March 2009

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Green Your Home – Sierra Club Green Home

March 31, 2009 in Healthy Green Home, News by Jennifer | No comments

There’s a new website in town for home dwellers looking to go green (or go more green). The newly launched Sierra Club Green Home was created, as you may have guessed by Sierra Club and covers a wide range of green home topics.

I went to check it out, and here’s the lowdown…

Pros:

First of all, this is a great looking website. Very nicely done, easy to navigate, and there are plenty of clear headings so you can find what you need fast.

They created centers related to various topics like the “CO2 Center” and “Solar Center” where you’ll find tips about carbon offsets, how to lower your energy bills, all sorts of solar heating options, energy calculators, and much more.

There’s a home health area that’s pretty cool. Plenty of healthy home tips including how to eat healthy and tips for raising healthy and green kids.

I really like their green video section. I was pretty impressed – they have videos ranging from fashion to food to composting.

There’s a forum too, but it’s not too busy yet. Not a huge surprise since the site is newer though, but it’s a nice feature.

Few ads!!!! Yay.

Cons:

I didn’t like that you had to register for some features. For example, they have a healthy home quiz I wanted to take, but they want you to register for that quiz. On the plus side, it looks like you only have to register once and the registration is a basic fill in your email type form. Still, come on; I can find other calculators online that won’t make me stop and register. When you spend a lot of time online, it’s a pain.

Overall:

I’d give this site an A. I was familiar with much of the info, but of course green is what I do. I do however, think that if you’re newer to green or want an easy to read green home guide, this is a pretty nice site and super easy to manage.

Visit Sierra Club Green Home.

Tour the World’s Greenest Certified House

March 27, 2009 in Healthy Green Home, Sustainable Building by Jennifer | No comments

The Live Green, Live Smart Institute recently announced that they have received the Outstanding Custom Project Award from the US Green Building Council (USGBC) for the highest rating home in the history of the LEED for Homes program. That’s not bad eh?

The house referred to as The Sustainable House, located in Minnetonka, Minnesota is a residential construction, research project conceived and managed by the Live Green, Live Smart Institute. This was actually a remodel of a 1948 rambler, and took two years to green up. Incorporated in the redesign are various eco-friendly home options such as sustainable energy systems, water saving devices, significant reuse of materials and extensive environmental landscaping.

The best part is you can tour the home, even if you don’t happen to be Minnesota bound. The home is featured online and has some nifty interactive features going for it. Clicking in specific areas will give you a run down of how they greened the space.

Check out the house!

[image via Live Green, Live Smart Institute]

On-the-go green gear you need

March 27, 2009 in Community by Jennifer | No comments

Yesterday we started to look at how you can keep it green outside the home front. So far we checked out green consumer know-how, and today we’ll look at some must have on-the-go green gear.

When you leave your house it’s good to be stocked up on all the green gear you’ll need when you’re out and about. Here are some ideas…

Reusable bags – it’s silly to use paper and plastic store bags when you can take your own. A good set of reusable bags for a large family can cost as little as $40 – less if you’re willing to settle. Keep in mind though, the better the bags the longer they last. You’ll have to re-buy less frequently and that means a smaller footprint. I have some recycled cotton reusable bags that are super nice – and didn’t cost much.

Other reusable baggies: Besides reusable grocery bags you can also invest in some reusable produce bags and snack bags for kids on the go. Good options are:

Reusable water bottles: Each family member should have their own reusable water bottle. Water bottles are sort of a long topic though. There are some that are made safer than others, some that can be recycled and some that can’t, and some that leak or don’t. To get an idea about good water bottle choices read the following:

Reusable coffee mug: If you like to stop for coffee or tea, make sure you’ve got at least two reusable coffee mugs in your car. Two is smart because you can switch out as each one needs washed.

Above are the most basic green items you need when you’re on-the-go. Of course if you own a laptop, have a baby, or carry work stuff around you can focus on keeping gear for these activities green too. For example, choose organic cotton laptop bags over conventional and so fourth.

