Earth-friendly House Siding

We all want our home exteriors to look attractive and protect us from the elements, so when it’s time for new siding, remember that there are siding options that have less of an impact on the environment than others.  Whether you live in a charming bungalow or a cool modern abode, there is an eco-friendly [...]

Easy Ways to Lower Your Cooling Bills, Part I

The dog days of summer are here, but you can still stay cool and save energy by implementing some quick and easy fixes.  Of course, if you want to go the extra mile and make your home even more efficient, you can do such things as insulating your attic and replacing old hvac equipment with [...]

New Uses for Old Windows

If you’re replacing your old windows with new energy-efficient ones, don’t throw them away!   You can donate them to architectural salvage yards or use them for new projects.  I’ve compiled a list of amazing things you can do with them that will add instant character to your home.

Shade Trees Can Cut Your Cooling Bills!

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, [...]

The Trouble with Moth Balls

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.

Keep Your Cool, Take Care of your Air Conditioner

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 [...]

Cool Pergolas Capture Solar Energy

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.

Revitalize your Exterior with Recycled Outdoor Rugs and Doormats

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.  

Eco-Chic Bathroom Upgrades, Part II

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 [...]

The Wonders of Strawbale Construction

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 [...]

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