SUSTAINABILITY
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Increasing wildfires around the world and documented severe drought—even in unexpected spots like Hawaii and the Sout...
Roaming the streets on foot might elicit stares in some car-dependent corners of the country, but did you know that t...
Since its inception as a kitchen superhero in the early 1900s, aluminum foil has transcended its traditional role in ...
Neem oil comes from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), a fast-growing member of the mahogany family nat...
In this age of rising fuel prices and heightened environmental consciousness, maximizing the efficiency of our everyd...
There are many reasons for homeowners to consider going solar in Southern California. First, the great weather ensure...
Beyond their conventional use, the remnants of a wood-burning fireplace hold surprising potential. In fact, in the 17...
If you have been in a lighting or hardware store recently, you may have noticed something missing—incandescent light ...
In today's age of rising energy costs and increasing environmental awareness, having an energy-efficient home has nev...
Air fryers make it easy to cook perfectly crispy foods without turning on the oven. But they’re good for more than ju...
When you hear about carbon emissions, you probably think about gas-powered vehicles, burning of fossil fuels to heat ...
Vehicles on the roads aren’t the only emitters of greenhouse gasses into our atmosphere. Use of gas-powered lawn equi...
Beyond a weekly mow and the occasional weed treatment, you probably don’t ponder your lawn and its purpose very much....
By now we’re all aware of smart plugs’ ability to control lights with voice commands or a smart device, but did you k...
Although not all of these methods will work all of the time, weed management should always begin with the most eco-fr...
Do you know how the SEER rating on your new air conditioner impacts your energy bill? How about HSPF of your heat pum...
Commercial fertilizer puts vital nutrients back into the soil, but it can be harsh on plants and the surrounding envi...
If you’re an avid woodworker, or if you frequently find yourself surrounded by the residue of carpentry projects, you...
Cohabitating with unwelcome critters is no one's idea of fun. Armed with a few basic tools and a bit of knowledge, ho...
Even when rain is in short supply, beautiful rain barrels are not. According to Surfrider. org, if your area gets 1 i...
Whether you own your own home or are renting from a landlord, you have a lot to stay on top of. Among other things, y...
Substances we now call “forever chemicals” have been in use worldwide since the 1940s. These per- and polyfluoroalkyl...
When you’re trying to eradicate weeds from your lawn or garden, the best choice is to choose sustainable and natural ...
Homeowners looking to install solar panels in their homes may feel overwhelmed by choosing an installation company. H...
Q: I recently moved and am ready to start focusing on my garden. A friend told me that I should plant flowers that at...
Q: I just bought a house and one of my first projects is removing an old, cracked concrete patio in order to replace ...
Every time you mow a lawn with a gas-powered mower, you’re adding new pollutants into the air. In fact, using a gas-p...
Despite an unusually wet winter, the southwestern United States is still facing a water crisis. Consecutive years of ...
Although many modern homes are equipped with air conditioning, and it may be your go-to solution for keeping the hous...
This is the third installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI ho...
Q: During a recent blackout, my neighbor and I kicked around the idea of alternative power sources. Besides solar and...
This is the second installment of Bob Vila’s Most Valuable Projects of 2023, a month-long series featuring high-ROI h...
If you routinely transfer your clean laundry directly from the washing machine into the adjacent dryer, it may be tim...
Earth Day has come and gone for over 50 years now (yep, it started in 1970), but it’s not always easy to commemorate....
While public charging points for electric vehicles are becoming more common, a home electric vehicle (EV) charger wil...
Energy-efficient home upgrades benefit the environment by reducing energy demands and air pollution, plus they can pu...
There are many benefits to gardening, including spending time outdoors, the satisfaction of growing plants from seed,...
You’ve probably heard the saying, “If something’s too good to be true, it probably is. ” While we wouldn’t necessaril...
Q: After 10 years, my carpet is worn out with matted and shredding fibers, stains, odors, and damaged padding. I am n...
In hands-on testing of five of the best compost tumblers on the market, the RSI Maze 65-Gallon Compost Tumbler topped...
The dawn of the electric car revolution is here, and enthusiastic drivers anticipate being able to shed their depende...
Life is surprisingly expensive. You pay for food, clothing, electricity, gas, water, insurance, vehicles, fuel, repai...
When updating or improving a home, saving energy and money are always top of mind—but when there's a hefty tax credit...
Are all types of wildflowers native plants? According to Iowa State University, there’s a distinct difference between...
If there is one thing that Arizona has to offer, it’s sunshine. The clear, dry air and southern latitude set up plent...
As people are growing tired of rising gas costs and the negative impact of fossil fuels, electric vehicles have start...
