Mother Earth News Green Homes

Why a White Roof Is a Cool Roof, for the Planet and Your Pocketbook

By Amanda Kimble-Evans — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:18:42 CST

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.

Radon Testing and Dogs that Sing the Blues

By�Megan Phelps — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:31:15 CST

I think testing your home for radon is a good idea, and these dogs agree with me!

Energy-recovery Ventilators: Ventilate Your Home with Minimal Energy Loss

By Dan Chiras — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:53:24 CST

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.

A Visit to Greensburg

By�Megan Phelps — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:19:39 CST

Earlier this month I visited Greensburg, Kan., and toured a few of its many green buildings. Here's what I found.

Have You Used Low VOC Paint?

By�John Rockhold — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:53:04 CST

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?

See Solar Homes Near You! 5 Reasons to Attend the National Solar Tour

By Megan Phelps — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:34:50 CST

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.

Cut Your Energy Costs This Winter

From EERE Network News — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 09:26:56 CST

The Department of Energy's "Stay Warm, Save Money" website offers tips for keeping your home warm at little�or no�cost.

It's Almost Time for the 2009 Solar Decathlon

By Anna Flin — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 11:17:58 CST

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.

New Energy-efficiency Standards for Televisions

From EERE Network News — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:30:45 CST

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.

Watch Straw Bale Building in Action

By�Megan Phelps — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:06:20 CST

Check out this interesting video showing the construction of the Builders without Borders Straw Bale Eco-House.