Green Home

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 12 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #9,600 in DIY, #277,748 overall

Lots of opportunity for little changes that make a big difference. Here's a few places to check out solar solutions, wind power  essentials, alternative building materials, living roofs, biodiesel and experts and financial incentives to get living greener!

Green Hot Flash 

Design Like You Give A Damn
an inspiring view from the folks at worldchanging.

First Pass 

  1. Plan Passive Heating, Cooling & Insulation
  2. Water: Recollection, Overflow and Purification
  3. Light:Natural & Not,low energy bulbs, big impact
  4. Use Renewable & Recycled Materials
  5. Learn From Others. Assemble Advisors & Listen
  6. Set Priorities. Tradeoffs are required.
  7. Enjoy the ride! Be creative. Stay open.
    New facts, players, strategies and challenges emerging daily...

Green up! Where to start 

You've got to start somewhere and these are great places for context for solar and wind energy, experts and green building materials.
Solar Living Education
The official jump in and learn place for solar energy. They've got courses, books, products and smart folks in one venue.
Rebates and Incentives!
A bit of research may lead you to a lot of savings!
Green Home Guidelines
A thoughtful and quite comprehensive paper that lays out design philosophy, community considerations, materials, team and other aspects of successful green home building projects.
Starting Place For Biodiesel
The U.S. National Biodiesel Board provides general information on finding, using and understanding this fuel source.
Home Power
A magazine focused on renewable energy for the home including wind, solar electric and hot water.
Renewable Energy Lab
Latest information and links to other sources on biomass, wind, hydro and of course, solar energy.
Wind Power Lens
The Wind Stop is a great launching pad for all things wind energy related. John's done a great job (IMHO) of providing background and the latest news.
Green Globes
Guidelines and protocols for green building -- with a somewhat commercial orientation this service has references, tips and a perspective helpful for embarking on a green building project.

Winning Tools and Materials 

Kill a Watt
A good tool for getting the facts on appliances in your home and their energy usage.
Recycled Glass Counters
Vetrazzo is their tradename for their special mix of recycled glass with concrete and 'special sauce'. Their products are marvelous and rich in variety.
Bambu, Bamboo!!
Bamboo is super versatile in the way it can be applied and so renewable its no wonder we're all looking for many more ways to use it.
No Fuss Flax Floors, Big Color
Marmoleum isn't your mother's linoleum! It's completely biodegradable and they've got quite the portfolio of colors to choose from.
Real Solar Stuff
Real Goods has an extensive selection of products from light bulbs to compost toilets. I've learned a lot purusing their site and catalogue over the years.
Handcrafted, Sustainable and Beautiful
Berkeley Mills bring perfection to their craft in all that they create. Practical furniture sourced sustainably. A feast for the soul.
Get Greener
Lots of materials, pointers to local dealers and reviews.
Little Bulbs = Big Diff
A primer on types of bulbs and their levels of efficiency both from the energy and financial perspective. Turns out it's HUGE!
Floating Cork Floors
These are really beautiful, quiet, cushy to walk on and easy to install. (I watched!)
Countertops Alternatives
Paperstone, Slatescape and Agriboard are just a few of the materials worth checking out. They are durable, use recycled materials and attractive.

Visual Stimulation: A Portfolio Of Real Examples 

Strawbale Portolio & Architects
Architects and designers, tools and latest technologies in support of Strawbale construction.
Arkin Tilt Architects
Strawbale, solar, living roofs and other low impact systems have been embraced and enriched by these folks and their creative and sensitive implementations for residences and organizations.

Best Books I've Found (some with great photos or schematics) 

Eco: An Essential Sourcebook for Environmentally Friendly Design and Decoration

Amazon Price: $35.00 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Wind Power, Revised Edition: Renewable Energy for Home, Farm, and Business

Amazon Price: $31.50 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Planting Green Roofs and Living Walls

Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

The Beauty of Straw Bale Homes

Amazon Price: $21.33 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling

Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Inside the Not So Big House: Discovering the Details That Bring a Home to Life (Susanka)

Amazon Price: $23.07 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Green Building Products: The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building Materials

Amazon Price: (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things

Amazon Price: $18.15 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home

Amazon Price: $12.92 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

New Lights Shed Energy Drain 

CC.Vivid Plus 36-LED Light Bulb

Amazon Price: $13.39 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Zoo Med ReptiSun Compact Fluorescent UVB Lamp

Amazon Price: $22.98 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Zoo Med ReptiSun Compact Fluorescent UVB Lamp

Amazon Price: $18.72 (as of 12/27/2009) Buy Now

Greenish Blogs & Events 

always FRESH!
Treehugger is wonderfully entertaining and informative. They are curating newcomers in sustainable design. I'm a huge fan!
Breadcrumbs On The Green Living Path
City Hippy gives pointers to products, people, services on the way to green living and original writing on relevant topics in a compassionate voice.
Solar Buzz: Events
A list of solar energy conferences around the world.
Sustainable Design Blog
From Harrison Architects is a blog where the posts include winning cabin designs and reflections on design the sustainable way.
Face To Face
There is an upcoming green building conference in NM in March 2006. Workshops, product presentations and more.
Green Energy For Farmers
Whether it's a full on farm or a 'hobby farm' there are a lot of opportunities for efficiencies in agriculture. Regular trainings are offered through the Ecological Farming Association.

Makower: On Sustainability 

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WorldChanging 

Consistent, innovative and sustainable news

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by LisaGansky

Lisa has been building up to building a 'green' home for 5 years. I've
learned from research doing the regular drive by and chatting with
architects,... (more)

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