tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61818754661997165972012-02-16T04:30:36.915-08:00Hints, Tips, and Ruminations on living GreenJonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.comBlogger331100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-79407498239493573232008-09-29T06:00:00.000-07:002008-10-01T08:21:56.537-07:00

As we all know, running your dishwasher consumes energy, water, and perhaps most importantly chemicals in order to perform its intended function. As a result why not consider the myriad ways to make your dishwashing experience a greener one. By adhering to the below mentioned ten tips, your dishwasher can and will be more environmentally friendly than hand washing.1. Go for the full loadBefore

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-7243292442380486832008-09-22T06:00:00.000-07:002008-09-26T10:19:26.574-07:00

California scientists today announced a formula to calculate how much carbon dioxide (CO2) can be offset by increasing the reflectivity of urban surfaces like rooftops. The news was announced at the California Energy Commission's Fifth Annual Climate Change Research Conference."White roofs can cut a building's energy use by 20 percent and save consumers money," says California Energy Commissioner

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-16927276765218862442008-09-15T06:00:00.000-07:002008-09-26T09:48:07.042-07:00

Water efficiency can be defined as the accomplishment of a function, task, process, or result with the minimal amount of water feasible. It should be noted that there is a difference between water conservation and water efficiency. Water efficiency differs from water conservation in that it focuses on reducing waste. A proposition is that the key for efficiency is reducing waste, not restricting

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-35949776935899704722008-09-08T06:00:00.000-07:002008-09-26T09:32:14.536-07:00

In its most basic form, energy efficiency is using less energy to provide the same level of energy service. Efficient energy use is achieved primarily by means of a more efficient technology or process rather than by changes in individual behavior. That being said, the following strategies contribute to the goal of becoming more energy efficient:• Passive design strategies can dramatically affect

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-18781519336380375282008-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:002008-09-26T09:04:37.822-07:00

The concept of sustainable building incorporates and integrates a variety of strategies during the design, construction and operation of building projects. And while all aspects of sustainable building are important, perhaps none is more important than resource efficiency which can be accomplished by utilizing materials that meet the following criteria:• Recycled Content: Products with

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-49597840096096348072008-08-25T06:00:00.000-07:002008-08-26T06:05:14.114-07:00

As an environmentally conscious homeowner, you know how important it is to buy green. That being said, do you ever wonder just how green the companies and products they represent are? Fortunately, a number of different programs are available that have certified products to give them the all-important, official green stamp of approval. Below are four that should be beneficial to you.Green

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-28159124994234312572008-08-18T06:00:00.000-07:002008-08-25T06:24:55.542-07:00

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage said today it is one of the first mortgage lenders in California to market a new construction solar home program. Wells Fargo will let home builders pass the state's solar rebate directly to buyers at loan closing to use with their down payment or as a permanent interest-rate buy down to lower monthly payments. In the past, builders would simply reduce the price of a

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-15865104394578242082008-08-11T06:00:00.000-07:002008-08-11T19:32:41.710-07:00

Regardless of what part of the house your remodeling project takes place in, there are good work practices that you can use to help minimize or prevent indoor air and other indoor environmental problems. These practices include the following:1. Correct the underlying cause of any problem.For example, if you are repairing a damaged paint surface, look to see what might have caused the damage, e.g

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-51740263271634058652008-08-04T06:00:00.001-07:002008-08-08T06:30:39.655-07:00

The term "non-toxic" is used here in its broadest sense. With paints and finishes, it's more a matter of degree. Even Zero-VOC formulations contain some small amounts of toxins. Here are three general categories of non-toxic (or low-toxic) paints: Natural Paints, Zero VOC, and Low VOCNatural Paints and Finishes - These are paints made from natural raw ingredients such as water, plant oils and

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-33870481229431315802008-07-28T06:00:00.000-07:002008-08-01T05:38:30.834-07:00

Radiant heating systems involve supplying heat directly to the floor or to panels in the wall or ceiling of a house. The systems depend largely on radiant heat transfer: the delivery of heat directly from the hot surface to the people and objects in the room via the radiation of heat, which is also called infrared radiation. Radiant heating is the effect you feel when you can feel the warmth of a

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-32663245924804105232008-07-21T06:00:00.000-07:002008-07-21T07:42:31.598-07:00

It goes without saying that the housing market is in one of the tougher periods experienced in decades, a period not seen since the Great Depression (according to those that draw such comparisons). In fact, experts have predicted that 2008 sales could be down more than 40% from their peak of a few years ago.The question remains though . . . what if you really need to sell your home right now?