When temperatures fluctuate, it’s easy to flip on your home’s heating and cooling system and not think much about it....
Q: We just moved into a new home, and the previous owners left several old aerosol spray paint cans in the garage. I ...
Q: I just bought a new couch, and it’s going to be delivered next week. My old couch has certainly seen better days, ...
Q: A house I’m considering buying has a cistern. I know cisterns are used for water collection, but I don’t fully und...
Climate change is already shaping how people live. With more powerful hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves, and flooding...
How exactly do solar panels work with the electric grid to charge my electric car?A: Let's start with the basics. Mos...
Watching butterflies flit around the yard is one of life’s simple pleasures. Butterflies are not only calming to watc...
This article is part of Old House Appreciation with Bob Vila, a month-long series dedicated to showing you the best p...
Q: I have been hearing a lot about permaculture lately. How can I implement permaculture principles in my own garden?...
When installing off-grid solar power, a solar charge controller (or solar regulator) will function as the brain of yo...
From reducing energy usage and lowering utility bills to making it possible for users to adjust a home’s temperature ...
Increasing energy efficiency statewide can reduce emissions, including greenhouse gas and other pollutants. Energy ef...
As our culture wrestles with complex issues such as waste disposal, pollution, and sustainability, business-minded in...
Americans generated a staggering 103 million tons of food waste in 2018, according to the Environmental Protection Ag...
When it comes to repurposing everyday items, we could learn a thing or two from the Victorians. Especially during the...
The U. S Geological Survey defines drought as a “period of drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related...
Solar-powered lanterns are similar to traditional lanterns, but instead of relying on batteries or electricity to wo...
Solar-powered water pumps use the sun to generate power and efficiently move water from a well, storage tank, pond or...
Homesteading as a term can be derived from the Homestead Act of 1862, in which eligible adults who had not taken arms...
There are as many types of chickens as there are reasons to keep chickens in your backyard. For homeowners interested...
The Inflation Reduction Act that was recently passed by the U. S. Congress includes $369 billion for energy security ...
Is that old pile of bricks leftover from a previous project creating an eyesore on your property? While you can certa...
Whether you’re spring cleaning, renovating, or moving, that big empty rental dumpster in the driveway might seem like...
For the first time, the monarch butterfly has entered the endangered species list due to its dwindling numbers. With ...
If you’re curious about off-grid living, you may have heard of an Earthship. Earthship homes are built partially into...
Installing a residential wind turbine can help generate clean energy for your home, RV, or even a boat or camper. How...
Not only is sustainability in vogue, but it is becoming more critical as climate change and other environmental issue...
As wildfires rage, droughts persist, and heat waves impact much of the country, water restrictions are becoming more ...
Having a backyard chicken coop is a great step toward living more independently, plus, nothing beats farm-fresh eggs ...
Whether you’re looking for household essentials or gardening gear, there’s likely a sale on it right now, thanks to A...
Q: My car got a flat tire the other day. I was able to change the tire without issue, but I realized I don’t know how...
A worm composter is a tool that uses worms to break down food scraps as well as other organic material to create a va...
As we collectively expand our appreciation for the planet, shopping for eco-friendly products has never been an easie...
Choosing the right furniture for your home can be a daunting task. Where is it made? What materials were used? Will i...
Many people spend their lives dreaming of retiring to a warmer climate, but some are getting more than they bargained...
With building materials being a significant contributor to carbon emissions and sustainable solutions becoming more p...
Using a rain barrel is an easy way to lessen a household’s impact on the environment, and it helps to save some money...
While most pollinators can survive on a variety of plants, monarch caterpillars rely exclusively on milkweed. The pla...
No Mow May was started in 2019 by citizen scientists in the United Kingdom as part of a conservation study to support...
If you think vinegar is just for salads, think again. This inexpensive kitchen multitasker repels insects, removes rust, and cleans everything from tile to silver.
When clearing away items that no longer serve your household, some may still have plenty of value for someone else. G...
Furniture is one of the best things to buy secondhand, but this is only true when you choose the right pieces. Taking...
Need yards of fabric for a craft project, but don’t want to spend big bucks on fancy textiles? Look no further than y...
If your garden is your pride and joy, it can be exceedingly frustrating when animals nibble on your plants or dig aro...
You may recall learning about the 1930s Dust Bowl in history class. Droughts come and go, but the extreme drought cur...
North America is home to many native plants, but some species’ populations have dwindled because of environmental fac...
With knowledge comes responsibility, and that’s especially the case when it comes to taking care of our planet. These...
Gardening is an excellent way to spend time outside, grow your own food, and even reduce your environmental impact. I...
