Custom home-buying tips for first timers

Even considering being able to design your own custom home is an exciting prospect. Whether you’re ready to take the plunge or just exploring your options, here are tips to keep in mind.

Gorgeous trends in green home design

An eco-friendly home offers many benefits. Besides reducing your carbon footprint and being better for the environment, you can save lots of money on your energy bills in the long run.

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 mandates demand. This is great news if you are currently designing, planning or simply getting ready to buy a new home — your investment will likely deliver greater environmental conservation, lower occupant costs and increased property value.

Responsible building decisions deserve benefits, too

Beauty, spaciousness and interior design are all important when building a personal dream home. Today, however, with the reality of energy and environmental concerns, homeowners also insist their forever home must be as eco-responsible as possible.

Major changes coming to new home building methods

Across America, home builders are adopting new approaches to construction to create greener homes with better resale value. One major change that’s tackling energy consumption and rising fuel costs is the use of an airtight, solid concrete system to replace inefficient wood framing. Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) erect a building with an interlocking system, similar to Lego.

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.

Build your home guided by eco-responsibility

Improved practices in the construction industry today reflect the greening of building codes across North America. This proactivity is highlighted by advancements in window daylighting, insulation, air infiltration, and new wall-building materials.

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.

Reap the benefits of a well-insulated home

Many of us know that insulation plays a key role in keeping our homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But did you know the benefits can go well beyond achieving basic R-value requirements? Quality insulation can provide a number of added benefits that contributes to the comfort, safety and efficiency of a home, including:

Add upcycling to your home improvement tools

Upcycling is not just for craft projects — it offers lots of possibilities to make changes in your home décor, especially cabinets and furniture that will save money and reduce your contribution to the local landfill. Woodcraft can help you with upcycling ideas, products and advice.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Disaster-resilient homes start with concrete walls

A home today must be more than just aesthetically pleasing. The costs of fuel consumption and extreme-storm damage, plus costs in the way of carbon footprints, are making all of us insist on far more property benefits, including superior durability and resilience from pending disasters.

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.

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.

Weather threats are calmed by construction technology

Meteorologists say that the continental United States has warmed by about 1.3oF over the last 100 years -- and even for those who still question the science of climate change, the increased frequency and severity of high-wind storms, fires, floods and drought, has become a major safety concern.

Home-Building News: Concrete buildings withstand high winds and fire

With environmentalists predicting that warming trends across the country will likely mean more severe blasts of wind, rain, blizzards, heat, drought and fires year-round, the building industry says it is already up to the challenge of ensuring occupant safety.

Energy-saving concrete walls are built to weather any storm

The increased frequency of hurricane-force winds, tornados, spontaneous fire, flooding and drought across the United States is motivating the home-construction industry to speak up.

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.

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.

Choose the greenest builder available

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

February is the time to rekindle romance with your home

Valentine month is the time of year when we seek appropriate ways of expressing our love for those closest to us. Why not rekindle the romance with your home at the same time? Flowers, candy or jewelry might not get you very far, but asking these three questions is going to show you care:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Agricultural career opportunities abound

A career in agriculture can prove richly rewarding. While it's common to envision overalls and tractors when imagining careers in agriculture, the opportunities to work in the agriculture industry stretch beyond the farm and into the corporate world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Keep Your Home Exterior in Top Shape

Feel like cheating? Forget what the inside of your home looks like for just a bit and focus on your home's exterior.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Improving Energy Efficiency Tops Wish List When Remodeling Home

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.

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.

How air conditioners work

On a steaming, hot day, the cool breeze from an air conditioner can seem a divine gift. Many people do not question just how the cooling effect comes to be, accepting it as a benefit of modern technology. Others may wonder how air conditioning symptoms can turn a room from sweltering to chilly in such a short period of time.

'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.

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.

Poison plants fast facts

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are plants that contain an oil that may cause a rash on many people's skin. Urushiol, the irritant oil in these plants, need only be present in a billionth of a gram to cause a rash.

Did you know?

If you're considering inspiration from Colonial gardens of yore for your landscape, certain pointers can turn that dream garden into a reality. First, Colonial gardens are largely geometric and symmetrical. Elements should be arranged with thought to the central axis of the planting bed.

