Making your home a greener place is a commitment to yourself, your family, your community, and the world. But more than that, it is a learning process. As exciting new technologies, products, and scientific breakthroughs constantly emerge, staying educated on the hows—as well as the whys—of maintaining a green home is the best way to ensure your efforts are as effective and beneficial as possible. More…
Having a home that contributes to a healthy environment is important, but a home is only as green as the people who live in it. In and out of the home, there is a lot you can do to help protect the world’s air, water, land, wildlife, and climate. More…
Ants, rodents, termites . . . Keep what's bugging you outside—where it belongs. More…
Whether you’re a homebuyer or a renter looking for a green home, how do you know if a home is truly green? What should you look for? More…
By
U.S. Green Building Council
There’s a reason so many builders are leaning green these days. After all, who doesn’t want a home that’s healthier, keeps energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions in check, and doesn’t squander water and other natural resources? But you don’t have to build from scratch to turn your not-so-new house into a dwelling that’s eco-friendly and more economical to run. More…
Cool down and save some cash. No, it's not your imagination—it definitely is getting hotter. The eight warmest years on record occurred over the past decade. But staying cool this summer doesn't necessarily mean you have to pay a fortune to keep the air-conditioning running day and night. More…
Picking the right person to design your green home is an important first step. A successful green project begins with the relationship between the homeowner and the architect. Understanding what an architect is capable of bringing to a specific project helps to define the relationship. More…
Next to your refrigerator, your dryer is likely the biggest energy-guzzling appliance in your house. And while we wouldn't ask you to store your food in a vintage icebox, an old-fashioned clothesline is actually a pretty good idea. More…
A comfy, cozy winter doesn't have to break the bank or be an energy drain. More…
The Web is full of interactive tools that allow you to figure out just how green your home and lifestyle are, and to learn ways to boost your green credentials. Below are a few of our favorites. More…
CFLs can be a huge energy saver and typically have a much longer life than other bulbs. Changing five of the most frequently used bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills.
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Before you hang the drapes, get those windows up to peak performance. Common leaks occur around windows, doors, and other wall penetrations. Plugging those leaks with weather stripping and caulk, a simple task for anyone, can reduce your energy bill by $100 or more. More…
Beyond the health and environmental benefits of living in a green home, many local and state governments, utility companies and other entities across the country offer rebates, tax breaks and other incentives for adding eco-friendly elements to your house. More…
Clear finishes protect wood from wear, moisture, and aging, but they can degrade the environment—in your home and elsewhere. When selecting a clear wood finish, we recommend considering the environmental impact of its manufacture and disposal, its effect on indoor air quality, and its durability. More…
Like all building materials, stone and tile products have both beneficial and negative environmental aspects. With respect to indoor air quality, people with serious allergies or other chronic respiratory ailments better tolerate stone and tile products because they release few, if any, emissions. More…