come and gone, it's time to pack away the decorations, take down the tree and haul large bags of trash to the curb. If much of that trash filling garbage bags is discarded wrapping paper, there may be better ways to put the paper to use.
Read More
NYC in a green state of mind
The Empire State Building stands 1,454 feet from base to the tip of the antenna and has become an eco-friendly structure. The plan to turn the Empire State building into one of the largest eco-friendly buildings began in 2009.
Read More
Greenest countries
In an effort to gauge how eco-friendly countries are, Yale University established the Environmental Protection Index (EPI), which ranks countries from 0 (least eco-friendly) to 100 (most eco-friendly). To arrive at the EPI score, Yale studied sulfur output, carbon emissions, conservation efforts, and water purity, among other things. Based on these findings, here are the most eco-friendly countries.
Read More
New reason to potty train
If you're a parent to a toddler, encouraging him or her to potty train a little earlier can be a considerable help to the planet, particularly if you're currently relying on disposable diapers.
Read More
Environmental impact of ski resorts
Skiing enthusiasts once chose a resort based on its amenities and how much fresh powder was on the slopes. Nowadays, eco-conscious skiers are considering how sustainable a ski resort may be before booking their vacation.
Read More
Which fish are sustainable? Making environmentally friendly seafood choices
Believe it or not, our daily diets can have a profound impact on the environment. This is especially true for seafood lovers, who can choose to buy specific types of seafood that are more eco-friendly.
Read More
Eco stats to consider
Think it takes a lot to improve the environment? Think again. Here are some facts to ponder that show just how it easy it can be to make a positive impact on the world in which we live.
Read More
Eco-friendly winter survival tips
The winter season is right around the corner, soon to usher in cold temperatures, snow and ice for many people across the country. There are plenty of people who revel in the idea of frolicking over snow-capped hills or skating on a frozen pond, but many others hope winter passss them by rather quickly.
Read More
Give back to the environment
When the subject of giving something back to a community comes up, many people forget about the environment. But giving back to the great outdoors is a great way to improve your community while enjoying some fresh air and soaking up some sun.
Read More
Put some 'green' in holiday plans
With the holiday season on the horizon, many people's thoughts turn to charitable giving and other altruistic efforts. Amid giving a helping hand to those who need it and donating to worthy charities, individuals can think about giving back to the planet as well.
Read More
It's a wrap Green alternatives for gift packaging
If your holiday halls are decked with stacks of paper bags, mounds of crumpled wrapping paper, an array of random ribbons, and a gaggle of gift tags that are destined for the local landfill, it's time to add a little "green" to your gift-wrapping regimen.
Read More
School smarts for green living School supply savvy saves money and the planet
The average family with children will spend roughly $570 on school supplies this year, according to the National Retail Federation. School does require a bevy of supplies, but oftentimes parents and students look to disposable items when shopping for supplies. Did you know that six million disposable pens are thrown away in the U.S. each year?
Read More
Reusing: A great and easy way to go green
Chewing gum as an art medium? Beer as a hair serum? Surprisingly, these items and many more are reused every day, playing a host of roles they were never intended for. Before items are relegated to the trash, individuals can think about ways these same items can be reused and reincarnated into several other purposes.
Read More
Green wedding traditions
When planning a wedding, there are certain things on the minds of brides and grooms. But an eco-conscious ceremony might not be among those concerns. However, there are easy ways to include "green" practices in your wedding without compromising on style or statement.
Read More
Savings Corner Simple ways to reduce home heating costs
The return of winter weather marks the return of many things, including winter coats, mornings spent shoveling snow and, for many homeowners, higher utility bills.
Read More
Builder Quick Tip: Home value starts with concrete
Builders work with far more informed customers today, resulting in the use of the most eco-friendly designs, fixtures, materials, and methods. The best builders, therefore, must constantly keep up with the latest technology and how to apply it.
Read More
Eco-Building Tips: Net-zero is here
Expect to hear 'net zero' more often in energy conversations. It is now possible to build a facility -- even a home -- that is so energy efficient it produces zero demand on the public electricity supply.