Gardening in any sized space

Believe you need an acre of property to start gardening? Think again. Individuals can grow their own patch of greenery in just about any space they have on hand.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

eCycling a growing trend among the eco-conscious

When it comes to being more environmentally friendly, the opportunities to do so are growing by the day. Whereas years ago the focus of living a more eco-friendly life was largely on recycling used bottles and cans, nowadays there are many more ways individuals can make a positive impact on the environment.

Understanding acid rain

Though it might not garner the hot-button headlines of other environmental issues, acid rain remains a serious problem for the environment, affecting large parts of both the United States and Canada.

The World's Most Polluted Places

New York City is poised to top Los Angeles as the city most congested by gridlock traffic, according to according to data released by INRIX, an institute that studies traffic information. Currently, NYC holds the title of single worst roadway in America.

Facts About the Planet Earth

Environmentalists and regular people have been making strides to improve the quality of life on this planet. From recycling to reducing carbon emissions, there are several steps individuals have been making to benefit the Earth.

Green Ways to Give Back

Many times people who are passionate about a certain goal or ideal want to share their views with others. Individuals who have strong feelings about protecting the environment can share their enthusiasm through giving back.

17 Uses for All-Natural Baking Soda

Going green often translates to making subtle lifestyle changes to improve prospects for the planet. Limiting the use of chemical products and other harmful materials in everyday life can vastly reduce harmful impact on the world.

Healthy eco-friendly hardwood flooring Soy-based finished floors new "green" innovation

Imagine your family sitting on a floor so healthy and so eco-friendly that it actually was awarded the "Children and Schools certification" by world-renowned standards organization Greenguard?

Home decor trends Soy-based eco-flooring latest trend for today's healthy homes

According to home decor experts, 2011 will mark the introduction of a new approach to interior design -- the "Healthy Home." Honest architecture and the mantra of Zen are already playing out in interior spaces that feature natural finishes and clean lines.

Environment Watch The first 'net-zero' school sets a fine example

Energy efficient construction is celebrating one more milestone. 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.

How to build the greenest home

You are in the driver's seat when it comes to the quality of the features and fixtures in your dream home.

Builders expect to hear requests for green features

Due to demand, builders today are constantly learning about the new and advanced technologies for home construction. Owner-clients want to be assured of living in the healthiest, most durable, least wasteful house possible -- and therefore, building a home from the ground up is the best opportunity to get it right.

Construction Quick Tip: Build home equity by building with concrete

Did you know that wood framing is inefficient -- and is yesterday's choice? Progressive builders of homes and commercial buildings today are championing the use of pre-assembled, interlocking concrete forms.

Home Builder Quick Tip: Concrete walls are replacing wood

Building the envelope of a house with concrete instead of wood is in high demand in the 21st century. Concrete is now a premium choice for delivering energy efficiency -- and as a replacement for wood framing, concrete walls reduce the need for trees and represent a big step in responsible building.

Understanding Superfund Sites

The term Superfund site is regularly used with regard to environmental issues, but many people may not be aware of exactly what it means or how to determine if one of these sites is of concern in a specific neighborhood.

What is Climate Change?

Until a few years ago, the term used to describe the change in global weather was often referred to as "global warming." However, global warming is a misnomer, seeing that many of the environmental changes being experienced go beyond just warmer temperatures.

Spring Clean Your Way To a Healthier Home

Though spring cleaning is primarily about ridding a home of a season's worth of clutter, it should also be about making a home healthier for the months to come. Once the clutter has been cleared, the following cleaning tips can make your home a healthy haven when those inevitable spring showers arrive.

New Motivation for Recycling: Cash

Recycling electronics and home appliances can garner an individual some money, depending on the recycling method. Items in good condition could provide anywhere from $10 to several hundred, depending on the device.

Technology to Store Solar Energy

Solar power was one of the first innovations in environmentally friendly energy and continues to be one of the most popular sources of nonfossil fuel energy today. While solar power has many merits, detractors have long bemoaned the inability to store solar energy for use during the night or when it's cloudy.

Too Hot for Comfort

Scientific hypotheses state that the planet is expect to warm between 5 and 7 degrees (F) in the next 50 years. While a matter of a few degrees may not seem like a monumental thing, this change can actually have widespread effects.

Can a Poor Economy Help the Environment?

A stalled economy is rarely considered a good thing. High unemployment rates, reduced consumer spending, home foreclosures, and floundering credit are all negative side effects of a sagging economy. But the dark cloud of a bad economy may actually pay dividends for the environment.