What other green essentials can you think of for on-the-go ease?

Be a good green consumer

March 25, 2009 in Community by Jennifer | 4 comments

Because this blog is “Best Green Home Tips” I tend to discuss green home options – ideas for in and around the home-front. However, I’m betting you leave the house once in a while (hoping), so this week I thought we’d look a few issues that happen outside the home. A few issues that affect your family when you’re on the go include shopping options, transport, and on the go green gear. We’re not going to stray too far from home but these are important eco-issues so we should take a peek at least.

Today; how to be a better green consumer.

This is actually something we’ve looked at a little here. Check out the post Is This Product Really A Smart Green Choice?

When it comes to finding a green company, one that you actually want to buy from and support you want to look for the following traits:

  • A local company over a distant company (whenever possible).
  • A company who has some sort of eco goal or statement that’s backed up. Look for a company brochure or check out their website. Look for green minded goals that aren’t greenwashing. For example, a company who makes bleach, yet claims to be green because they recycle is pretty iffy – their goals and actions collide and not in a green way.
  • A company who doesn’t test on animals.
  • A company who uses minimal packaging for their products and when they do package they go with recycled content.

To learn about various companies you can visit some of the following sites:

  • Climate Counts = rates companies and gives them scores based on the companies impact (or non-impact) on global warming. You can even print out a pocket scorecard to carry in your wallet.
  • For beauty product safety visit Skin Deep.
  • Visit Caring Consumer to learn about companies that do and do not test on animals.
  • Co-op America has a basic green code that their listed companies follow. This is a great place to find merchants with your eco-ethics. They also have LOADS of green shopping guides available for free download.

How do you make greener shopping decisions?

Eco Kitchen and Dining Tools

March 24, 2009 in Eco Kitchen by Jennifer | No comments

If you’re looking for smarter, green kitchenware and dining items, look no more. Here’s a nice line-up of some great eco kitchen and dining items that are beautiful, green, and of course handy for all your cooking and dining needs…

Plates With Purpose series: Lovely, handcrafted, recycled glass tableware that supports the environment and various non-profit and community programs. I love these plates! They’re so pretty. Plus you could mix and match the neat designs.
Read the rest of this entry »

Green Garden Planning: Recycled Garden Stones

March 23, 2009 in Organic Gardening by Jennifer | 1 comment

Now that you’re getting started with spring gardening prep, you should consider working recycled stone into your landscaping scheme.

Landscaping design by Zorock

Benefits of using recycled stones in your landscaping…

  • You can add some color to your landscape with fewer water guzzling plants.
  • Some companies, like Zorock use only natural coloring techniques for their stones, which means that their stones are non-toxic and safe for your family and pets to be around.
  • May detract pests like termites and other buggies.
  • Stones help keep your ground cooler and retains moisture.

Landscaping design above by Zorock

You can place stones around specific areas to block off garden plots – say herbs vs. flowers, use them to set off your pool, and used in place of mulch. Of course you can also use larger stones in your yard for stepping stones, as plant markers, and more.

You can see more stone-in-the-garden design ideas at Zorock or check out another cool recycled stone dealer,  Recycled Rocks!.

If you’re interested in using rocks inside your home for decor purposes read: Green Candle Arrangements.

Easy ways to use solar energy at home

March 22, 2009 in Alternative Energy by Jennifer | No comments

Some people freak at the thought of solar, thinking, “Uh oh… complicated!” In reality, there are some super easy ways to incorporate solar energy use into any home plan.

Go outside: Solar Illuminations offers a huge selection of outdoor ready solar lighting choices. From Solar ‘Teardrop’ Lantern Lights that look great as a welcome light or even in a garden to solar powered house numbers and letters, this place has everything you need to solar up your outdoor living spaces.