Read More
Ask your builder for eco-friendly materials
By 2012, the building codes in many parts of North America will be demanding greater energy efficiency with methods and materials. This requirement may be mandated, but when building a home, do speak to your builder about the right green options for you.
Read More
Home Building News Concrete upholds newest 'building code' demands
Building codes are enforcing 'energy efficiency' in many parts of the world. A legally enforced building code specifies the community's acceptable level of safety, function, and comfort -- and some jurisdictions have mandated a requirement of 35 to 40 percent improvement.
Read More
Renovation Quick Tip: Do-it-yourself insulation is greener than ever
When renovating, adding rooms, or finishing the basement do take a look at the most advanced materials and methods for energy efficiency. Very popular, for example, is the newest, Nudura Home Insulation Technology, a system for insulating foundation walls, inner and outer walls, as well as flat, or cathedral ceilings.
Read More
The Hidden Cost of Convenience
With so many different devices deemed necessary these days, people often are unaware of the amount of energy used and the costs associated with keeping these devices running.
Read More
Free Deck Plans Offer Inspiration and Beauty
Ever researched deck plans, only to find nothing fits your home just right? The design isn't right, it's too big for your home, it's too small for your home, it's too high off the ground, it's too low to the ground, you don't like the grill bump-out, the stairs are in the wrong place ... isn't there a deck out there that's perfect for YOUR home?
Read More
Saving Green by Being Green Three simple fixes to help save money and winterize around the house
There are numerous, simple projects at homeowners' fingertips that can conserve energy in a home and keep money in the bank. Although windows, doors and siding are the biggest opportunities to conserve energy and reduce costs, not every project has to be a major one.
Read More
Did you know?
A report in Bicycle Retailer found that in the United States less than one trip in 100 is by bicycle. Americans rely more heavily on their cars for daily trips. If that ratio were raised to one and one half trips per 100, which is less than one bike trip every two weeks for the average person, the U.S. would save more than 462 million gallons of gasoline per year.
Read More
Green ways to clean up leaves
Every fall homeowners are faced with cascades of red, purple, orange, and yellow leaves falling from the sky. Amid this rainbow of autumn activity, some people still have "green" on their minds -- as in eco-friendly ways they can embark on fall clean-up.
Read More
All-natural ways to ...
The quickest fix to a problem is not always the best fix. Many convenience items are full of chemicals that may not be safe for the environment. And although many medications may be ideal for treating ailments, some people prefer a more natural method to treat certain ailments.
Read More
12 green home improvements
Making home improvements doesn't have to mean compromising environmental ideals in the process. There are numerous jobs that a person can do that fit with a green lifestyle. While these improvements help protect the planet, they'll also help keep a few extra dollars in your wallet.
Read More
Improving Energy Efficiency Tops Wish List When Remodeling Home
Homeowners concerned about high energy bills have put energy conservation home improvements at the top of their must-do list this year. They are looking for green living upgrades that save money without sacrificing space or style.
Read More
Did you know?
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that comes from the decay of uranium found in most soils. Radon can enter the home by moving up through the ground and into the air above before moving into a home in a variety of ways, including through cracks in solid floors, through construction joints and through cracks in walls.
Read More
Going green need not cost more green 20 inexpensive, eco-friendly ideas
Many people think that adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is expensive. Although there are some eco-conscious products and practices that can be pricey, most people will find going green doesn't have to cost a lot of money.
Read More
Prevent pollution at home
When many people think of pollution, among the first images that come to mind are crowded highways with gas guzzling big rigs spewing exhaust into the air. But oversized trucks hauling loads don't have the pollution market cornered. In fact, many homeowners might be contributing to air pollution every time they work on their own yards.
Read More
Lead exposure puts adults, children at risk
Excessive exposure to and absorption of lead can cause lead poisoning, a harmful condition that can result in lots of suffering for adults and children alike. While many people are aware of lead poisoning, few might understand its prevalence and just how big a risk it can pose.