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-89684165654828776282008-07-14T06:00:00.000-07:002008-07-15T06:50:15.781-07:00

Pacific Coast Builders Conference is home building's premier tradeshow and conference — an annual event bringing together the people who imagine, design and create our neighborhoods and communities of the future. Held every June in San Francisco, PCBC draws over 26,000 residential builders, developers, architects, financiers, product manufacturers, and consultants from the industry.At the

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-89116789762900348682008-07-07T06:00:00.000-07:002008-07-14T16:39:36.751-07:00

An important tool in the effort to build greener buildings and live greener lives is the selection of products that were made using environmentally friendly processes and are used in environmentally friendly ways.Green products are available for just about any daily need, and the ways they are green are many and varied: They are energy or water efficient; they use healthy, non-toxic materials;

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-64042609497686030242008-06-30T06:00:00.000-07:002008-07-03T22:44:37.993-07:00

Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbsCFLs can be a huge energy saver and typically have a much longer life than other bulbs. Replace some (or all) of your incandescent bulbs with fluorescents and enjoy reductions in heat production, energy use and electric bills. Changing five of the most frequently used bulbs in your home can save you $100 per year on electric bills.Program your

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-81068266178711111992008-06-23T06:00:00.000-07:002008-07-07T06:01:40.120-07:00

The Home Energy Saver is designed to help consumers identify the best ways to save energy in their homes, and find the resources to make the savings happen. The Home Energy Saver was the first Internet-based tool for calculating energy use in residential buildings. The project is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as part of the national ENERGY STAR Program for improving energy

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-82149779457768794812008-06-16T06:00:00.000-07:002008-06-19T07:22:16.264-07:00

By now we are all aware that conventional plastics are wreaking havoc on the environment. At the same time life without plastics is somewhat unrealistic these days. By reducing your use of plastic, choosing plastic products carefully, and using them safely — you can reduce the risks that plastics pose to you, your family and the environment. Here now for you is the “Smart Plastics Guide”.In

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-87472120338987464762008-06-09T06:00:00.000-07:002008-06-11T08:56:02.641-07:00

In an effort to make green home design accessible to all, FreeGreen provides a selection of green home designs for free, with a range of styles from traditional to modern. While the basic designs are free, homeowners can take the process even further and customize their designs for an additional (and very reasonable) fee. The cost of the design process, and of the free home plans, is kept to a

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-84223705912176787062008-06-02T06:00:00.000-07:002008-06-02T21:37:50.573-07:00

What is deconstruction?In the context of physical construction, deconstruction is the selective dismantlement of building components, specifically for re-use, recycling, and waste management. It differs from demolition where a site is cleared of its building by the most expedient means. Deconstruction has also been defined as “construction in reverse”. The process of dismantling structures is an

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-83265840367875200462008-05-26T06:00:00.000-07:002008-05-28T06:46:47.603-07:00

Ever truly stop to think just how much junk mail is generated and mailed to you on a weekly basis? Multiple that millions of times over and, well to say we're killing a tree in doing so is a severe understatement. By curtailing the sending of junk mail we are ostensibly saving whole forests. With that in mind. . .Ever wanted to stop receiving credit card applications, unwanted catalogs, magazines

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-27480724832443858072008-05-19T06:00:00.000-07:002008-05-19T06:00:31.096-07:00

What is a NWF certified Garden For Wildlife?In essence it means that you are building and maintaining your yard in such a way that it provides the essential elements for healthy and sustainable wildlife habitats, thus earning you the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat program award.In order to qualify and receive your personalized certificate you will need to provide

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-41742791880444902582008-05-12T06:00:00.000-07:002008-05-12T06:37:46.567-07:00

Traditional household paints contain a vast number of chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a large group of carbon-based chemicals that are volatile, meaning that they like to exist as a gas. The type and amount of VOCs in household paint varies with the type and brand of paint, but traditional household paints generally contain many VOCs, including benzene,

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-58423936528591893652008-05-05T06:00:00.000-07:002008-05-05T07:59:33.492-07:00

