Green Homes
Explore all kinds of natural building, including timber frame, straw bale, earth-sheltered and more.
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11/10/2009 3:18:42 PM
Researchers have found that installing a white roof or other “cool roof” options (such as a coating for existing roofs), can result in real savings — in both your home’s utility bills and its associated global warming emissions. It doesn’t matter where you live; everyone sees the benefits of a roof that reflects the sun’s rays, instead of absorbing them. Read more about cool roof products and how to choose one that’s right for you, and how to take advantage of financial incentives that often accompany their installation.
11/6/2009 3:31:15 PM
I think testing your home for radon is a good idea, and these dogs agree with me!
10/30/2009 12:53:24 PM
Adding insulation to your house and sealing air leaks are great ways to save energy. But some houses may be so tightly sealed that indoor air quality becomes a concern. To allow adequate fresh air into your house (without using extra energy to heat or cool the fresh air), consider an energy-recovery ventilator: a mechanical ventilation system that removes stale, polluted air from houses and replaces it with fresh outdoor air.
10/29/2009 4:19:39 PM
Earlier this month I visited Greensburg, Kan., and toured a few of its many green buildings. Here's what I found.
10/14/2009 12:53:04 AM
Believe it: With patience and pecking around, you can find low-voc paint for little more (maybe even less!) than you'd pay for conventional paint. What's your experience?
10/1/2009 9:34:50 AM
It’s not every day that you get a chance to tour a green home. Well, here’s your opportunity! Every fall, the National Solar Tour, which is organized by the American Solar Energy Society, is held in thousands of neighborhoods across the United States. This year the main tour date is Saturday, Oct. 3. Here’s how to find an event near you and more information on what the event is all about.
9/24/2009 9:26:56 AM
The Department of Energy’s “Stay Warm, Save Money” website offers tips for keeping your home warm at little or no cost.
9/21/2009 11:17:58 AM
Student teams prepare to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy hosted, fourth biyearly Solar Decathlon, where they will be judged on the overall quality of their solar-powered homes.
9/9/2009 10:30:45 AM
Television manufacturers will have to meet tougher standards by May 2010 in order for their products to qualify for the Energy Star label, and the EPA plans to raise the standards even more by 2012.
9/4/2009 1:06:20 PM
Check out this interesting video showing the construction of the Builders without Borders Straw Bale Eco-House.
8/25/2009 3:48:01 PM
Clayton Homes has introduced the i-house — an attractive, low-cost green modular home that can be purchased online for less than $75,000. The platinum-level LEED-certified dwellings are constructed using sustainable building practices and top-of-the-line green building materials.
8/25/2009 2:21:11 PM
You can add an artistic touch to your cordwood construction walls with the inclusion of colored bottles, which bring light and color into the room. From the October/November 2009 Country Lore department.
8/21/2009 4:18:58 PM
Conventional water heaters heat water and store it until it’s used, but a lot of that heat is wasted. On-demand water heaters (or tankless water heaters) heat water as it’s needed, so they use less energy. They’re also easier to maintain and last longer than conventional water heaters. Find out how on-demand water heaters work, and how to choose the right unit for your home.
8/21/2009 4:05:46 PM
A cordwood building consists of short, round pieces of wood (think firewood) held together with mortar, and there are many advantages to choosing this type of construction.
8/18/2009 12:13:19 PM
For homes in warm climates, white roofs, aka cool roofs, can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 20 percent.
8/12/2009 4:05:03 PM
An attic fan may not reduce your air conditioning costs, but a whole-house fan is a different story.
7/29/2009 9:51:11 AM
Yes, unreinforced masonry is a risk in earthquake zones. Here’s how you can find the earthquake risk for your area, plus tips for making adobe houses more stable.
7/13/2009 4:56:27 PM
Old, single-pane windows let cold air inside in the winter and outside in the summer. Homeowners can easily lower utility bills by replacing their old windows with new, more efficient ones, and improving insulation around the window.
7/8/2009 10:24:05 AM
The Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star energy-efficiency program gave its certification to a record 17 percent of new homes built in the United States in 2008.
7/1/2009 3:20:37 PM
Greensburg, Kan., was all but destroyed two years ago, but the residents didn’t just scatter into the wind. They got busy recreating their town as a model green community.