First popularized in 2019 in the United Kingdom, No Mow May has since taken root here in the United States. In 2020, ...
In 2021, solar energy accounted for 46 percent of all new electricity-generating capacity added in the United States....
You may already know that making your home more eco-friendly can increase your return on investment, but did you know...
Peat moss has long been a primary ingredient in seed starting and potting mixes, as well as a popular amendment to ga...
It’s exciting to give your home the facelift you’ve always wanted. However, renovations can also be drawn out and tir...
An incredible 92 percent of Americans are considering what they can do to make their spring cleaning practices friend...
Home wind turbines provide a way to independently generate power. They typically contain three blades and use the wi...
Rethink Your Definition of a Beautiful YardIt’s time to leave manicured, neat, and tidy lawns in the past and get bac...
Many towns designate certain days for curbside cleanup (aka bulk trash pickup), when residents can rid themselves of heavy, awkward, or unwieldy items. Here’s wha...
Eco-friendly cleaning products are becoming a staple in many households as buyers become more aware of toxic chemical...
Like decorating styles, landscaping trends come and go. Some of this year’s top trends sprang from our evolving desir...
As a gardener, you know how frustrating it is to put hours into your plot only to see it ravaged by pests. Every gard...
Plastic is a massive contributor to global waste and pollution. In fact, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)...
The best bamboo toilet paper has all the qualities of “regular” toilet paper—it’s plush, comfortable to use, and stro...
Q: I recently purchased a new television for my living room, but I’m unsure what to do with the old one. What are the...
Peat moss has been a top growing medium, especially for starting seeds, since the 1960s. Compressed pellets of peat m...
One of the biggest innovations in the housing market has been the introduction of 3D-printed homes, which builders ca...
What Is a Superfood?The term “superfood” refers to nutrient-dense, natural foods that studies have found to promote b...
A Cleaner, More Natural HomeMore and more of us are turning away from traditional cleaning products and toward eco-fr...
Invasive plant species often are ornamental plants that were introduced from other regions into ecosystems where they...
The average dehumidifier removes 4 to 10 gallons of water from the air each day, most of which gets poured down the d...
A drive through any American ghost town reveals buildings in various states of decay: collapsed roofs, fallen walls, ...
Two industry leaders have developed a greener approach to power tools for sustainability-minded DIYers. Black+Decker ...
As consumers, we create a massive amount of waste, filling up landfills with all of the products we’ve used and throw...
Q: Between delivery boxes filled with Styrofoam peanuts and takeout orders packed in Styrofoam containers, I always s...
The picture often painted of off-grid living is one of difficulty and hardship—of living without modern conveniences....
Changing the Way We Think About DesignOver the past 2 years, we’ve gone from lockdowns, remote working, and distance ...
If you’ve recently done some downsizing or decluttering, you may have taken a car full of items you no longer needed ...
Taking up a new hobby like gardening or woodworking ought to be an exciting challenge, but it can be tough to know wh...
While a backyard pool can be refreshing on a hot summer day, water that’s too cold can be downright shocking. Getting...
Eco-Conscious Meets Common SenseWe may not imagine our senior family members having much in common with today’s youth...
The kitchen is the heart of the home, but it’s also one of the places that can generate the most waste in a house. Wh...
Hang on to your old pillowcases—there's life in them yet! Here's how to transform them into new, useful items for your home.
About 40 million Americans move every single year, and they generate a lot of waste as they head from one residence t...
By definition, most estate sales are conducted after a death as a way of liquidating the decedent’s personal property...
If you’ve been throwing your dead Christmas lights in the trash, we get it. After spending what seems like all 25 day...
Each year, the average American uses seven trees’ worth of paper in products. This means that in the United States al...
Maybe you’ve heard about soil amendments and have wondered what the term might mean for your garden. If you want to h...
Reusable produce bags are becoming an essential shopping accessory. Just as reusable food storage bags provide a gree...
When we set out to build a new construction home, we had a lot of research to do. Having lived in city apartments for...
From the ground up, insulation is a necessity in the home. Tucked behind walls, nestled beneath floors, and hidden ab...
The quest for cleaner living doesn’t end with your daytime activities; man-made chemical ingredients lurk in your bed...
These are the best states for living a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle while reducing your dependence on public utilities.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the home furnishing brand developed The IKEA Virtual Greenhouse—a series of masterclasses about botany and sustainable living.
The “reduce, reuse, recycle” mantra popularized during the environmental movement of the 1970s has never been more relevant. Nevertheless, there's confusion about...
Find out what items are better off left on the counter than in the fridge.
Can houseplants clean the air inside your home? Learn about the research behind this health benefit and see the low-maintenance plants that will give your home a ...