Plug-In Problems With Electric Cars

Electric cars are poised to take over the automotive market in the near future. Their ability to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and their high MPG ratings place electric and hybrid cars at the top of the list for environmentally friendly vehicles. However, one caveat is that electric cars may disturb the distribution of electric power.

Is a Hybrid Car the Right Fit for You?

While some eco-friendly behaviors and lifestyle changes have been easy to adopt, others have proven far more difficult. Perhaps nothing illustrates that more than consumer reaction to hybrid cars.

Gulf Oil Disaster Could Still Be a Threat

The oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico may now be capped and the plumes of visible oil dissipated, but that doesn't mean the disaster still isn't wreaking havoc on the environment, nor is the spill no longer a threat.

Protecting the Environment May Help Fight Poverty

Much of the world's impoverished people rely on the land for their sources of food and employment. It stands to reason, then, that improving the environment could have a direct impact on the quality of life for poorer individuals.

Spring Greening Manageable Means to Going Green Around the House

Adopting an eco-friendly lifestyle is something many people do selflessly in an effort to protect the environment and ensure that the generations to come have a healthy planet at their disposal. But that same lifestyle can also pay instant dividends, helping homeowners save money and creating a healthier atmosphere in which to live.

Pros and Cons of Animal Testing

Cosmetic testing on animals is banned in countries like the U.K., Belgium, and Netherlands, but the United States still has many companies that test an assortment of products on animals. Animal activists and eco-conscious individuals want this type of testing to cease.

Go Green With Holiday Cleanup

The holiday season has arrived. Celebrations and gifts will be at the forefront of the festivities. Once all of the gifts are torn open, there are bound to be mounds of wrapping paper in each and every home, which can mean damaging waste for the environment.

17 Different Uses for Bamboo

Bamboo is a versatile and green resource that can be used for many different purposes. Because it is a fast-growing grass, it can be planted and harvested in a short period of time. In Asian countries, bamboo has been essential to many ways of life. Eastern cultures have quickly learned the benefits of bamboo.

Going Green Could Yield Tax Credits

Homeowners can save money on their taxes and help the environment by making some changes around the house that might even make them eligibale for tax credits. Individuals who purchase qualifying energy-efficient ENERGY STAR appliances or renewable energy systems for their homes may be eligible for a federal tax credit in the United States.

Green Gift Guide: 8 Ideas for Green Gifts

It is the season of giving. So why not give back to the planet in the process?
During the holidays, people can make an effort to select environmentally responsible gifts as well as celebrate in green ways.

Find the Right Fit For Everyone On Your List

With the holidays upon us, shoppers across the country are once again agonizing over what to get their family and friends. While holiday shopping once consisted of a necktie for Dad, a comfy robe for Mom and some toys for the kids, today's holiday shopping list is much more complicated than that.

Help Save the Environment Without Being an Eco Super Hero

When it comes to going green, the effort can never stop. In order to get the planet back on the right track, an emphasis must continue to be placed on adopting and promoting lifestyles that are healthy to the environment.

Green Ways to Keep Warm This Winter

Cooler days are on the horizon. As the mercury drops, energy consumption to heat the home tends to rise. Individuals concerned about making environmentally friendly heating choices may wonder just what can be done to stay green -- and save some green in the process.

Give Kids the Gift of Going Green This Holiday Season

Few movements in the 21st century have proven as popular as the "Go Green" movement. An effort to live with a more eco-conscious mindset, the Go Green movement has found entree into all aspects of life, be it the foods we eat, the cars we drive or the products we buy.

Dreaming of a White Christmas? Consider a 'Green' One Instead

Christmas is a holiday full of joy and celebration. It can also be a time of consumption and stress on the environment. However, holiday shoppers and celebrants can easily reduce their carbon footprint this holiday season.

Celebrate the Majesty of Autumn

Every autumn outdoor enthusiasts bear witness to the beautiful show of color and the wonder of Mother Nature. Although spring, summer and winter offer their share of natural splendor, perhaps no season offers the aesthetic appeal of autumn.

Global Warming Continues

Although other environmental stories like the Gulf Coast oil spill have dominated the headlines in recent months, scientists say that global warming is still in full effect and should be taken seriously.

