Reclaimed Lumber for Home Improvement Projects

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 [...]

Improve the Efficiency of Radiators

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:

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

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.

Eco-friendly Composite Fencing

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.

Shopping for a New Eco-friendly Sofa?

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 [...]

Wood Countertops Add Warmth and Natural Beauty to any Kitchen

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 [...]

Sustainable Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors are not only very appealing, but they are durable, easy-to-clean and long-lasting.  Whether you need new flooring for a historic property or a new build, hardwood flooring is a great option for many rooms in your home.  The best flooring is made from sustainably-harvested woods with finishes that won’t compromise indoor air quality. [...]

How to Be Green by Lowering Your Cooling Bills

In Part I of this series on lowering your summer utility bills, I focused on the quick and easy fixes that anyone can do.  In this post, I’ll concentrate on strategies that cost a bit more upfront, but will save you money in the long run.  Not only does saving energy save you money, but [...]

The Value of Street Trees

Tree-lined streets are not only appealing, but they add value to adjacent homes and businesses.  And, the benefits don’t stop there.  Trees provide much needed shade during the hot summer months and reduce the heat-island effect in cities.  They provide homes and food for songbirds.  Trees even clean pollutants from the air and help to [...]

Locally Quarried Stone Countertops

Natural stone countertops certainly add a luxurious feel to any kitchen or bathroom.  In addition to their beauty, they are also very durable and long-lasting.  Natural stone, when sealed with low VOC finishes, add to good indoor air quality and low maintenance needs. Most stone is imported, adding to the environmental impact, but I’ve found [...]

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