With the GrainHome Improvement Tips and Tricks

Let’s face it; being more self-sufficient should be touching most of our lives by now.  However, taking this step is difficult for many.  There are a number of ways to be more self-sufficient in our homes, and in an economy that’s struggling as ours is, it could help to explore and implement some or all of these strategies.

Here are some links to lead you:

• Homesteading, self-reliance, self-sufficiency, country living
• How to Become Self-Sufficient With a Passive Solar House
• How to Achieve Self-Sufficient Living Without Utility Costs or a Big Mortgage

Research this topic thoroughly before embarking upon costly home improvements or extensive DIY projects.  Start small, and then work your way up.  There may be grants available in your area, or low-interest home improvement loans geared toward projects such as these.

Whenever I think of home improvement, I can’t help thinking that most improvements already follow green standards because, well, there’s wood involved.  And, for the most part (unless it is chemically treated), wood is “green.”  However, it wasn’t until I started learning about “green” building in 2005 that I learned there are a lot of not-so-green ways of building and renovating.  Thinking completely “green” when working on home improvements is not nearly as simple as I thought it would be.

Do you understand what green building is?  Here is a good explanation, as well as tips to help guide you though green building: Definition of Green Building.

Once you have a firm understanding of what green building, and what green home improvements are, you’ll be able to better create your list of goals (do you want to use only green products, are you trying to be more energy efficient, etc.).  Good luck!