Archive for the ‘Green Homes’ Category

Green Grass Driveway

Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010

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With the world focusing on going green, a grass driveway is the best way to join the effort. Recent studies indicate that the driveways are a major cause of flooding. In addition, they have destroyed habitats for birds and insects. Major paving solutions where grass is utilized are being applied in the market. Some of these solutions have been around for years.

One of system used is referred to grasscrete. The grass is planted in the gaps where the concrete slabs are put. In addition there are solutions where grass is planted in patterns. The grass that is planted in the driveway must be strong enough to withstand the power of the vehicles wheels. There are two types of grass reinforcement systems. The two systems are reinforced turf and mesh protected turf. The kind of system that you use will greatly be influenced by the type of driveway that you have.

Use a wind generator and save money

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

Wind Generator, Home Improvement, Green HomesA wind generator is a widely accepted source of alternative energy which not only saves the environment but also saves a huge amount of money for the consumers. Wind energy system is made available for free to the home owners and all you need to do is following a step-by-step instruction available over the internet or in the user’s manual that comes with it. Installing a wind generator is a very easy process and can be done in just within a single week.

First of all, collect all the materials required to set up the wind generator, all of which are easily available at any hardware store. While setting up a wind energy generator, it needs a certain amount of wind so that it can function effectively. Wind mills are usually installed in country side and the areas that receive sufficient wind.

If you are going to install a wind generator, consider the physical principles of the turbines of the generator. If there is a backyard in your home, it would be the best place to install a wind generator. In this way, you will save a lot of money on your energy consumption.

The Ins and Outs of Energy Efficient Bathrooms

Monday, October 12th, 2009

Bathroom, Home Improvement, Green homesThe bathroom should be accorded proper attention it deserves since it is almost the most visited room compared to others which essentially translates to more energy, water, and light consumption. All this comes at a cost. However, there is a way of controlling the soaring energy and electricity bills which if left unattended could run into large sums of money. Here are simply ways of arresting the spiraling energy expenses in terms of the bathroom designs;

• Insulate the wall from the air leaks which could have been left when the initial construction were being made. This could be done by opening-up the walls and applying an excellence barrier against heat loss.

• Remove windows or alert a doubled paned one made from a budget conscious material to prevent further heat loss.

• Use showerhead that use less water, which are easily available and which will save heat due to the reduced water volume from the showerheads.

Green Remodeling Defined

Sunday, September 20th, 2009

Green Homes, Eco Home ImprovementThere is a dire need to go green in the present day. Global warming is on the rise and we need to cast away harmful materials and resources that pose a threat to us. One such instance is green remodeling. Incorporating environment friendly products at our homes are a great means of remodeling. Things like eco-friendly insulation, solar power enabled electric gadgets or cabinets free of formaldehyde help us achieve the goal.

The very instance of remodeling is incomplete without the basic knowledge of lead based paints on your walls. These are highly dangerous for your health and should be removed with professional care. Asbestos is equally hazardous and these might be found in older homes when their dangers were not detected. While remodeling, you may chuck away the studs but those can be reused. So while you take up remodeling project, be sure to make necessary changes. Green remodeling is another step towards our own betterment.

Are you Aware of Green Carpet Cleaning?

Thursday, April 9th, 2009

home improvement, carpet cleaning,Different people use different substances to clean their carpets so that they remain safe and clean. However, in most cases, the substances used in the carpet cleaning are common: chemicals that do less harm to your carpet while cleaning but emit fumes that are not good for the environment. These fumes are heavier than air and linger in your living room for a long time. The fumes are dangerous and kids are more prone to get affected by such fumes. How long will you breathe in such air. It is time you switch to green carpet cleaners.

The term may sound new. These are actually cleaners that use products that do not harm the environment. To add to the advantages, they have properties that stop your carpet from withering out over time. Among other advantages are that they cost less than your regular cleaning material. The best thing is that there is nothing dangerous in these products. You can be assured that your kids are safe when they are playing on the carpet.