6/29/2009 9:32:00 AM
The traditional prairie home is easily recognized by the linear horizontal design, roof overhangs and centrally located fireplaces. This design’s efficient floor plan is convenient and feels spacious while minimizing the heated space and amount of construction materials. The home can perform at least 50 percent better than a standard new home. These impressive energy savings come from a superinsulated shell and high-performance windows, together with optimum passive solar design and natural ventilation.
6/25/2009 9:31:54 AM
Ceiling fans, solar attic fans and whole-house fans will make your home more comfortable in summer — without using air conditioning. These simple, affordable cooling fans will save money and reduce the use of fossil-fuel-produced electricity. And in most situations, you can install the fans yourself. Learn how much you can save by using these simple cooling methods.
6/25/2009 8:51:16 AM
Whole-house fans are an easy, affordable way to cool your home without using air conditioning. These large cooling fans pull air through the windows and force it out of the house through the attic. They’re energy-efficient, and if you use them in conjunction with ceiling fans, you may be able to get by without an air conditioner.
6/24/2009 4:05:22 PM
If you use efficient ceiling fans, you can turn up your air conditioner 4 or 5 degrees Fahrenheit and still feel just as comfortable as you were before you turned on the ceiling fans. This low-cost cooling method, when used with an attic or whole-house fan, might help you eliminate air conditioning in your home.
6/24/2009 3:28:09 PM
Attic fans cool your home by reducing the amount of heat that radiates into living space from the attic, saving you money on air conditioning costs. Using solar-powered attic fans can save you even more because they’re powered by the sun — plus, they’re easier to install. But you need to understand a few basic concepts to make solar attic fans effective.
6/24/2009 9:34:42 AM
The EPA’s WaterSense program promotes water conservation by making water-efficient appliances and fixtures — such as toilets, faucets and shower heads — easy to find. By making a few simple changes toward water efficiency, the average American home could save about $170 per year.
6/23/2009 1:17:26 PM
Let's dream a little dream of green home improvement, without worries about funding.
6/19/2009 4:43:42 PM
Watch this video to learn how a straw bale house goes together from start to finish.
6/18/2009 2:38:04 PM
Putting fly ash rather than portland cement into concrete does have a few environmental benefits.
6/9/2009 3:38:58 PM
Share your thoughts about natural building methods including straw bale building, cordwood construction, earth building and more.
5/26/2009 4:40:10 PM
Here are some resources to help you get started learning about straw bale building.
5/7/2009 4:48:55 PM
Choose fiber-cement siding for your house siding. You may not have to paint your house for 25 years.
5/1/2009 10:47:11 AM
In the Southwestern United States, building with adobe has many advantages. Earthen bricks are a natural, freely available building material that helps moderate the heat of a desert climate. But most adobe buildings have flat roofs supported by thick wooden beams that must be purchased and brought in from elsewhere. At the Adobe Alliance, Simone Swan has found an innovative solution to this problem. Inspired by the techniques of renowned Egyptian architect Hassan Fathy, Swan is teaching students to build adobe buildings with vaulted roofs. The results are simple and elegant earthen architecture.
4/29/2009 11:33:08 AM
Having a “green home” means lots of different things. What does it mean to you?
4/27/2009 10:10:01 AM
Prefab is so much more than mobile homes! Explore your options for manufactured homes, modular homes and panelized homes made of wood, steel or insulated concrete.
3/31/2009 3:48:20 PM
Here's how ceiling fans work, and how you can use them most efficiently.
3/31/2009 2:13:22 PM
Want to build an energy-efficient home that costs less than $100,000 and has a monthly energy bill of less than $25? Find out how the Building America program is making solar houses more affordable.
2/24/2009 9:24:49 AM
Build a house or other building using chunks of firewood and masonry to construct the walls.
2/20/2009 9:51:47 AM
The production of concrete takes a lot of energy, but that’s not the only problem with concrete. Whenever the ground is covered with it, rain doesn’t seep into the soil. As the rain accumulates and water starts flowing off the concrete, it can create problems. Next time you build a patio, walkway, parking space or driveway, you can address these problems by installing permeable materials. Many attractive options will permit water to drain into the ground. Some even reduce heat accumulation around buildings.
