Archive for the ‘Lifestyle’ Category

Responsible Homeownership: Recognizing Hazards

Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010

Eric Stevenson is a guest blogger for GreenHomeImprovement.com–and we’re happy to have him!   Read on for more on how to be responsible and green in your own home.

Unfortunately, older homes often contain materials we might not even be aware of. Because homes constructed decades ago were not subject to modern regulations, dangerous chemicals might sit dormant in these homes, waiting to get exposed. However, allowing these chemicals to exist in homes is an irresponsible response many homeowners are willing to take.  Unfortunately, permitting the presence of toxic materials does not just threaten the home owner, but anyone who might ever become exposed to these concentrated materials in the future as well. (more…)

Green Gardens–thoughts on Landscaping from GHI

Tuesday, August 17th, 2010

A few of my friends have recently done improvements to their yards, and between them, they covered a variety of landscaping elements, from new grass and plants, to water conservation, to just composting.  And it got me thinking about how to create greener backyards, and what stylistic and functional elements are best for the environment—both local and global.  We at GreenHomeImprovement.com compiled some tips for homeowners, taken from our landscaping pros and a few savvy clients, for how best to make home landscaping and gardening green.

1. Choose wisely (more…)

Eco-Dome on the Range

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

Back in the distant ‘70s, up in the foothills above my family’s suburban tract home, you could discern the fine line of demarcation where the small, subdivided parcels quickly progressed from squarefeet to acres and cookie-cutter boxes to custom-built estates. Doctors in Tudor mansions next to lawyers in sprawling Ranch houses and Cape-Cod gabled manors sharing wide, tidy streets with Tuscan villas. Basically, it was a gated community without the gates. Whenever a lowland commoner like me ventured into the refined air of “The Estates,” the uneasy feeling of being watched was confirmed when the Westec security car followed my rusty Ford Pinto back down the hill.

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