Your choice of flooring material will affect everyone in your home for decades and have substantial impacts on the environment at large. Floors usually account for more surface area than anything else in a house except the walls, so they have an outsized effect on indoor air quality. Adults, children and pets will walk on them, play on them, sit on them, wear them down and breathe anything they

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-38362033159739715462008-04-28T06:00:00.000-07:002008-04-29T21:41:13.965-07:00

About LocalHarvestLocalHarvest is America's #1 organic and local food website that maintains a definitive and reliable "living" public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources. Their search engine helps people find products from family farms and local sources of sustainably grown food, and encourages them to establish direct contact with small farms in

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-71514563108090626972008-04-21T06:00:00.000-07:002008-04-21T07:44:19.429-07:00

What is xeriscaping?Literally, the word xeriscaping comes from a combination of two other words: "xeri" derived from the Greek word "xeros" for dry; and "scape", meaning a kind of view or scene. While xeriscape translates to mean "dry scene," in practice xeriscaping means simply landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings.California's limited

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-35197070227457187402008-04-14T06:00:00.000-07:002008-04-14T06:43:24.707-07:00

As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. As a result, making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills — and your comfort. Take these steps to increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system.Change your air filter regularlyCheck your filter every month,

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-76238888320045400962008-04-07T06:00:00.000-07:002008-04-06T20:41:09.706-07:00

The air quality in your home and workplace directly affects your health. The average adult breathes approximately 13,000 liters of air each day, along with whatever Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and other pollutants happen to be in the air. Your immune system works to protect you from harmful toxins your body encounters, but it can only handle so much. If you overload your body with too many

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-33631639883326387972008-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:002008-03-31T06:01:02.026-07:00

About ENERGY STAR ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2007 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-48987513210787278962008-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:002008-03-25T22:17:20.550-07:00

In light of the fact that the recent post I did on the inherent hazardous waste associated with CFLs generated so many phone calls and emails to me, I thought it was time to turn you on to a new program I recently discovered.Osram Sylvania, Viola Environmental Services and the U.S. Postal Service have grouped together to help recycle CFLs (compact fluorescent light bulbs). Though considered the

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-89090275436383173712008-03-17T06:00:00.000-07:002008-03-16T22:09:08.886-07:00

You have decided to join the fast-growing trend of eco-friendly living and want to purchase a green home. As with so many “green” products currently available, from organic milk to hybrid cars, it’s tough to know if the house you’d like to buy is good for the environment. So how do you determine what makes a house green? Going Green: Where to Start The first step is ensuring that the house is

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-45310804334988421122008-03-10T06:00:00.000-07:002008-03-10T07:51:22.695-07:00

The debate over the eco-friendliness of compact fluorescent lights (CFL’s) has garnered a lot of media attention lately, largely due to the bulbs' mercury content and the fate of all that mercury once it winds up in landfills or if the bulbs get broken inside a home. In actuality, the amount of mercury in CFLs is relatively small, approximately 5 milligrams (mg), which is roughly equivalent to

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-81072458226486527572008-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:002008-03-14T19:28:17.574-07:00

The sun is out, the torrential winter storms are becoming a distant memory, and all eyes are on spring and summer. And yet even though our reservoirs are at healthy levels, it is still critically important that we strive to restrict our water usage to allow for future years that will invariably bring us less water than our county will need. In light of this I felt it important to point out that

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-42210553007922718282008-02-25T06:00:00.000-08:002008-02-25T06:32:37.077-08:00

Carbon offsets are really quite simple. We are all responsible for carbon dioxide emissions in some way or another, whether it’s through our driving, heating and cooling of our homes, cutting the lawn, or watching TV. Carbon offsets represent the act of reducing an equal amount of carbon somewhere else to counterbalance the carbon emissions from your energy-using activities (called your “carbon

Jonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01842007355736648698noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6181875466199716597.post-37101595893331053252008-02-18T10:57:00.000-08:002008-02-25T06:31:20.804-08:00

A decade ago most people associated environmentally-sound home building with unsightly solar panels and bad water pressure. That's no longer a worry. Today the majority of houses that meet the U.S. Green Building Council definition of a "green" home - one that uses less energy, less natural resources and fewer toxic chemicals - are indistinguishable from their traditionally constructed neighbors.

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