Tunnel style: I’ve written about tunnel-minded solar lights before, but seriously I LOVE them. Solar sun tunnel lights work well in all sorts of spaces and for as small as these tunnels are, they provide huge amounts of light – especially to a smaller space like a bathroom or closet. Plus, these tunnels can be installed quickly.

Get wet: Solar powered pool products are great to consider now that summer is on the way. Think about getting a solar swimming pool cover that heats your pool sans non-renewable resources or get a solar powered pool heater.

BONUS: Learn about solar powered attic fans – super easy to install and cost efficient.

Are Soy Candles Greener and Healthier

March 22, 2009 in Healthy Green Home by Jennifer | 7 comments

Soy candles are a better green choice than basic old wax candles for a couple of reasons. One, they’re made from rapidly renewable resources, whereas wax paraffin is derived from petroleum (not so renewable – as we all know). Two, soy candles are biodegradable and burn longer.

But are soy candles actually healthier for you, your family, and your home?

Somewhat – some research notes that soy candles give off less soot particles than normal candles. That’s a good thing, because a cleaner burn means less soot and gunk in your home and lungs. However, overall, there’s not a huge piece of evidence that says that soy candles are WAY better for you, so if you have allergies or asthma, just burning soy over wax may not help you to avoid feeling icky.

If you like the look of candles but want something that’s truly soot-free and eco-friendly to boot, you may want to try LED candles. LED candles have other benefits as well; they’re safer than real candles and don’t make a mess.

Where to snag soy candles:

Free Green Home Plans!

March 18, 2009 in Green Building by Jennifer | 1 comment

Later today we’ll wrap up our green apartment series, but first I wanted to alert you to a super-fly green home site; FreeGreen.

FreeGreen offers spiffy (and free) building plans for green homes. Plans vary in depth, some showing energy consumption between buildings that meet basic code vs. building that have greener features.

HOW IT WORKS:

  1. Head to FreeGreen.
  2. Search for a home you like – there are various ways to do this. You can search by type of home, check out the open source network (which is not free, but cool), plus you can search by all types of various criteria like energy use, size, popular green features, and more.
  3. Download the plans you like and even buy blueprints.

EXAMPLE:

I picked one house to check out so I could tell you how this works. I went with the Suburban Loft. Once you click on the virtual tour you can make changes and add custom features. Basic features and concepts are explained during the tour. The image slide show is crisp and really nice, showing both exterior and interior features.

Once you click download, you’ll have to register, but the form was short and fast. Then it asks you if you want basic or premium service (which is $100 a year). The plans are pretty basic but give you a nice idea to start with if you’re considering building green. Plus this particular plan offers slides of both energy features and efficiency.

Visit FreeGreen and see the plans for yourself.

Green Apartment Life – Easy Ways To Get Sustainable

March 16, 2009 in Green Audit, Green Your Home by Jennifer | 1 comment

This week we’ve been looking at green apartment living. So far we’ve discussed:

Now we’ll look at some green tips that apply to anyone, even folks in an apartment, and later we’ll check out some sustainable decor and furnishings for apartment life before wrapping up this series.

When you live in an apartment, some green rules won’t apply. Unless you live in a very flexible apartment complex, you may not be able to do things like install a low-flow toilet, change your heating and cooling source, or build a rain barrel. But there are still plenty of ways to go green when living in an apartment. Such as…

Insulate your apartment. Caulking is iffy in an apartment but weather stripping and door draft stoppers are usually ok.

Ditch your landline phone.

Turn Down the Thermostat. You may be better off than a home dweller in this case, especially if you live on a first or second floor with an apartment above you. The extra layer of housing can help to seal in heat in the winter and keep it cooler in summer.

Live simply for a better, greener life.

Use eco-smart lighting like compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs and LED lighting.

Conserve water!

You can solve indoor air pollution even in an apartment. The same tips that work for a house work for an apartment.

Rethink your disposables. Using items like cloth napkins and cleaning cloths over paper towels is not only eco-friendly, but handy in an apartment. Apartments tend to be short on space and it takes more space to store huge packs of paper towels.