Being home more doesn’t have to be expensive. Keep energy costs under control while you're staying safer at home with these easy tips for reducing energy consumpt...
There’s been a lot of buzz around backyard beekeeping recently. Here’s must-know info and helpful tips to help you enjoy this sweet pursuit!
You have the best intentions, but just because you don't want these things anymore doesn't necessarily mean they should be donated to the thrift store. Find out w...
Ready, set, compost! Turn your kitchen and garden scraps into black gold—homemade humus, that is—with compost bins in a variety of sizes, styles, and materials.
A more independent and sustainable lifestyle is closer than you might think.
Make today the start of an eco-friendly lifestyle change. Try these 20 easy ideas you can do right now to be kinder to the planet.
Don't assume a nice landscape has to break the bank. In fact, a smart landscape design plan can offset other home maintenance costs. See the best landscaping idea...
Don't toss your scraps into the trash. Learn how you can grow fresh produce from your leftovers and cuttings.
Don't hesitate any longer. Switching from single-use items to reusable goods is easy and affordable. Add these must-have reusable household supplies to your shopp...
Adopt these 12 home-energy saving ideas and save money on utilities.
Cut down on wasted water by eliminating these 12 drains on your wallet—and the planet.
As sustainability becomes more a lifestyle goal than merely an esoteric idea, homeowners are looking for new ways to “smarten up” their landscaping with eco-frien...
For those who've always wanted to build their own tiny home or garden room, the prospect may now be more realistic than ever! Find the perfect kit that suits your...
Leaving the lights on and blasting the furnace will cost you more in some states than others.
Don’t believe all the tips and tricks that promise to reduce your energy consumption.
Learn about the homegrown brands and family-inspired businesses that are transforming how we clean – from the inside out.
Instead of buying more, shop smart and cut down on waste this year – and every year. These 12 products will reduce waste and spending, and boost your quality of l...
Amazon is known for its competitive prices, but there are even more hidden deals on its website that you might not be aware of. The online store has a vast select...
You’ve heard of LEDs. You’re aware of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). So what’s the next big idea in home illumination? They’re called smart bulbs, and they co...
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate more than 250 million tons of trash every year. We constantly toss food waste, paper products...
Two billion people globally live with severe water scarcity. Small changes we can all make now will go a long way toward saving water—and our planet.
In the past few decades, solar panels have gone from an expensive novelty to an increasingly popular source of power generation. Today, more and more homeowners a...
There are many reasons Americans can be proud of their country: innovative creators, talented artists, and a naturally beautiful landscape that stretches from coa...
It's official: The world has a trash problem. Landfills are filling up, recycling is becoming more expensive and less attractive to municipalities, and a lot of t...
There's no better time than spring to give your home some serious deep cleaning. It's finally warm enough to wash your windows without freezing them shut, and now...
Life is expensive. Between the mortgage, insurance, car payments, and unexpected repairs, homeowners have a lot of money going out. It’s understandable, then, tha...
The first plastics were invented in the 1860s and were initially touted as substitutes for natural materials like ivory and tortoiseshell. Celluloid, for instance...
The terms "environmentally friendly," "ecological," and "green" are thrown around a lot these days, but there is no denying that many Americans are earnestly sear...
Every generation has a tendency to recycle trends and styles from the past. For some its rediscovering favorites of yesteryear, while for others it’s an introduct...
Nature’s supreme source of sour is capable of far more than adding a delightful tartness to your favorite foods. Slice up a few lemons and give these practical ho...
Olive oil is most commonly thought of as a kitchen staple, but for thousands of years it's also been used for all sorts of things that have nothing to do with foo...
Want to recycle more, but don't know what—and what not—to toss in the green bin? Recycling symbols have been imprinte...
Nearly every room in the house provides an opportunity to save money—if you know what to do. Check out our favorite cost-saving tips for your home, ranging from c...
Welcome feathered friends to your backyard with a DIY birdbath modeled after any of the following inspiring designs.
You turn off lights when you leave a room, combine errands to stretch a tank of gas, and run only full loads in your dishwasher. Yet even if you're following the ...
There's something rotten in America—and it's the trash! The average American creates 4 pounds of trash every day, and while that may not sound like a lot, it adds...
Longevity and luster make stainless steel a popular choice material for appliances, countertops, and other fixtures. ...
These days, it seems everything is made to be thrown away. Disposables litter our kitchens, closets, laundry rooms, and bathrooms, and the barrage of trash shows ...
We all know that plastic isn't exactly eco-friendly, so if you want to do your part to protect the planet, the best course of action is to reduce the amount of pl...
