Going on Vacation? Save Energy and Money While You’re Away

Posted on July 3, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

Is your dream of taking that long-anticipated vacation becoming a reality?  You may be spending time researching and planning your trip, but there are a few things you may not have thought of to add to your “to do” list.  Take a look at a few simple ways you can reduce your home’s energy consumption (and pollution from electricity generation) while saving money on your utility bills:

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How to Power Your Home with Clean Energy

Posted on July 1, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    3 Comments
Tag(s): Energy, Greenhouse Gas Emissions / Global Warming, Greening the Home

When you stop to think about how our electricity is generated, much of it by burning coal, you may wonder about alternative sources of energy that don’t pollute the air and generate greenhouse gases.  Clean energy, powered by renewable sources, includes solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass fuels.  While the initial cost of renewable energy systems can be quite an investment, the government has made purchasing green power easier than ever before with stimulus package incentives.

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Free Eco-Festival in California this Summer

Posted on June 30, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Events, For Kids, Green Living

Living green is easy and fun and the inaugural Eco-Festival in San Ramon is sure to inspire anyone interested in learning simple and cost-effective ways to go green.  The free two-day event will feature live music, organic food, a kids’ zone, and a fashion show and “vendor village” highlighting the latest in sustainable clothing and goods.  Discover the latest automotive technologies, learn from industry experts and celebrities, visit the career fair, or learn how to green your future wedding!

The event is being held at the San Ramon City Center in San Ramon, California on August 29-30, 2009.  Eco-Festivals, Inc. is a non-profit organization which aims to educate people on how to incorporate environmentally-friendly practices into every day life and live a green lifestyle.

Cool Down with Energy Efficient Air Conditioners

Posted on June 29, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

If you’re in the market for a new air conditioner for that hot, stuffy room in your house, be sure to look for an energy efficient model to minimize your electricity bills.  A key step in making the right purchase is to buy an A/C unit that is properly sized.  If the room air conditioner is too large and powerful for your room, it will cost more to operate and may not de-humidify the space correctly.  Of course, if it’s too small, it won’t do a satisfactory job either.

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The Green Side of Drywall

Posted on June 26, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Events, Green Building, Reclaimed Materials, Recycling

A comment element in today’s homes and buildings is the use of drywall as the finish construction of interior walls and ceilings.  Drywall is typically comprised of a common mineral called gypsum which is mixed with fiber; sandwiched between two thick sheets of paper; and then kiln-dried.  It provides a thermal resistance R-value of 0.32 for 3/8ths-inch board, 0.45 for 1/2 inch, 0.56 for 5/8ths inch and 0.83 for 1 inch board.  It also provides a reduction in sound transmission.  The thicker the board, the better noise reduction.  Some innovative companies have integrated recycled materials into the makeup of drywall panels to increase its green quotient.

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Grounds for Sustainability on Campus

Posted on June 23, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Education, The Great Green Outdoors

The grounds of college campuses are typically landscaped to be attractive and welcoming to students, faculty and visitors.  Over recent years, a new element has been added to the landscape equation:  sustainability.  Not only do sustainable horticultural practices provide greater respect for Mother Nature, but they also serve as educational tools. Other common benefits include reductions in maintenance and operation costs.

Several environmental issues are being addressed on an ever increasing number of campuses:  stormwater management, water conservation, reduced use of pesticides and fertilizers, native and invasive species of plants, and preservation of local ecosystems.

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Green Home Tours, Seattle Style

Posted on June 22, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Events, Green Building, Greening the Home

For those of you lucky enough to live in, or visit, this progressive northwestern city, mark your calendars for upcoming tours of local green homes.  Each month, for free, you can visit and learn about the latest sustainable design strategies in one completed home, as well as one that’s under construction.  During each tour, the group’s two guides explore various issues of sustainable building, such as healthy interiors, energy efficiency and water conservation.

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Face it with Artificial Stone

Posted on June 20, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Green Building, Greening the Home, Greening the Office, Reclaimed Materials

Stonework on the exterior of a building adds a timeless architectural element to any home or building and makes a beautiful natural statement.  However, if you’re not fortunate enough to have the rocks originate right there at the site, then it can be quite expensive and labor intensive.  There are some innovative companies that manufacture artificial stone and do so with recycled or reclaimed materials.  These products can contribute to LEED points as well.

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Recycling Old Carpeting

Posted on June 19, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Greening the Home, Greening the Office, Reclaimed Materials, Recycling

Generally speaking, carpeting isn’t exactly the most sustainable flooring option since it is petroleum-based and needs to be replaced after only a few years.  Although, natural wool carpeting, like hardwood flooring, lasts for several decades.  So, what happens to all of the nylon, olefin, and polyester carpeting that does need replacement?  Does it just end up in the landfill or are there better, more sustainable, options available?

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Fishing for Sustainabilty

Posted on June 17, 2009 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Food, Hazardous Products / Health Issues

The massive demand we place on seafood may not exactly be in the best interest of the fish and other sea creatures we consume, but our seafood selections can also affect our own health, as well as the health of the environment.  The good news is that some seafood is better than others in terms of human health and environmental issues.

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