Hold a green audit! Not all green home audit questions will apply to an apartment dweller. However, there’s still a lot you can audit and possibly change to stay green. Check out the following home audits and simply cut out questions that don’t apply – such as roofing or landscaping issues.

Do you live in an apartment? How are you keeping it green?

Green Apartment Life – Tools for Living Green While Renting

March 14, 2009 in Green Your Home by Jennifer | 1 comment

This week we’re diving into green apartment life – a big deal since the 2008 Current Population Survey notes that about 32% of U.S. residents rent instead of own their home. That’s a lot of households to green up.

Even if you can’t find a totally green apartment community, there are some tools that can help apartment dwellers live green…

An urban compost bin: Anyone, even apartment dwellers can compost. There are plenty of smaller compost bins available. You can set on on your deck or even on your kitchen counter. Once you’ve got some nutrient-rich soil, you can do the following with it:

  • Grow a killer container garden on the patio.
  • Give it to a pal who owns a house and has a garden.
  • Donate it to a local community garden or school.

Rent and borrow: If you need tools for a project, a bike for a specific marathon (i.e. you’re not a regular rider), or a special crock pot, see if you can rent or borrow the item before purchasing one. Why this is green:

  • With less stuff you can live smaller and reduce your overall footprint. Storage space need for items you rarely use is lame and not very green.
  • Buying stuff you only use once is a waste of resources and supplies.
  • Saves you cash that you could use for higher ticket sustainable items. Would you rather own all your own tools that you only use twice a year, or a killer organic mattress?

Be a green human: Technically actions make a far bigger difference than where you live. I.e Portland, Oregon is known as a green hub but just living there does not make you green. You need to practice green living skills like eco-cleaning, saving water, recycling and so on. You could live in an eco-nightmare of a city, but with proper green living skills, your own little home base can still be eco-friendly.

Recycle: Creating a dedicated home recycling area is possible even in an apartment. There are loads of smaller recycling bins available that can make recycling in an apartment easier.

What green living tools are you using in your rental?

How To Green Your Apartment – Find A Green Apartment Complex

March 14, 2009 in Green Building, Green Your Home by Jennifer | No comments

Sorry to be MIA folks – I caught a bad cold, which actually I think may be allergies, so I was out of commission. However, I grabbed some meds, and it’s all good now. Well, better anyhow. In any case, the other day we started looking at How To Green Your Apartment.

Today we’ll look at the basics about how to actually find a greener apartment to rent.

There aren’t too many actual green certified, LEED, or sustainable (etc) apartment complexes around. However, some are popping up. The downside is that you’ll likely pay more rent for a “green building” and most of the ones that have been built are in major cities or places that are known as green hubs. If you don’t live urban you’re almost out of luck. That said, it doesn’t hurt to do a search. Your local chamber or commerce, real estate agent, or apartment finder company may be able to help you find a greener building.

Tips for any apartment building: Read the rest of this entry »

Green Apartment Living – How To Green Your Apartment

March 11, 2009 in Green Your Home by Jennifer | 1 comment

Often folks discuss changes you can make to your dwelling that are pretty specific to a home you buy which can leave apartment dwellers feeling left out in the cold.

However, green living is not just for folks with a mortgage. Anyone can live green; no matter if you live in a house, a duplex, an apartment, or RV. Ok, an RV is pushing it because of gas issues, but you get my drift.

This week I think we should look at some green living concerns that affect apartment dwellers. To get started, here are some posts from the past that can apply to anyone, in any sort of home setting.

This week we’ll also look at how to green audit an apartment vs. a house, green changes you can make that won’t flip out the landlord, see if we can find some green apartment choices, and more…

If there’s something specific you’d like to learn more about that relates to green apartment living let me know in the comments.

Be an organic home know-it-all!