2/19/2009 2:16:07 PM
Find free plans for your green home.
2/17/2009 9:12:26 AM
Are we spending too many resources to restore an economic system that was broken anyway? It's time for a new economy.
2/4/2009 3:00:18 PM
The green movement is showing up in some unexpected places.
2/2/2009 11:57:45 AM
A reader living in a small apartment with no ventilation needs help figuring out how to improve apartment air quality.
1/30/2009 11:29:40 AM
Publisher Bryan Welch hit the small screen to showcase new products for green building.
1/23/2009 4:28:56 PM
Could you heat your house with a hair dryer? Super-efficient Passive Houses use very little energy.
1/21/2009 10:23:15 AM
Using low-cost — but durable — earthbag construction, you can create a beautiful green roof.
1/16/2009 10:43:06 AM
A new classification system established by the Healthy Building Network (HBN) will help you find the most environmentally friendly plastic lumber to use for your next construction project.
1/13/2009 12:13:47 PM
There are many options for people who want to be involved in building their own homes. From kits of pre-cut materials to package log-home kits to yurts, there's an option that fits your lifestyle and budget.
1/13/2009 10:00:41 AM
You’ve never seen anything quite like these buildings before. Each structure is a unique creation found on the Pacific Coast of North America. Most are crafted from local materials — which in this case means lots of wood — and all are unconventional designs, created by builders with creativity to spare. This article is an introduction to Lloyd Kahn’s latest book, Builders of the Pacific Coast. Like his earlier books, Homework and Shelter, Kahn has set out to document some of the world’s most creative building designs. But this time, he’s given us an in-depth look at the houses and other structures inspired by one particular region — the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
12/31/2008 1:13:30 PM
Passive Houses use only 5 percent of heating energy compared to traditional houses.
12/23/2008 10:45:38 AM
If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bath, or simply replacing worn-out flooring, consider environmentally friendly recycled-content tile. Recycled-content tile will outlast most, if not all, other types of flooring. Tile resists scratching and is fire-resistant. Plus, it's easy to clean and, if glazed, won’t absorb liquids or release unpleasant odors like carpeting can. And because it’s so durable, you will save money over the long haul by not having to replace it.
12/23/2008 9:34:02 AM
Woodland areas often have an abundance of “junk” timber that has little commercial value because of its small diameter, twisted grain or other imperfections. The modified timber-framing method developed by William Castle lets him quickly and easily turn this low-cost, local resource into beautiful houses. The shell of a 1,000-square-foot house was built over an existing foundation by a crew of three to four adults and two children in less than 10 days — for less than $10,000!
12/18/2008 4:45:34 PM
A "hybrid" timber frame is one that uses two or more major systems, or means of providing structural support for the building.
12/8/2008 5:23:55 PM
Cork is naturally fire- and mold-resistant. It helps create a quiet, comfortable environment. Plus, it grows on trees (but probably not anywhere near your home). But some cork flooring products are made using harmful chemicals. Here's how to decide if cork flooring is the right choice for you.
12/4/2008 10:37:14 AM
Net zero high rise is a self-contained sustainable community.
11/19/2008 9:46:14 AM
Check out how millions of gallons of water can be saved by Aug. 11, 2009!
11/14/2008 12:02:50 PM
Find out more about your best options for a greener roof.
11/12/2008 12:48:28 PM
The bar has been raised! Televisions now need to consume less energy to qualify for the Energy Star label.
11/7/2008 1:35:55 PM
Mother Earth News contributing editor Dan Chiras provides you with the tools you need to green your home. In his new book, Green Home Improvement, you’ll read about tricks to save water and energy, basic DIY projects and more.
11/6/2008 2:39:20 PM
Looking for creative green building ideas? Check out this blog.
11/3/2008 4:04:10 PM
The DOE and NREL released a study outlining ways to build grocery stories and medium-sized businesses that need 50 percent less energy.
10/31/2008 5:01:25 PM
Investing in a new, energy-efficient furnace may save money in the long run, especially with increasing fuel costs. Read examples of how much you can save in different climates. Learn about the features that make gas and oil furnaces efficient and the importance of getting the right size furnace to optimize performance. Expert advice on choosing an energy-efficient furnace.