While the thought of destroying a hardcover tome might make some book lovers squirm, there does come a time when an old, musty, or damaged book may have outlived ...
Solidified carbon dioxide—better known as dry ice—is commonly used to freeze food or keep it cold longer than regular...
A homeowner's to-do list can seem endless, especially come spring. Paint the exterior. Mow the lawn (again and again ...
If you’ve ever taken a stem cutting from a plant and stuck it in a glass of water to grow roots, you’ve taken advanta...
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “the United States enjoys one of the world's most reliable and safest supplies of drinking water.” Occasionally,...
If you want lush healthy houseplants and garden growth but aren’t thrilled about paying for costly commercial foods w...
By now maybe you've seen Dr. Bronner's Castile soap in the personal hygiene aisle at your local grocery or health food store. While Castile soap isn't new—it's be...
Don't trash that dead telephone, scrap that torn sweater, or haul that lifeless bed frame to the junkyard just yet! As these functional and fanciful projects prov...
Deer are delightful romping through the forest but can wreak havoc in a garden, decimating vegetables, fruit trees, l...
Q: I notice neighbors’ sprinklers running at all hours of the day. What’s the best time to water grass, and how much ...
Wood floors add beauty and warmth to any home, but they do demand special care. Though there are plenty of commercial...
Despite our greatest efforts to minimize our use of plastic grocery bags by opting for reusable shopping bags, that pesky plastic always has a way of ending up in...
Q: Lately, when I take a shower, more water drips and runs out from behind the shower head faceplate than comes out t...
Whether you live in a centuries-old charmer or a modern marvel, you share something in common with the owners of home...
Reading the morning newspaper is a relaxing ritual for many people, but unfortunately, this admirable habit results in the waste of a lot of paper. Rather than si...
We’ve all seen the bottles of glass cleaner vying for our dollars on supermarket shelves. But there’s an economical a...
When its current owner first encountered this home on the shores of Truesdale Lake in Upstate New York, it was in a w...
Water conservation is at the forefront of gardeners’ minds in many parts of the country. Luckily, there are a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants that thrive ...
Believe it or not, showers use (and waste) more water indoors than any other single household activity or chore. In f...
Whether or not you have a slight shoe obsession, it seems that everyone has an abundance of old shoeboxes taking up space in the closet. Put those sturdy cardboar...
Don't toss that candle stub! Discover some creative ways to use the wax that is left after burning a candle.
No matter how hard you work to keep your kitchen and bathroom clean, they'll always look dingy if they're plagued by ...
Owning a home is expensive: There are property taxes and mortgages, tiny repairs and big maintenance projects, energy costs and water bills. After all's said and ...
You are reading one installment in a 10-part series devoted to exploring Mitsubishi Electric ductless heating and coo...
If you’re over the environmental impact of disposable wrapping paper, get creative. Use these household materials to make your gift packaging even more meaningful.
When your sink or shower drain gets clogged, it's pretty easy to figure out the cause. The perp is usually a disgusti...
Let’s face it, appliances don’t last forever. And when they bite the dust, we’re left wondering how to dispose of them. Here’s an idea: don’t! Instead, try one of...
Mention DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in a crowded room, and you’re likely to hear a chorus of dif...
There's been a lot of talk about light bulbs over the past few years. In 2012, after the new federal light bulb stand...
Rain gardens are essentially natural or man-made depressions on the property, which the homeowner fills with a variet...
For those who are lucky enough to own a swimming pool, this is the best time of year. But as you soak in the sun, you...
Is your lawn getting to be a real pain in the… grass? If your relaxing weekends have been supplanted by the never-ending work of mowing, fertilizing, watering, an...
An empty picture frame is the quintessential blank slate. Sure, you can fill it with a photo of your dog, a poster, or a drawing. But why not take it further? Wit...
One man's weed is another man's best friend. That's certainly true for many of the weeds that are found in backyards around the country. While some gardeners labo...
Essential for everything from bathing to eating, and from cleaning your house to maintaining your garden, clean water is one resource that is hard to go a day wit...
It turns out our grandmothers were right: There's little need for store-bought, chemical cleaners given that baking s...
Early American homes were rugged and rustic—the ultimate DIY project. Today, modern homesteaders can build a new house with the same frontier appeal by starting f...
When the skin of our hands gets dry and starts to crack a bit, we quickly reach for moisturizing lotion. The same log...
A new year is a great time to get rid all the junk that is cluttering your home. But some things are easier to dispose of than others. Many charitable organizatio...
Just think about how many different types of batteries exist. From non-mercury alkalines to lithium-ion rechargeables...