Embrace Autumn Fruits and Vegetables

Summertime may seem the ideal time for harvesting fruits and vegetables, but there are plenty of crops that come into season in autumn that can make delicious additions to daily diet. Using seasonal crops eliminates the need for importing produce, helping the environment as a result.

Easy Ways to Save Water and Money

One of the ways that can help save the environment and a little money is to conserve. Be it conserving energy, fuel or water, there are myriad ways concerned citizens can save the environment while trimming some of the fat off their monthly bills as well. Those looking to conserve water, for instance, can take the following steps.

Help the Environment and Your Bottom Line

What's more, living an eco-friendly lifestyle can make a substantial, and positive, impact on an individual's bottom line in a number of ways. The following tips are not only ways in which individuals can positively impact the environment, but also save themselves some money.

8 Green Ways to Winterize

In many households, the bulk of energy is consumed during the cold-weather months. That's because heat is often running all day long to keep the home comfortable, heavier clothes are worn, which take longer to wash and dry, less time is spent cooking outdoors and more time is geared around firing up the kitchen stove.

Taking a Proactive Approach to Being Earth-Friendly

While there are several reactionary things people can do to help their environment, there are also preemptive actions concerned citizens can take to lessen their carbon footprint. Such actions are know as "precycling," which allow us to reduce the amount of resources needed to manufacture goods. The following ways are some of the more effective means to precycling, and won't take much effort at all while still paying big dividends.

Taking a Proactive Approach to Being Earth-Friendly

Get Involved in Helping the Planet

Many people see the New Year as an opportunity to begin anew. With so much emphasis on the environment, many people are looking for ways to alter their lifestyle and become more environmentally friendly. For those who have already made such changes, perhaps volunteering with environmentally-focused agences is what's best for you. If you're looking to do just that, the following agencies could be a good fit.

Green Improvements for First-Time Home Buyers

As a first-time homeowner, there are a myriad of things you must learn about your new place. You may not be familiar with how to embark on home improvements, never mind how to make these improvements environmentally friendly. Here are some improvements to consider that are eco-conscious and could help you save considerable money over the life of your investment.

Green Your Laundry in 8 Easy Steps

Most people equate doing laundry with getting things white and bright. But how about laundry that's green? Everyone has to do laundry, and it turns out that in and around the laundry room there are amply opportunities to make some green changes.

Improve Indoor Air Quality Today

Air quality -- and the harmful substances swirling around in the air we breathe -- often goes unnoticed because air is invisible. If air changed colors noticeably when it was contaminated, it would be easier to regulate our intake. Because it doesn't, it's up to people to be conscious of what they're breathing in, and they can start from home.

Don't Let Vampire Power Suck Your Wallet Dry

Vampire power, also known by another ghoulish name --phantom load --is the power many plugged-in devices use even when they're in the "off" position. Chances are if the plug is warm, it's sucking electricity, wasting energy and costing you money.

Think Outside the Box When Going Green

Going green has never been more popular. In addition to helping save the planet, becoming more environmentally conscious has also proven an effective means to saving money, a much appreciated side effect during the country's economic woes. While conserving fuel and energy are well known means to going green, there are additional ways to make a difference that might not be as widely known but can produce equally positive results.

Be Green When Spending Green

You have the ability to make your next trip to the store a greener experience. Here are some ways to be environmentally conscious when shopping.

Simple Means to Saving Money When Going Green

That realization not only helped people gain greater control of their personal finances but it also helped the environment as well. As people began to look for ways to save money, things like increasing the fuel efficiency of their vehicles and saving on their energy bills began to take on greater importance than they otherwise might have.

The World's Most Eco-Friendly Cities

Thoughts of a greener earth may call to mind rolling pastures and snow-topped mountains. Certainly the wide-open spaces of the planet are eco-friendly, but don't rule out cities for their share of "green."

Common Ocean Pollutants Still Doing Significant Damage

Part of the problem is the lack of understanding as to just what is contributing to ocean pollution. Simply put, nearly everything we do has an impact on the ocean, be it positive or negative. Oftentimes, we are even contributing to ocean pollution without so much as knowing how or why. The following are among the chief contributors to ocean pollution across the globe.

Reusable Bags: The Hidden Costs

Just about every department store and supermarket chain is offering their brand of the reusable shopping bag. But are they better for the environment? It depends on how you look at it.
It's certainly better to reuse than toss plastic bags in the trash. But how reusable bags are being made, and a person's propensity for using them, play a role in just how good they can be for the environment.