Read More
Eco-friendly interior options abound
Today's homeowners are increasingly eco-conscious. As a result, many homeowners take an eco-friendly approach toward home improvement projects. Whereas homeowners once worried most about their bottom lines without regard for the environment, nowadays a project's carbon footprint is high on many a homeowner's priority list.
Read More
Improving Energy Efficiency Tops Wish List When Remodeling Home
Homeowners concerned about high energy bills have put energy conservation home improvements at the top of their must-do list this year. They are looking for green living upgrades that save money without sacrificing space or style.
Read More
Did you know?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, sea level is rising along most of the coastal United States and around the world. In the last century, sea level along the Mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coasts rose 5 to 6 inches more than the global average.
Read More
20 easy ways to conserve water
Every living thing on the planet requires water to survive. Without water, life as we know it would quickly perish. Despite the importance of water, many do not think ahead to what would happen if water supplies dwindled. To avoid such a fate, it's best to begin conserving water whenever possible.
Read More
'Green' not a buzzword but a way of living for seniors
The senior demographic is quite possibly the best generation to emulate when trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle. That's because so many of the guidelines for being green are concepts that have been a part of seniors' lives for decades.
Read More
9 things you can recycle that you may have not known about
We all know we should recycle, and routinely place our newspapers, plastic bottles and aluminim cans at the curb for collection. But there are many other lesser known things that can be recycled. While these things may not be able to be placed at curbside, they can be dropped off at recycling centers.
Read More
A Fresh Cabin Air Filter Creates 'Breathing Room' Inside Your Vehicle
Let's say you are about to take a long road trip. It's one thing to have to clean out your car ahead of time to create enough space for you and your family to be comfortable inside. But did you know that you could also help them breathe more comfortably -- especially if some of them suffer from seasonal allergies or asthma? Breathing in dirty roadside air that enters through the vents affects everyone, particularly the most vulnerable -- those that are susceptible to respiratory illnesses.
Read More
Herbicide technology improves weed control
It may be well worth the effort to make the lawn around our home lush-green and weed free, but with the herbicide restrictions of today, achieving this has become a big effort indeed.
Read More
Home Improvement: Top tips for the best first impression
It's called "curb appeal," that good impression people get of your home when they pull up in a car, or when walking by. Real estate agents can be as pleased with exterior curb appeal as they are with a well-maintained house on the inside. When it comes to residential property value, this book is indeed judged by its cover.
Read More
How to eliminate weeds on interlock pathways
Inter-locking brick and cobblestone are attractive choices for driveways, patios, and connecting paths. Weed growth is a common problem around these pavers and, if left unchecked, can ruin the look if you don't literally nip them in the bud.
Read More
Smart energy-saving choices deliver faster returns
As summer temperatures continue to rise, so does the cost of energy bills. Homeowners can keep their cool with a number of energy saving options. To get the fastest payback, homeowners should identify and fix the major sources of air leaks in the home.
Read More
How to improve air quality in your home
Canadians live in anticipation for warm weather and sunshine. Yet, some summer days can be difficult to enjoy when overtaken by smog and humidity, especially for those who suffer from asthma, allergies or other sensitivities.
Read More
Go green to see more green
Homeowners overwhelmingly agree it's important to reduce their effect on the environment. Yet, research by Ipsos Reid found more than three-quarters of respondents would only spend more money to make their homes environmentally-friendly if they could make it back in savings.
Read More
Will you save by doubling the R-value of insulation?
If you're building, renovating or just thinking about improving your home, there are few better ways than the right insulation to help you save energy, reduce drafts, and improve indoor air quality.
Read More
How to separate green from "greenwash"
There is a flood of building products touting vague and cryptic claims about being green. Referred to as "greenwashing," these exaggerated assertions create skeptical and reluctant homeowners. So, how do you prove how green it really is?
Read More
Insulation upgrades deliver more bang for your buck
Spray foam insulation is one of the best solutions for homeowners who are serious about optimizing home performance; but, insulating the whole house may not be feasible or within the homeowner's budget.
Read More