Homebuilding has only grown more sophisticated in recent years, with a far greater emphasis placed on energy efficiency. Though many elements of wall assembly hav...
Mutual Adoration, the artist couple turned furniture makers, have a love for salvaged materials. Their work reflects a respect for their materials history, but wh...
Lower maintenance lawns are becoming more and more popular. Finding ways to decrease the amount of grass in the yard can reduce your reliance on watering, chemica...
The dresser is a sturdy staple of almost every bedroom, but daily wear and tear can put even the best one into disrepair. When it's time to for a new dresser, don...
Until fruits and vegetables were available year-round at the grocery store, the root cellar played a vital role in da...
If you live in one of the many municipalities encouraging—or even mandating—an effort to recycle, your day-to-day now...
Whether you're building a new swimming pool or retrofitting your existing one, be proactive in pursuing the many new methods and technologies that can help you ke...
Wheels have come a long way since their Stone Age introduction. No longer just for transporting objects from place to place, wheels have become a starting point f...
Renovations, regardless of whether they are large or small, can be costly endeavors. You may, however, be able to rec...
Up until recently, buying a light bulb was probably as routine for most people as buying a carton of milk. But new li...
Everyone wants a green lawn. Not only does it look good, it reflects a pride of home ownership that is undeniable. Bu...
While technology is constantly giving us new ways of doing things, there are some things that stubbornly stay the same. Take the good old cardboard box, for examp...
Floors are an essential and important element in an interior design scheme. Small wonder, then, that the eye-catching...
Every time you dump used coffee grounds into the trash, you’re adding to the millions of tons of coffee waste that pi...
Spring is near, and for many that means coaxing the lawn back into shape. Growing grass can be frustrating and reward...
It’s easy to think green on Saint Patrick’s Day—in fact, it would be hard NOT to think green today! But with each pas...
The holiday season is rolling to an end, and you’ll soon be taking down your indoor and outdoor lights. Why not take ...
It’s always better to find a way to recycle or reuse an item than to send it to a landfill. Some creative designers o...
From recycled, canvas mail sack iPad cases to an in-home mini aqua farm, we've gathered 11 green gift ideas for the earth-minded person on your holiday shopping l...
It takes a whopping amount of water to sustain what many would regard as modest household usage. Imagine a family rou...
When you think about solar power, do you picture bulky panels protruding from rooftops? If so, think again. With the ...
Did you know that if it's made of nylon 6, your old carpet can be recycled? Over 200 million pounds of old carpet is...
Reclaimed wood floors give new life to old timbers. Made from lumber recycled from demolished buildings, heart pine,...
Wondering what to do with all those empty paint cans? See how others have cleaned and repurposed them into everything from smart storage to fun works of art.
Make your living room green—even if it’s blue—by choosing an all-natural, eco-friendly house paint. Here are 10 of the best.
This is nothing new: For thousands of years, people have been living in shelters made from earth-based building mater...
The typical U. S. household can use 40 to 60 gallons a day on average just to water lawns and gardens. About half tha...
Almost everyone by now should be familiar with the phrase LEED-certified—a program developed by the U. S. Green Build...
On August 29, 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast, bringing category-3 winds and tidal surges that de...
The Environmental Protection Agency says that an estimated 4. 8 billion gallons of water are flushed down the toilet ...
Water has now become one of the world's most precious commodities, so we all need to become more water-wise. However,...
Only a few years ago, environmentally sensitive home products were hard to find and even harder to afford. But as ene...
Geothermal heat represents about two percent of the total heating market in the U. S. , with more than 1. 3 million s...
Great home style isn’t about having the newest, most expensive furnishings and accessories. Interior re-designers, or...
Defining Green Despite all the progress that has been made to educate consumers and home industry professionals on al...
Before you plunge into a green home or remodeling project, take a minute to consider why upfront planning can be so i...
Where to StartToday’s HVAC is more than just the equipment that heats, ventilates, and cools our home. It is the inte...
What Is Greenwashing?Greenwashing is the practice of falsely advertising one’s product, company or practice as “green...
With the increased emphasis on saving the environment and costs, there is renewed interest in “advanced framing” cons...
A walk down any big-box store’s cleaning products aisle will tell the story: It’s evident by the noticeable increase ...
Searching for a cleaning product nowadays can be a complicated matter. All sorts of different specialized cleaners li...
Every green-minded homeowner dreams of solar panels, high-efficiency windows and low-flush toilets. The reality check...
Consumers who are thinking about conservation, convenience, and green issues alike will find an enormous range of “sm...
Rather than trying to dominate or overrun nature, some companies are being inspired by it, and with good reason. Over...