Steps to Fight Global Warming at Home

Tuesday, April 7th, 2009

home improvement, green homesGlobal warming is not a new term and almost everyone knows about it. Many of us care for the earth and its natural environment that may be destroyed completely if the global warming continues at the same rate. This is why many of use try to contribute as far as possible to fight Global Warming. Many vehicles are already running on eco-friendly fuels. You may also take some steps that will help in fighting global warming.
Most of your trash is collected and released outside the city where it rots and produces gases that harm the atmosphere. You can save this by not putting in waste food into the trashcan. Instead, use a pit. Put the waste in it and cover it. This way you also make your soil more fertile.
Driving causes your vehicle to emit smoke. If you keep driving to minimum, you are again contributing to the fight against global warming. For instance, you can walk over to the mall at the next square. Use your electric appliances wisely. While buying such tools, make sure they carry the eco-friendly sticker or logo on it.

Rise in green building trends today

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

home improvement, green homesThe people are keen on purchasing green home or re modeling their existing homes into a green home. This trend has taken over the psyche of every modern person who has become aware of the danger of global warming and related natural resource loss. The common man is trying to do his bit by demanding green homes.

Though it is a noble cause and will be beneficial to everyone, yet the builders have not awakened to this call. The governments in many states have come out with incentives for the builders who build green homes.
There are some builders who have started venturing into green homes and individuals who are constructing their home are into green homes. There are many people who have remodeled their homes into green homes. The characteristics of green homes are:

  • The houses should be energy savers.
  • They should use bio-friendly non toxic material for building homes.
  • One should try to safeguard the natural resources.

Variations in green home building

Monday, March 30th, 2009

home improvement, home buildingThe green home building is the latest trend in the construction of homes. There are some basic variations in the green home building between Europe and US. In US, the people are little slower in adopting the green homes than in Europe. The people in Europe are more aware of the impending anger of energy crises and depletion of natural resources. The main cause of going green in Europe is saving money where in US it is the awareness that very soon energy resources would be over and it will not be easily available.

Even there are variations in the construction of green home building. The variations are found in the following parts:

Some use double wall panels and some use triple wall panel.

• Some use double wall panels and some use triple wall panel.

• Use of flooring material may be either bamboo or cork.

• There are some people who use total fiberglass in building where as some use combination of materials.

The main reason for green home building spring awareness is that apart from generating savings in your pocket, it also helps preserve natural resources.

Green home remodeling

Sunday, March 29th, 2009

home improvement, green homesIf you have a traditional home and want to remodel it into green home, it is not a very hard task. You can do it by these simple tips:

Remove harmful material- If the home is constructed with asbestos etc that release toxins to the atmosphere, remove them at the onset.

Energy saving: Use fiber glass doors and panels so that electricity is not wasted and natural sunlight can be utilized.

Use instant geysers: Instead of using tank geysers to heat up water use instant geysers. Instant geysers don’t consume so much energy as tank heaters.

Use solar heater: install a solar heater for all your hot water requirement. It just requires initial installation cost, later it has no running cost.

Use cellulose or cotton fibers: instead of using concrete or granite slabs for countertops etc, use fibers for these shelves.

Flooring with bamboo: use cork or bamboo for the floors.

Use local plants in your garden: If you want to have a landscaped garden, don’t use exotic foreign plants. Use local plants which can grow in natural climate without requiring any extra water etc.

Tips for green home construction

Saturday, March 28th, 2009

home improvement, home constructionGreen home construction has taken along stride since the last few years due to its advantages. These homes are earthquake resistant, light and easy to construct. There are few tips which are to be considered while the green home is constructed.
The site should never be under shade all the time. It is advisable to choose such a site which receives proper solar radiation.

Use wooden foundation which is square. It ought to be below the frost level.

Use fiberglass paneling as it is resistant to breaks and are sturdy. It also allows sunlight to enter the home without obstruction.

The paneling should be UV resistant and sealed properly so that moisture doesn’t enter the house.

If you are constructing a single-glazed green home, then use twin or triple wall panels.

Pay consideration to the casing of ventilation and fans. Seal them properly after installing so that that insulation is not disturbed.