10/17/2008 11:15:31 AM
Mayors from across the country have created an alliance to facilitate green buildings for K-12 schools.
10/14/2008 10:20:51 AM
Sarah Susanka developed her “build better, not bigger” approach to architecture over 10 years ago. Since then, she’s expanded the “not-so-big” philosophy to include lifestyles, too. Find out what it takes to create a home that’s comfortable, inviting and sustainable.
9/30/2008 10:55:33 AM
Save forests, use local materials, build a durable house made of whole trees.
9/30/2008 10:23:26 AM
Here's why a heat pump might be a good choice for your home.
9/16/2008 8:59:16 AM
Are you looking for ways to save energy? You might want to take a closer look at your refrigerator, one of the biggest electricity users in your home. With a few simple tips, you can make sure your refrigerator is running as efficiently as possible. Also, here's how to tell if it's time to junk your old refrigerator, where to recycle it, and how to choose an efficient new fridge that meets your needs.
9/6/2008 11:56:30 PM
Arial homes — small, durable, efficient and inexpensive — can be constructed in one day and can provide those of limited means with a comfortable place to hang their hats.
9/4/2008 9:16:20 AM
Here's where you can find or build a press for making compressed earth blocks, and some helpful advice on sealants.
8/27/2008 12:39:29 PM
Buying or building a small home is a great way to significantly reduce your energy use, and you don’t have to sacrifice comfort or style to do so. If anything, having less house to furnish and decorate often means more budget for fewer items — resulting in small, efficient and beautiful abode. Read about the Speed family’s success with their custom made petite home in Franklin, Maine, and learn how you can make the most of minimal space to create an efficient and enjoyable home of your own.
8/27/2008 10:21:49 AM
With the rising cost of energy, making your home more energy efficient is no longer simply an admirable goal, it’s a necessity. Not sure where to start? Most of these recommendations can be implemented yourself, but you can also hire someone to do the work for you. In either case, here’s expert advice to help you slash your utility bills.
8/22/2008 12:10:46 PM
Don't choose vinyl: There is a greener option.
8/8/2008 9:07:31 AM
If you’re looking for a durable option to protect your new house or building, consider fiber cement siding. Here’s a short video with tips on cutting it for installation.
8/6/2008 11:10:37 AM
Ceiling fans are a great way to reduce your energy bills. By just the flip of a switch, they can make a room feel cooler in the summer or warmer in the winter. Here are some great reasons to either start using your existing fan or think about installing a new one to help you save on ever-increasing energy costs. Plus, learn how to select the best, most energy-efficient ceiling fan for your needs.
8/1/2008 2:37:29 PM
Are your granite countertops safe? Have you noticed a strange glow about them? Could they power a nuclear energy plant? Some granite has been found to be radioactive.
7/8/2008 1:08:46 PM
Green remodeling guidelines presents 10 case studies plus dozens of strategies for making your home eco-friendly.
6/10/2008 4:30:11 PM
The Healthy Building Network’s Pharos Project aims to tap the collective knowledge of green building experts and enthusiasts to answer questions about which green building products are best. Membership in the free online community is open to all enthusiasts who want to participate in the creation of a green building encyclopedia.
6/10/2008 11:01:34 AM
Here are some tips for making a new garage more environmentally friendly.
6/4/2008 10:06:02 AM
A green homes tour offers more than a look at heating systems and solar panels. You can learn about natural building materials, landscaping to reduce energy use and much more! As interest in green building increases, there’s a better chance you’ll find a green homes tour in your area.
5/13/2008 10:41:55 AM
Tubular daylighting devices allow you to bring natural light into your home without the energy loss inherent to skylights. For a few hundred dollars and a couple hours or labor, you can enjoy the benefits of soft, natural light — even in windowless rooms. And these lights use no electricity!
5/9/2008 11:45:30 AM
Try these approaches for a stylish, eco-friendly tub and shower.
4/29/2008 3:40:56 PM
Great Green Building Buys Green your house with BuildingGreen’s Top 10 Building Products. June/July 2008 By Laura Evers Looking for the best products to green your home? BuildingGreen’s annual Top 10 Green Building Products is a good place to start. Chosen by the editors of Environmental Building Ne
4/18/2008 9:12:13 AM
With the right constuction techniques, the straw bales in a straw bale home will last as long as the building does. Check out this expert advice on how to build durable straw bale houses.
