The most important aspect of green design for a newborn’s environment is to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals as much as possible. A nontoxic nursery is especially important because newborns spend most of their life in the nursery—an average of 16 to 17 hours a day. More…
People often think green design has to be boring. I always laugh when I hear that—some of the most unique, modern and cutting-edge materials are made of recycled glass, seed shells or recycled soda cans. More…
Lawns have gotten a lot of bad press lately—and not undeservedly. They use a tremendous amount of water and gasoline, and they pollute streams and other water resources with herbicide- and pesticide-laced runoff. But it doesn’t have to be that way. More…
Many stains are made with toxic substances that come from nonrenewable resources or are energy-intensive or polluting to produce, so even low-VOC stains can have an impact on the environment. This overview provides in-depth comparisons of natural oil, acrylic / urethane, and water-based wood stains. More…
Gabe Luna founded green contractor MoonDance Painting in the San Francisco Bay Area after working for one of the largest residential painting companies in California—and finding the massive waste, improper disposal of toxic materials, and exposure to hazardous chemicals intolerable. Here’s his advice on avoiding the biggest environmental and health pitfalls of painting projects. More…
You can avoid exposure to toxic dust and fumes by using a good dust mask that filters out particulates and a respirator that filters out chemical emissions. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends using a NIOSH-approved half-mask respirator.
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Studies by public agencies across the country show home landscapes waste as much as 50 percent of the water used outside. In addition, residential application of pesticides per acre is typically 20 times that of farms, according to the EPA.
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While the conventional furniture market is dominated by large manufacturers selling nationwide, most green furniture is made in small, local workshops. That fits well with the green ethos, but how can you make sure you get what you want when ordering custom green furniture? More…
Green materials and ecological design are the cutting-edge ways to implement sound health and hygiene practices, ensuring that clean water, clean air, and healthy habitats remain available for all species. More…
When remodeling your kitchen, saving space and maximizing efficiency lead to energy savings, reduced waste, and more. Here are some design tips from an expert green interior designer. More…
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air is often more than 10 times (and sometimes more than 100 times) more polluted than outdoor air. Indoor air pollutants contribute to asthma as well as other respiratory conditions and diseases. More…
Tankless water heaters have caught the eye of many homeowners lately—as a way to reduce the 19 percent of total home energy use consumed by water heating. More…
This buyer’s guide summarizes the environmental pros and cons and durability of the three major categories of wood stains: natural oil, acrylic or urethane, and water-based. Use it to find the best stain for your specific project. More…
This buyer’s guide compares and contrasts eight insulation materials (eg, cellulose, cotton, fiberglass, foam, etc) on their environmental and health qualities, and includes application tips. Use it to find the best insulation for your specific situation. More…
No flooring product has zero impact on our planet, but some materials are better than others. This buyer's guide will help you choose the most environmentally sound and healthy floor that meets your needs. More…