March 10, 2009 in Food & Drink, Furniture & Appliances, Green Your Home, Healthy Green Home by Jennifer | No comments

When it comes to organic food and organic home products, there are a lot of choices. It can be overwhelming. However, there’s no need to freak. You will totally look like you know what you’re doing (even when you’re not so sure) with these simple rules…

Organic is not always best: There are absolutely some items you should purchase organic, and then there are the organic items that matter less. Clothing, textiles, and other fabrics for your home are good organic, but you can also choose used or other sustainable fabrics that are just as eco-friendly as organic cotton. For example – hemp, bamboo, and thrift store finds all lower your footprint without the organic label. As for organic food, some purchases offer better health and eco-benefits than others. Check out which organics you need to buy and 11 Ways to Save Money on Organic Food in order to make smart choices.

Don’t go nuts all at once: Small organic changes are just as good as a complete life overhaul, but WAY easier. Don’t try to go massive organic all at once. Start making small changes; i.e. buy organic peanut butter and organic cotton pillow cases. Eventually all your simple changes will start to add up.

Got pets?: Let them go organic too. Many people forget their pets but currently there are many organic varieties of pet foods, green pet homes, and toys out there.

Go organic for health: If you’re only going organic for the eco-benefits, that’s fine, but the health benefits of organic over conventional offer you much more motivation. For example, you can make over your bathroom soaps and cosmetics in order to cut chemicals out of your world or buy a better organic mattress for a non-toxic dream time. Think about organic in a way that personally relates to you because this makes shopping decisions easier.

Make it easy for your kids: Kids raised on organics are in a better position to grow up understanding the long-term benefits. Don’t just go organic – talk organic with the kiddos so they know what’s up. Once they’re old enough to make shopping decisions, they’ll have a far easier time than our generation of adults.

How are you going organic at home?

Are Natural Wood Cutting Boards Safe?

March 10, 2009 in Eco Kitchen, Food & Drink by Jennifer | No comments

Many people don’t want to use plastic cutting boards due to the non eco-friendly quality of plastics overall. On the flip side, many people worry about wooden cutting boards because they’re afraid of germs staying on the board. So… which is safer? Wood or plastic? And which is a more eco-friendly choice?

Germs can actually stay on both plastic or wood – the catch is in how you clean your cutting board. Studies show that if you clean your wooden cutting board properly, you can even use it safely for meat.

How to be safe:

  1. Use two cutting boards – one for produce and one for meats.
  2. After use, wash in the hottest water possible and a basic natural soap (say like an eco-friendly dish soap). Dry with a clean towel.
  3. Never leave your board sitting around wet – dry it as well as you can as dampness aids in bacteria growth.

As for the eco-friendly qualities, wood is a better choice. Especially if you get a sustainable wooden cutting board – such as a board made from sustainably harvested bamboo. Plastics are made from non-renewable resources, so plastic cutting boards are never going to be a better choice. That said, another great option is snagging a Paperstone Cutting Board from Preserve. These cutting boards are made with 100% recycled Forest Stewardship Council certified Paperstone and feature a knife-friendly surface with non-porous, petroleum-free coating. Plus these boards look great (see below).

To learn more read; Green Cutting Board Know-How.

Green Spring Cleaning Tips – Clean Green and Healthy

March 9, 2009 in Green Cleaning by Jennifer | 1 comment

Spring cleaning is coming up asap, so it’s time to start considering your options. Of course many of us will partake in a little spring cleaning at least, but that doesn’t mean we need to scour our homes with toxic chemical cleaners.

For spring cleaning this year try the following…

Learn how to find non-toxic and natural cleaners over chemical laden toxic junk. If you’re going to buy cleaners from the store make sure you figure out first if the product is an actual earth-friendly cleaning choice.

Reconsider your cleaning tools. You can make better choices than typical non-eco-friendly sponges. You can purchase spray bottles to reuse over and over again (fill with homemade cleaners) vs. buying plastic toss away bottles, and you can even purchase an eco-friendly broom.

Experiment with some of your own homemade air fresheners or simply push those windows open. Fresh air is actually the best natural way to scent your air (ah, crispy).

