Shade Trees Can Cut Your Cooling Bills!

Posted on June 26, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

Mature trees not only add curb appeal and value to your home, but they keep your house cooler when strategically placed around your property.  Some great deciduous shade trees (those that lose their leaves in the winter) include:  Sugar Maple, Red Maple, Quaking Aspen, Weeping Willow, Northern Catalpa, Sourwood and several oak species.  These trees, among many others, provide year-round interest with brilliant fall foliage, beautiful spring flowers, cool seeds, nice bark and overall form.

Keep these tree tidbits in mind: 

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Garden Insects: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Going Green, The Great Green Outdoors

Knowing which bugs are beneficial, and which ones are pests, goes hand-in-hand with natural, non-toxic gardening.  Whether you have a fruit and vegetable garden or a flower garden, a little knowledge about the creepy crawlies and flying insects that kill pests will keep your garden blooming without the use of harsh chemicals.

Synthetic yard and garden chemicals can’t tell the difference between pests and beneficial insects, and therefore kill both.  Plus, pesticides are dangerous for you, your kids and pets, other animals and the environment.  Read on to learn more about organic gardening and the natural enemies of pests.

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The Trouble with Moth Balls

Posted on June 16, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Going Green, Greening the Home, Hazardous Products / Health Issues

The following is a guest post from Jakob Barry:

Let’s face it, mothballs are pretty old school, but upon discovering half-eaten clothing in your closet, many people still consider them an option.

The main problem, however, is the little white spheres are dangerous to all living things including people, pets and beneficial insects.

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Keep Your Cool, Take Care of your Air Conditioner

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

Whether you have central air conditioning or a window air conditioner, there are some easy things you can do to ensure it runs efficiently, therefore saving you money on electricity bills.

Of course, the ultimate way to save energy is to turn it off when not absolutely needed.  When the weather is pleasant during the day, or during cooler evening and early morning hours, simply opening windows is the least expensive course of action.  But, when those dog days of summer come along and it’s too hot and humid to think straight, keep these tips in mind:

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Got a Green Home? Show it Off!

Posted on June 13, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Events, Going Green, Green Building

If you’ve built or remodeled a home, or business, that features energy-efficient and eco-friendly elements, why not let others see what you’ve done?!  The American Solar Energy Society’s 16th annual tour takes place this October 1st in most areas of the country, and you can add your place to the tour list!

Or, if you’re interested in learning more about solar energy, green technologies and earth-friendly design, join the other 165,000 people who will tour homes and businesses in neighborhoods across the U.S.!  You’ll see first-hand innovative technologies and materials that allow home and business owners to save money on utility bills, help protect the earth and create inspiring environments.  You’ll learn what costs are involved, as well as any applicable tax incentives available to help you go green and save some green!

pictured above is a solar-powered workshop in Maine

Decorative Recycled Glass Art

Posted on June 10, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Gift Ideas, Green Furnishings, Reclaimed Materials, Recycling

I have been amazed by the array of recycled glass objects (vases, pitchers, wall art, ornaments, home accessories, cheese plates, sculptures, lighting, even jewelry) that look like beautiful pieces of art.  Sometimes the new objects retain the character of the original glass bottles, while other times, the glass has been melted down to reveal completely new forms.

These handcrafted works of art add a touch of whimsy and a shimmer of light to any decor.

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Cool Pergolas Capture Solar Energy

Posted on June 9, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    2 Comments
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Greening the Office, The Great Green Outdoors

Did you know that outdoor structures such as pergolas, awnings and even carports can do double duty?  Not only do they protect you, or your car, from the hot sun or drenching rain, but these structures can be topped with solar panels to generate clean electricity for your home, business or electric car.

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Revitalize your Exterior with Recycled Outdoor Rugs and Doormats

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Green Design, Greening the Home, Recycling, The Great Green Outdoors

Looking for a quick fix to jazz up your outdoor spaces?  Try adding colorful accent rugs and doormats.  A wide variety of sizes and styles, from traditional patterns to whimsical motifs, are available.  They’re made of weather-resistant, recycled materials and brighten up any patio, deck or porch.  

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Eco-Chic Bathroom Upgrades, Part II

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Green Design, Greening the Home, Kitchens And Baths

If you have an outdated or water-wasting bathroom, this series of posts is for you.  In Part One, I focused on the bigger ticket items, such as cabinetry and flooring.  In this post, I’ll talk about the finishing touches and some must-haves for any eco-friendly renovation.  The following suggestions work well whether you’re creating a high-end spa-like retreat or just a beautiful bath.

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The Wonders of Strawbale Construction

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Conserving Resources, Education, Green Building, Greening the Home

Strawbale construction is beautiful, energy efficient, long-lasting and environmentally-friendly.  Its non-toxic, natural materials are sourced from an agricultural waste product that is typically burned.  By utilizing strawbales as a building material, we can reduce pollution and maintain air quality, indoors and out.

If you’re an ambitious do-it-yourself type, you can even build your own strawbale home.  Learn more about the many benefits of strawbale construction and how you can attend an inspiring workshop, perhaps for free…

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