What is a green home? While “green” has yet to be given a universally accepted definition, a green home would be defi...
The green movement is in full swing: from organic foods to energy-efficient appliances to greener cleaning products, ...
As a freelance writer and book author, Linda Mason Hunter spends many hours holed up in her home office. It has all t...
More and more renovators, house hunters, architects and construction companies are paying attention to energy-saving ...
This renovated Manhattan townhouse proves once and for all that beauty and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.
Back in 2005, when Paul Gleicher and his wife Lisa Sharkey began to gut-renovate their 1885 Manhattan townhouse, the ...
Home renovation is big business. And if you think renovation generates a ton of construction work, just think of the ...
As you plan landscaping for your yard, consider the potential of bringing it to the roof. The benefits of reduced runoff, improved insulation and longevity may b...
Do you suffer from seasonal allergies? A natural remedy waits in your backyard: locally produced honey. To date, scie...
With imagination and elbow grease, you can transform that old door into a one-of-a-kind piece that's both useful and beautiful.
The demand for fresh water continues to grow, and the easiest way to meet that demand is simply to waste less of it. ...
Americans love our lawns, and we would like to save some time maintaining those green spaces while also maintaining c...
With a little ingenuity, you can move your antique armoire into the 21st century without sacrificing any of the furniture's old-fashioned charm.
Standing in her kitchen, she knew the handsome stranger wasn't like the other men in her life, when he pulled her clo...
Average Americans are flushing money down the drain. Oh, maybe not literally money—but most US homes still have one ...
In Milan, Italian apartment dwellers will soon have the chance to live in the middle of a forest, 20 floors up. After...
These days, everyone tries hard to subscribe to the 3R’s— Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Home design is all over that trend, and has its own 3R’s— Recycle, Repurpose, Re...
Whether you live in a hot or cold climate, the most important area to insulate is your attic floor. This fully insula...
Showers account for more than a fifth of the water Americans use every day. You can conserve more of this precious re...
Did you know that you could save 20% on your water bill just by replacing your toilet? Most conventional toilets hog ...
60% to 70% of the homes in the U. S. contain carpeting made from nylon, polyester, or vinyl—materials dependent on no...
Irrigating your yard can really be wasteful and expensive; clean water is a precious commodity, and not just in deser...
By now we all know that recycling’s the way to go, but to get your whole family on board, you need a system that’s ea...
It’s a great idea to shop for green products, but don’t forget to factor transport into the true cost of what you’re ...
In a bid to reduce waste and keep plastics out of the nation’s waterways and oceans, Seattle joins a growing number o...
For Paul Burns, Founder and Chief Ceramicist at Fireclay Tile, the deafening sound of crushing porcelain toilets is s...
In a major push to green its global operations, DuPont Building Innovations, the makers of Corian and Tyvek building ...
House hunting for your fine feathered friends? Here are some fun designs to make or buy.
To achieve a greener lawn, you don’t have to layer on the artificial fertilizers and toxic pesticides. Using natural ...
Test Your Shower UsageShowers account for more than one-fifth of the water Americans use every day. We can conserve m...
Factor in TransportationIt’s a great idea to shop for green products. Fortunately, they’re becoming easier to find. B...
Think Before You TossDeconstruction is the new demolition. Instead of gutting a project and sending the whole shebang...
The way to a young person’s conservation-conscious heart is through active learning—and maybe some candy. Kids love t...
The development where we chose to build our house is about 2 miles from the beach. We can ride our bikes to the state...
Looking for an inexpensive backyard office or a tiny house in the woods? Check out the growing field of container arc...
Whether you're lucky enough to have once-weekly curbside service, or you have to transport your paper, glass, metal a...
Final countdown to spring! Time to park the parka and whip out the windbreaker. Don’t have one or looking to buy some...
Thanks to a new crop of thoughtfully designed Rubbermaid recycling products, corralling kitchen recyclables has never...
Living in the northeast and being a "pool-free" homeowner, I rarely think about the luxury enjoyed by countless homeo...
With the fun and excitement of the holidays behind us, it's time to do what seemed unthinkable only a couple weeks ag...
What is LEED Certification? As green building hits the mainstream, you’ll continue to hear many new terms. One of the...
At the 19th Annual Canstruction Design/Build Competition—an art show and food drive benefiting City Harvest—some of N...
This winter, keep the birds happy and fed with one of these fully functionally yet delightfully decorative feeders.
The South Bronx The South Bronx’s reputation conjures up violent street life in the shadow of menacing apartment tow...
Set Up an Easy Recycling SystemOn average, Americans recycle less than a third of our waste. If we doubled our effort...