Listening to Music ... What's Better for the Planet?

In the summer of 2009, researchers from Carnegie Mellon and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory prepared a report for Microsoft and Intel that added up the greenhouse gas emissions and energy usage associated with downloading albums and buying CDs at the store. It seems Mp3s are the greener way to go.

How Well Do You Know Plastic?

Use of plastic is prevalent. It is the storage method of choice, be it bins or bags. But there's more to plastic than just water bottles and electronics casings. Find out how much you know about plastic.

Enjoy Environmentally Friendly Recreation

Chances are unless "green" is your mantra, you may have not given much thought to sports and recreational activities that are environmentally friendly in nature. There are ways to enjoy some downtime and protect the planet simultaneously.

Think Outside the Box When Going Green

oing green has never been more popular. In addition to helping save the planet, becoming more environmentally conscious has also proven an effective means to saving money, a much appreciated side effect during the country's economic woes.

Entertain the Green Way

'Tis the season for throwing barbecues, birthday parties or simply heading to the park for a picnic. All of these festivities have the potential to be full of fun. They also can be full of trash and waste if not done right.

Is Your Shampoo Making You Sick?

Sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and it's less expensive cousin, sodium lauryl sulfate, are substances found in most commercial shampoos. The suds that build up while washing hair are largely the work of SLES. But rumors abound that SLES can make people sick and possibly even cause cancer. Are the rumors true?

What Effects Do Oil Spills Have on the Environment?

Oil spills have profound and immediate effects on the environment. Plus, the damage slicks cause can be long-lasting.

Put a 'Green' Face Forward With Eco-Friendly Cosmetics

Although the saying is "You are what you eat," what you put on your face and body can be affecting who you are as well. Makeup choices might be more than just good for the body. They might also be good for the planet.

Switch Your Font ... Protect the Planet?

The font type and size used to print documents can mean the difference between being green and using more ink and paper, according to research.

Disposable and Green

The warm-weather season is one in which outdoor occasions, such as barbecues, picnics and trips to the beach are commonplace. Many people find that disposable cups, plates and utensils are invaluable essentials for convenience, portability and ease in clean-up. However, disposable items are not very earth-friendly.

Environmentally Friendly Pool Maintenance

According to USA Swimming and the National Swimming Pool Foundation, there are 10 million swimming pools in the United States, with 360,000 public pools that stay open all year long. If homeowners began to employ green practices with respect to their swimming pools, they could have a big impact on protecting the environment.

Staying Eco-Friendly When Camping

When camping, campers need to remember to be clean and environmentally conscious. Even a campsite with maintenance staff needs to be treated like a remote spot in the woods with no one to clean it up. When camping, consider the following eco-friendly tips to ensure your vacation is as good for the environment as it is for the family.

Did You Know?

Do you remember the Exxon Valdez oil spill? It occured in Prince William Sound, Alaska in March of 1989.

Throw a Green Bridal Shower

Going green is infiltrating all aspects of daily life. The trend is also carrying over to the ways people celebrate special occasions. For the bride-to-be who is environmentally conscious, a "green" bridal shower can be meaningful and environmentally aware.

Construction Quick Tip: Responsible decisions save money too

It is true that building your home with green materials is in a word, responsible. But it's also true that any time you opt for materials or methods that help your household to conserve energy, those decisions will keep money in your pocket, too.

Kids Can Go Green, Too

Most adults are fully aware of the myriad ways in which we can go green, including how to conserve fuel, trimming energy usage or even using cloth bags instead of plastic bags when going grocery shopping. While those are all great and easy ways for adults to make a positive impact on the environment, adults might be surprised to learn the many ways in which kids can go green as well.

Shopping Local Helps the Planet

While everyone understands savings, it's possible to save and still support the local businessman, while also helping the planet. Shopping locally might seem more costly on the surface, but in many ways shopping locally is the most economically, not to mention environmentally, responsible thing a consumer can do.

How to Go Green in the Kitchen 8 Ways to Turn Yourself Into a Green Gourmet

Eating organic and easily sustainable foods is a surefire way to do your part for the environment. However, there are many other ways to go green in and around the kitchen.

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Saving Green by Being Green Three simple fixes to help save money and winterize around the house

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