Green Building
Considering a kitchen facelift? Swapping out countertops and cabinetry can have a more dramatic (and instantaneous) aesthetic effect, provided your budget isn't on life support. If you haven't yet found inspiration in our countertop overview, steer your trusty Internet browser toward apartment mecca (the Midwest addition) and rejoice in the beauty that is recycled glass countertops.
Our friend Bruce Irving who's blazing his own trail and started a new industry in home remodeling, writes one of the most informative home improvement newsletters available. Here's a excerpt from his latest where he's shed some light on the hypocrisy of some green building techniques and offers his recommendations of green builders that do it right.
If you are seeking a modern prefab for quick assembly into a small space then Design Within Reach may have a solution with their 9x13 eco-friendly Kithaus. It's definitely a luxury item but great inspiration and we sure wouldn't mind having a backyard retreat like that.
We've waxed poetic about the benefits of energy efficient light bulbs and their advantages are many. But the backlash from designers and consumers is coming to a head and although most people want to save energy and lower their utility bills, they also want their living space to be cast in the warm glow that fluorescent lighting just can't reproduce. The New York Times House and Home section did an informal survey on "how pleasing the light is" from these energy saving bulbs and the results were not positive. Although the light from these bulbs is getting "warmer" there is still quite a gap from the incandescent bulbs. The halogen and LED's should also be considered as they tested a bit better than the fluorescents.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may be the most hard working celebrities alive today. Despite their prosperous film careers they each are leading the way in using their high-profiles to point the cameras on critical issues facing the world and our country. But not only are they raising awareness but they are actively promoting solutions.
Brad Pitt just announced his intentions of helping to rebuild New Orleans by commissioning 150 eco-friendly homes in the Louisiana city's Lower 9th Ward, an area devastated by Hurricane Katrina. These homes have been designed by architects from around the world who were given the challenge of keeping the costs at $150,00 or less and include designs that take into account the possibility of another flood (floating house). You can contribute by sponsoring these homes, visit Make It Right 9 for more information.
This year we went with a 10-ft. Douglas Fir basically because it was the only tree that had the tall and narrow silhouette that we required. It's very healthy and the branches are spaced for ornaments to hang perfectly. The color is rich and the needles are shiny and give off a bit of a sweet and citrus smell, not quite the "christmas tree" scene we had envisioned but pleasant. The needle retention seems great so far but we've only had it for a few days. Here's a list of the Top 10 Choices for Christmas Trees as well as more information about tree types and how to best select your tree in the lot.
There are other alternatives to cut trees such as buying a living tree that you can replant in your yard or going with an artificial tree that is easier to clean up and doesn't impact the environment. If you do decide on a cut tree make sure you recycle it.
Today the 7th annual Green Build conference kicks-off, where attendees learn how green building is transforming our communities, and how you can be a leader in this important movement.
Some of the highlights will include an announcement by the U.S. Green Building Council of their new program LEED-for-Homes, which is a certification for residential properties that is similar to the original LEED rating system that was developed for commercial construction.
To achieve a textured and vibrant look similar to buildings found throughout Europe, our friend recommends using natural ochres and oxides and recommends their use with milk paint to achieve that perfect patina.
The Environmental Home Center located in Seattle, WA has an assortment of these products that are also available online. One of their key mandates when selecting products to sell is that "they protect health, use energy and other resources sparingly, and are extraordinarily well made." Can't argue with that.
It's a novel concept that is practiced in 90% of the world, but air/line drying your clothes will save 5-10% on your energy bills and washing in cold will save another 4%.
But in America many of us live in areas that are regulated by HOA's (Home Owner's Associations) that have regulations against what we can and can't do to the appearance of our homes. These guidelines are enforced to keep a uniform look among the neighborhood but sometimes at the expense of an energy saver such as a simple cord to line-dry clothes. Unfortunately, in some circles there is a certain stigma against seeing a home with clothes air-drying even though clotheslines were once a portrait of Americana. There is a line-drying movement in New Hampshire that is gaining popularity and as the green movement grows it won't be long before you may see your neighbors skirt the HOA and venture into DIY drying.
If you're ready to ditch the dryer then check out these clotheslines from the Vermont Clothesline Co.
Tearing out old carpet is a quick way to give your room a fresh new look and if you are fortunate enough to live in an older home you may find wood floors underneath. Here are some tutorials for doing the job yourself which will at least save in 1/2 the labor of having new carpet installed.
Please remember to recycle your carpet padding and carpet.
Tips On Removing Carpet and Tack Strip [Hardwood Installer]
How to Remove Old Carpet [BoomJ]
Project Guide: Removing Carpet [Home Depot]
May 15, 2008 | Comments ()