In a new survey sponsored by Siemens and the Economist Intelligence Unit, San Francisco outpaced 27 other major metro...
Despite what you may have heard—the incandescent light bulb is not going the way of the dinosaur. "It will, however...
Although roughly 75 percent of the Earth is covered with water, the reality is that less than 1 percent of that water...
Bob introduces homeowner Howard Brickman. Steve Ivas, an environmental engineer, describes the area wetlands, which must be accommodated. Innovative building tech...
Work is being done on the roof—laying Deck-Armor and installing metal roofing and photovoltaic panels. Bob talks with Jeff Wolf from GroSolar about the photovolta...
The new addition's footprint is essentially a whole other house, yet it will integrate visually with a matching roofline to the existing house. New technologies h...
In West Palm Beach, FL, the American Lung Association has sponsored a designer showhouse that highlights a healthy home. Bob’s house tour focuses on the baby’s ba...
Bob visits the South Bronx, NY, where Habitat for Humanity has partnered with private developer Les Bluestone to create a green oasis for low-income families that...
Architect Mary Kennedy and Bob tour her Georgian Colonial family home in Westchester County, NY. After a flood ruined the house, the challenge was to salvage and ...
Bob visits with architect Alan Shope who has built a unique earth-bermed house at his farm in Upstate New York.
Bob reviews the bathrooms, discusses the importance of carbon monoxide detectors, and highlights some fun touches in the basement, such as his mini wine cellar an...
Bob asks about the benefits of water purification and tours the Kinetico plant just outside of Cleveland to find out how the quality of the water is improved.
Bob discusses the best ways to discard debris and unwanted items before starting a renovation.
Old gutters are replaced and external landscaping continues with the trimming of a tree, installing a front garden, and creating steps from recycled granite.
Bob meets with Bill Zoeller to discuss the ways this property will be 50% more energy efficient that a typical Florida Home.
Bob does a walkthrough of the finished Punta Gorda home. He discusses sustainable gardening, water conservation and low-maintenance plants. Then he joins Leslie...
Cindy O'Reilly is on site with Bob to install the natural bamboo, sliding-panel shades.
Ken Micklow and Trent Culleny talk with Bob about native, storm-resistant gardening. Then Carm DiBella shows Bob an environmentally friendly termite protection s...
Angela Polo and Ken Micklow shows Bob how to work with native plants, discuses fertilizers and pest control. They also discuss how to plant to protect from high w...
Bob meets with Lenora Campos of Toto USA, the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. Campos introduces Toto's Mercer line of residential fixtures, giving speci...
Bob meets with Lenora Campos from Toto USA, a leader in water technology and the largest toilet manufacturer in the world. Campos introduces Bob to the dual-flush...
Robert Kirkpatrick from Rinnai joins Bob to explain the tankless hot-water system being installed in the Manhattan Brownstonel.
Bob talks with Ron Holen from Georgia-Pacific as the finishing touches are completed on the redwood front porch deck. Bob also visits with farmers at Cedar Mounta...
Bob explains how the Kinetico water purification system works and reviews the A.O. Smith ProMax 75 gas-fired water heater.
Bob talks with Deane Evans (from the Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing) and Ren Anderson (from the National Renewable Engergy Laboratory) about phot...
Bob takes a helicopter tour of the major reforestation efforts underway on Mount St. Helens.
Bob tours Civano, a housing development in which a variety of earth-friendly construction approaches have been utilized.
Bob tours a model home in the Civano development, keeping his eye out for special features and decorating ideas.
Janet MacIlvaine and George James (from the Department of Energy) show Bob how they conduct a blower door test.
Bob checks in with Greg Rockland, the plumber installing a marble countertop in the loft conversion unit.
A high-efficiency Buderus boiler is installed, and Steve Offutt (from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) explains the national Energy Star program.
Bob visits the Yestermorrow Design Build School in Warren, VT, which espouses a unique philosophy on architecture. Bob meets with students and discusses their pro...
The roof types of surrounding homes are discussed, together with the possibilities that exist for the project house. As roof demolition begins, Bob addresses the ...
Bob reviews the framing before heading inside to meet environmental specialist John Picard, who explains some of the features that make the Malibu beach house env...
Two recycled windows are used to create one large window. Once carpenter Bob Ryley demolishes the old frame, supports are installed to hold up the new combined wi...
Flooring contractor Leo Boudreau shows Bob how to recycle hardwood flooring. First, the floor must be salvaged. A pry bar is used to lift and remove the wood, pie...
The crew lowers the recycled "ell" onto the new foundation with a crane.
Bob talks with David Cross (formerly of Tampa Armature Works) about the future of home construction with steel shipping containers.
