With the Grain » green building

How to Be Self-Sufficient at Home

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:14:19 +0000

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:

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.

Green Home Improvement

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 12 May 2009 14:19:39 +0000

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!

Recycled Glass Countertops

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:29:00 +0000

Did you know that you could have a countertop in your kitchen or bathroom make from recycled glass? For those looking to incorporate many green features, are trying to have all green features, in their home this is particularly appealing. It is as hard as concrete, as damage resistant as granite, and is extremely durable making it stand the test of time.

Where can you get recycled glass countertops, you ask? Good question! Here are some links to lead you:

If you haven’t noticed, these countertops come in a wide variety of colors and styles suitable for just about any design plan. Because this is such an eco-friendly alternative to the typical countertop addition during a standard build, this type of home improvement project is surely to raise in popularity.

Use of Reclaimed Wood Flooring

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:34:00 +0000

It seems like whenever you turn on a home improvement show, or a home decorating show, use of hardwood floors is highly recommended and incorporated into designs. This is for a variety of reasons including the wood floor’s durability, it’s beauty, how wood floors reduce allergens, and how easy they are to maintain.

More and more, there are also those teaching how to use reclaimed wood flooring in green designs. Those who are environmentally conscious are particularly interested in this flooring option, therefore learning about its use seems second nature. Here are some links to guide you:

Something about using a piece of wood, or several pieces of wood, that has a history is particularly appealing. What was this wood used for before? How many people over the years have used this wood, or walked upon these planks? It’s very interesting!

Going "Green"

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:30:00 +0000

What does “going green” mean to you?

Are you interested in doing some “green” home improvements? Before making this move, it’s important to really understand what green concept are. Here is a good definition:

“Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use resources — energy, water, and materials — while reducing building impacts on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better siting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal.” — Wikipedia.org

Green home improvements is rapidly growing in popularity. Be aware of the marketplace’s stance on green products when you’re out and about making your choices. There are some imposters claiming to be green in order to cash in on the “craze,” so be sure to do your homework and be an informed consumer.

Check out the Wikipedia.org

Green home improvements is rapidly growing in popularity. Be aware of the marketplace's stance on green products when you're out and about making your choices. There are some imposters claiming to be green in order to cash in on the "craze," so be sure to do your homework and be an informed consumer.

Check out the National Association of Home Builders for more information about "going green" with your home improvments.

"> National Association of Home Builders for more information about “going green” with your home improvements.