4/16/2008 4:03:26 PM
Using energy from the sun to heat buildings is great for the environment and can cut your heating and cooling bills in half. With no pipes, pumps or motors, this method of heating and cooling is almost maintenance free, too. Better design and new technology make passive solar a wise choice for home heating and cooling. Read what three experts have to say about passive solar heating.
4/1/2008 8:58:52 AM
It takes a lot of energy to produce concrete, so when possible, it's good to look for substitute building materials. Here are a couple of options that might be good choices for a garage.
3/18/2008 3:59:47 PM
Concrete countertops have some big benefits: They're inexpensive and easy to install yourself. Check out the details here.
3/11/2008 1:02:08 PM
On-demand water heaters provide an “endless supply” of hot water, but are they really “green”? There’s no need to keep 40 gallons of water hot if it won’t be used for hours. If you choose the right “tankless” water heater, it will be a good financial investment and you’ll reduce your carbon footprint at the same time.
2/25/2008 9:17:07 AM
Three business partners created Wild Rose Timberworks over 15 years ago based upon shared values. Dealing directly with clients and doing nearly all the work themselves — by hand — became central tenets of the business. Wild Rose provides a truly handcrafted product at a reasonable price. The team has been able to accomplish this by remaining small, by tackling only one project at a time, by emphasizing skilled labor rather than expensive machines, and by discovering new ways to grow the business without increasing size or volume.
2/1/2008 12:00:00 AM
Thinking of building a home from scratch rather than remodeling? Architects Carol Venolia and Kelly Lerner provide compelling reasons for working with an existing building instead. Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House describes ways to “bring your home into harmony with nature.” The book is beautifully organized and contains abundant photographs and diagrams, valuable data and insights, personal experiences of the authors, and detailed case studies to further illustrate the benefits experienced by actual homeowners.
1/31/2008 10:11:15 AM
Mother Earth News' green homes editor offers remodeling advice for home owners interested in reducing their environmental footprint.
1/31/2008 10:06:19 AM
Mother Earth News' green homes editor discusses eco-friendly insulation options, and explains why some are greener than others.
1/28/2008 11:54:19 AM
Improving the energy efficiency of your home can save you money and reduce your carbon footprint. Learn how a home energy audit can help ? what it is and how to find a certified auditor, as well as useful resources to help you get the job done right.
1/24/2008 2:44:01 PM
From building green to green remodeling, with solar design and natural options.
12/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
When remodeling a house, consider using recycled building materials such as doors, light fixtures, flooring, mantles and cabinets.
11/30/2007 12:00:00 AM
As the winter breezes blow, don't turn up your thermostat. Instead, seal the air leaks in your house and stop those cold drafts. Stopping outside air from entering the house is an easy way to reduce your heating and cooling bills and make your home more comfortable.
11/13/2007 12:00:00 AM
Each winter, most of us break out extra blankets and sweaters to stay warm. In the same way, it's a good idea to outfit your home for winter weather. You can get your windows ready for the cold by taking steps to block drafts, and then add even more insulating power by hanging window treatments such as thermal drapes or window quilts. Take these easy steps now, and you can save energy and lower your heating bills this winter!
10/2/2007 12:00:00 AM
This Saturday you can take part in the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour. Attending a local tour as part of this national event is an easy way to show your support for renewable energy and a fun opportunity to learn more about home-scale solar, wind and geothermal systems as well as other green building options.
10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Follow these guidelines to build an easy and affordable solar hot water heater. Explore the various types of solar water heaters. Learn how a passive solar water heater can be simple to construct and reduce your utility bills.
10/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
Tour green buildings and learn about how others use renewable energy with the National Solar Tour, courtesy of the American Solar Energy Society. Now you also can view these homes online at cu.MotherEarthNews.com.
8/1/2007 12:00:00 AM
There are numerous ways to reduce home cooling costs, such as ceiling fans, natural ventilation, minimizing heat gain, weather sealing, insulating, window shading and glazing, roof lightening and landscaping.
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