Reclaimed Lumber for Home Improvement Projects

Posted on January 17, 2012 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Conserving Resources, Greening the Home, Reclaimed Materials

Whether you need wood for flooring, millwork, furniture, fireplace mantels or exposed beams, you can add instant character to your home by installing reclaimed and restored lumber.  These antique pieces of wood, some species no longer available, are very strong and stable.  This wood is typically sourced from historic buildings, barns, factories and mills.

We can conserve our precious natural resources by utilizing reclaimed wood and reducing our demand for newly milled wood products.

You’ll find rich Chestnut, Heart Pine, Rock Elm, Oak, Hickory, Heart Cypress and other hardwoods that’ll transform your living spaces into extraordinary rooms.

To maintain the earth-friendly quality of the wood, have it finished with low-VOC or no-VOC (harmful volatile organic compounds) products.  It’ll also keep your indoor air quality clean.

The following companies offer reclaimed wood products, some re-milled and ready-to-go.  I’ve included the state the company originates from, but most service other areas as well.

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Improve the Efficiency of Radiators

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

If you’re lucky enough to have hot water radiators, the most comfortable and least allergen-producing heating system, you may be wondering how to increase their efficiency this winter.  Here are some tips to help save money on your heating bills:

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Warm up Your Home with these Green Winter Tips, Part I

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

Want to create a cozy retreat for those cold, wintry days and nights?  There are many things you can do to make your home feel warmer, improve its efficiency and lower energy bills.  In this post I’ll focus on ideas for drafty windows and doors.

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Need a Hot Flame in your Life? Eco-friendly Fireplace Logs

Posted on January 3, 2012 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Energy

Who doesn’t love a crackling fire on a chilly night?  If you’re tired of chopping wood and lugging it into the house when needed, firelogs may be a better choice for you.  Besides making your fireplace more efficient this winter, as I’ve written about in a previous post, you can heat up your nights in front of the fireplace with a cleaner alternative than cord wood.

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Easy, Green New Year’s Resolutions

Posted on January 2, 2012 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Going Green

It’s actually pretty simple to live more simply.  Help yourself and the planet at the same time with a few easy changes to your daily life.  Here’s my list of top 5 things anyone can do to lead a greener lifestyle all year long:

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Top 5 Green Holiday Gifts

Posted on December 6, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Conserving Resources, Gift Ideas, Going Green

When you’re looking to give something more meaningful than a sweatshirt with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer plastered on it, why not bypass the commercialized Christmas and help protect the environment at the same time?  You’ll reduce demand for manufactured goods while doing good!

I’ve compiled a list of earth-friendly gifts that won’t end up in the trash, the donation box, or worse yet — re-gifted! 

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Eco-friendly Composite Fencing

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    2 Comments
Tag(s): Green Building, Greening the Home, The Great Green Outdoors

Looking for long-lasting, durable fencing?  Today’s composites offer the look of wood without all the maintenance.  Not all composite fencing contains recycled or reclaimed materials, so be sure to inquire if you’re looking at brands other than those listed below.

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Upcoming Portland Green Home Tour

Posted on September 8, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Events, Green Building, Green Design

Portland, Oregon is one of the greenest cities in the U.S. and is a great place to see first-hand the latest sustainable technologies in action.  Take a self-guided tour through 22 remodeled and new homes that have implemented measures to save energy and natural resources.  Learn about green building, solar energy, rainwater harvesting, green roofs, earth-friendly landscaping and more, during the 10th annual Build It Green! Home Tour.

Before the tour, have some fun at the free Info Fair with green vendors, demonstrations, food, drink and music.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 24th.  Learn more here.

Shopping for a New Eco-friendly Sofa?

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Green Design, Green Furnishings, Greening the Home

Many manufacturers, large and small, are jumping on the green bandwagon and producing upholstered furniture with more than just style and your comfort in mind.  The following companies adhere to sustainable practices, use eco-friendly materials and most manufacture their furnishings here in the USA.

So, whether you’re looking for new living room furniture with clean contemporary lines or something a bit more traditional, opt for pieces that incorporate reclaimed or FSC-certified woods, plant-based foam cushions (as opposed to conventional petroleum-based ones) and/or natural fabrics.

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Wood Countertops Add Warmth and Natural Beauty to any Kitchen

Posted on August 16, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Green Design, Greening the Home, Kitchens And Baths

Butcher block and wood countertops have evolved to include a variety of looks and materials, yet still offer a timeless look in either traditional or contemporary styled kitchens, as well as in bathrooms.  To keep it eco-friendly, choose from reclaimed woods, FSC-certified woods, Kirei board (made from sorghum straw waste) or bamboo.

Benefits of wood surfaces include:  easy cleaning (with non-toxic products, vinegar solutions or soapy water) and scratches can be sanded out.  Periodic re-application of finishes is typically recommended.  To maintain good indoor air quality, be sure to have your new countertop, kitchen island or tabletop sealed with low VOC finishes.

Here’s where you can find these amazing works of art:

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