Creating “Green” Outdoor Spaces

Posted on March 30, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    4 Comments
Tag(s): Green Design, The Great Green Outdoors

Well, we’re officially into spring, even though Mother Nature is still throwing curve balls at us.  But soon enough we’ll be able to enjoy warmer temperatures and spend more time in the great outdoors.  Looking to beautify a bland backyard?  Keep in mind these eco-friendly elements that are sure to add some pizzazz to your outdoor spaces.

Read More >>

Go Green for Saint Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Events, Going Green

My top 5 St. Patrick’s Day tips to bring out your green side are:

1. Enjoy nature by taking a walk in the park.  Maybe you’ll even come across a lucky four-leaf clover!
2. Make some homemade Irish soda bread with all natural and organic ingredients.
3. Walk, or take mass transportation, to your favorite Irish pub to celebrate the holiday.
4. Try some beer made by eco-friendly brewing companies, like Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. (California), Great Lakes Brewing Co. (Ohio), New Belgium Brewing (Colorado), Kona Brewing Co.(Hawaii),  Full Sail Brewing Co. (Oregon), and the Alaskan Brewing Company.  Please drink responsibly and don’t forget to recycle those bottles and cans!
5. Save energy and turn off the lights before you pass out tonight!

photo by MsBarrows

The Future is Prefab Eco-Friendly Homes

Posted on March 16, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    2 Comments
Tag(s): Conserving Resources, Green Building, Green Design

The following is a guest post by Mariana Ashley, a freelance writer who particularly enjoys writing about online colleges. She loves receiving reader feedback, which can be directed to mariana.ashley031@gmail.com.

To some this sounds like old news, to others this sounds like gibberish. What is a prefab eco-friendly home? The term prefab simply means prefabricated. Components of a structure are manufactured offsite in an industrial facility. Once the structure is designed and constructed offsite, it is shipped to the building location and erected there. Prefab housing is not a new concept. Having components of the building process take place in a factory has been a part of home construction for decades now. However, in recent years, prefab housing has become synonymous in many ways with a modernist aesthetic and sustainable design. There are four central factors that make prefab eco-friendly homes the wave of the future: smart design, smart materials, affordability, and fashion.

Read More >>

Homeowners Go Green with Solar Roof Shingles

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    Add a Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home

The following is a guest post by Alan Parker, a blogger based out of New York, NY, who writes about alternative energy, green business, sustainability, and climate change.

It’s no secret that homeowners throughout the nation are looking for ways to go green or at least to cut down on their power bills.  As a result, the solar technology industry in the last five years has grown exponentially as homeowners invest in conventional solar panels for their roof.  Yet many of these households are encountering problems, as their panels become the object of theft.  Further, many homeowner associations don’t allow traditional panels on roofs because they jut up and can be seen by neighbors.  This is preventing people from trying solar power, but some companies offer solar shingles as a solution.

Solar roof shingles integrate easily with regular asphalt shingles and are not mounted on racks like traditional panels.  Since they are installed directly onto the roof, they are much harder to steal.  Here’s a comprehensive look at the more common shingles available.

Read More >>

Celebrate Earth Day at the Green Ball

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Events, Going Green

Looking for a chic way to help save the earth?   How about attending the second annual gala event, the Green Ball, in St. Louis on April 2, 2011.  Proceeds will benefit the Missouri Botanical Garden’s EarthWays Center,  whose mission it is to spread the word about conservation of natural resources and sustainability of the built environment.

The boutique hotel, Moonrise Hotel, will be hosting the affair and featuring live music, local cuisine, and even an eco-friendly fashion contest.  Guests will celebrate the earth under the moon, as the signature revolving rooftop moon will be lit green in honor of the event.

Register by March 28 and receive a discount.  Learn more about the EarthWays Center and the event here.

Green Spring Cleaning

Posted on March 8, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    2 Comments
Tag(s): Green Cleaning, Greening the Home, The Great Green Outdoors

All around us, signs of Spring are evident.  Early-blooming flowers and plants are starting to show signs of life after a harsh winter.  That must mean it’s time for Spring cleaning!  Here are some tips to keep it eco-friendly:

Read More >>

Got Leaks? Metal Roofs to the Rescue!

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Green Building, Greening the Home, Greening the Office

Not only do metal roofs look great and last a lifetime, they reduce energy bills too.  They’re available in a wide variety of colors and styles and can be applied to residential, commercial or industrial buildings.  There are metal roofs that mimic the look of cedar shakes, slate and even curved clay tiles.  Metal roofing is also available in traditional vertical panels.

Plus, until December 31, 2011, pigmented metal roofs installed on existing homes may qualify for a federal tax credit: 10% of the installed cost for qualifying equipment, capped at $500.

BENEFITS OF METAL ROOFING:

Read More >>

CARBON NATION Movie Debuts

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    1 Comment
Tag(s): Energy, Events, Going Green

How can we boost the economy, increase national and energy security, and contribute to environmental sustainability?

CARBON NATION, an optimistic and solutions-based film, tackles the issue of climate change.

The documentary is directed and produced by Peter Byrck and narrated by Bill Kurtis.  It includes interviews and commentary with some of today’s top innovators including: Richard Branson (CEO, Virgin Group), Thomas L. Friedman (The New York Times), Former CIA Director James Woolsey, Van Jones (Founder, Green For All), Col. Dan Nolan, U.S. Army (Ret), Bernie Karl (Geothermal pioneer from Alaska), Denis Hayes (Founder of Earth Day), and Cliff Etheredge (West Texas wind pioneer).

Find it playing at a theater near you.

2011 Tax Incentives that’ll Heat up your Home

Posted on January 17, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    3 Comments
Tag(s): Energy, Greening the Home, Money Saving

Looking for ways to make your home more comfortable and energy efficient this winter?  Tax incentives offered by federal and state governments, and local utility companies, can help ease the burden of home improvements that will reduce your monthly bills.

If you’re in the market for new windows, doors, biomass stoves, heating systems, and/or insulation, you can take advantage of the current incentives.  Even minor projects like duct sealing, air infiltration reduction and adding window films can qualify.

Read More >>

Got Junk? The Green Way to Get Rid of it

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Joyce Benson    |    2 Comments
Tag(s): Going Green, Greening the Home, Money Saving

Is cleaning out your closets at the top of your new year’s resolution list?  Well, it’s easier than ever to find a new home for your old stuff.  Whether you’re remodeling, organizing or downsizing, you don’t have to just throw away items that you don’t want, or need, anymore.  You can donate to a local thrift store, or sell your household furnishings, fixtures, decor and building materials online.  You’ll also be doing the environment a favor by keeping useful items out of the waste stream.

If you’re planning a home improvement project, you can add instant character with salvaged goods.  I’ve compiled a list of websites where you’ll find amazing treasures, including:  windows; doors; restored lighting fixtures; vintage ironwork and architectural elements; hardware; furniture; lumber; flooring; fireplace mantles; kitchen & bath cabinets, countertops & appliances;  landscape & hardscape materials; furnishings & accessories; and more…

If you’re solely interested in purchasing new materials, you’ll find that here too, but you’ll save money compared to retail prices. Some enterprises offer surplus, overstock and closeout items that have been donated by manufacturers.

With a little searching, you’ll not only find all sorts of modern goods, but architectural gems, which can add a unique flair to your home and garden, all while saving money and the environment!

Read More >>