During spring cleaning start new healthy home habits such as in-kitchen composting to use your scraps, not wearing shoes in the house or if god forbid you smoke inside, stop it!

Plan some easy and earth-friendly DIY home projects designed to save you money and green your home.

Don’t stop inside. Get out and green audit that yard and garden. For tips read…

Learn more:

Are you doing any spring cleaning this year, or better yet, planning any cool green home projects? Let me know in the comments…

Create A Green Baby Nursery

March 6, 2009 in Children & Babies by Jennifer | No comments

If your home includes a baby, or your home soon will have a baby, then it’s best to plan a green and healthy baby nursery. With just a few simple choices you can turn a typical baby nursery into a green oasis.

Are you having a baby soon? What green steps are you taking at home to get ready?

In Faucet Water Filter for Green Homes

March 4, 2009 in Uncategorized by Jennifer | 3 comments

We look at water issues here often. Mainly, I think because water consumption is one extra easy place to make an eco-difference. A lot of water conservation consists of tiny steps to implement OR small actions on your part (i.e. turning off the sink while brushing or taking shorter showers). We’ve looked at drinking water before, and how to keep it green. Such as drinking from the tap or looking for filters with less packaging. Recently I saw these in-faucet filters that last way longer than typical faucet mounted filters, which could reduce the amount of waste filters can create.

Some ideas:

Moen Chateau Kitchen Faucet with ChoiceFlo Filtration in Chrome: This is an under the counter filtration system that looks like a normal faucet. There are two separate water channels which means you can get filtered and unfiltered water from the same faucet. PLUS the average filter lasts 6 months or for about 750 gallons of water. That’s better than most other filters which seem to last about 3 months or so.
Read the rest of this entry »

Do you live in one of the most polluted U.S. states or cities?

March 3, 2009 in Air Quality, Community, Water by Jennifer | No comments

Where you live is as important as your green home. Obviously a green home is important, but it can only go so far; there are better and worse places to set up camp.

First the states… How can you find out how polluted your state is? Many places compile info like this, but if you want to get picky, it’ll take a little searching.

Overall pollution: For a broad look at pollution in your area, check out the following sites…

Air quality: You can check The AirData Web site for access to air pollution data for the entire United States. You can learn about the highest ozone level measured in your state last year, where air pollution monitoring sites are located, sources of air pollution in your town, and more. If you’re looking for indoor air quality check out this EPA site.

Water quality: The USDA has a massive water quality page; good for an overall view of water where you live. If you want fast specifics on water safety in your local area read this post; Earth Friendly Beverages for more info.

If you’re moving at some point, and where is somewhat up to you, AND you’d like to make a smarter, greener choice about where you live read Choose A Green Community.

How much do you know about pollution in your local area?

Rethink Your Household Sponge – Green Sponge Choices

March 2, 2009 in Green Cleaning by Jennifer | 1 comment

Sponges, while useful for cleaning, are not an altogether green product. Some issues of conventional sponges…

  • Most contain polyurethane which as the name might give away is derived from petroleum – which is one, a resource that’s draining, and two, a toxic material.
  • Natural sponges; an alternative to petroleum sponges, are maybe better in a non-polluting way, but do diminish a major natural resource.
  • Many sponges come wrapped in a layer of plastic, plus a label, which frankly, is way too much packaging for this sort of item.

What to do…

The best sponges are made from wood pulp cellulose. From an eco-standpoint, wood pulp sponges are biodegradable, last along time, and don’t diminish natural resources.

You can also skip the sponge altogether. For tub or sink scrubbing, you can use a natural bristle brush, or a cloth and baking soda, which allows for the same scrubby effect.

Many people use sponges for dishes, but if you rinse right away it virtually eliminates the need for sponges. At my house all we use are old cloths for cleaning, and it works fine.

Lastly, try to buy sponges with the least packaging.

Eco-sponge & cleaning choices:

What are you using to clean with?