It’s Earth Day today, and in fact, it’s the 40th Earth Day to be celebrated since its inception.

In the past forty years we’ve come a long way in changing our ways to protect the earth, but as much progress as we’ve made we still have a lot of work ahead of us. Remember Al Gore on the scissor lift pointing out the spike in data? We need to make sure he doesn’t have to reach any higher than he already is to show our impact.

The inconvenient truth about getting on board with greener practices is just that, it can be slightly inconvenient to abandon our old routine and commit to a new one. It can be inconvenient to buy products that may cost more money. It can be inconvenient to actually think through all of our actions beforehand. But, in the end, if everyone took more time to consider their actions, maybe the end result would be a healthier planet for us and for our future.

Here are some of my resolutions for the coming year to help out the Earth, maybe you’ll want to add these resolutions to your list too:

1. Avoid “hypernesting”:  Hypernesting is a term I recently read about from the Apartment Therapy book The 8 Step Home Cure by Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan. It’s the perfect name for the increased interest homeowners have of buying more and more things to outfit their home. With all the buying going on, and not a lot of getting rid of anything we are faced with an overload of “stuff,” hence, a constant need to “organize”.  But, as Gillingham-Ryan suggests, it’s not so much that homeowners “are in need of more organizing; we need to manage our consumption, let go of our stuff, and learn how to restore life to our homes.”

Managing our consumption is the key. Stop buying simply to buy. Just live simply. The less you consume, the less waste you’ll produce and the less waste that will go to landfills. Every time I go to Target or Ikea, I’m going to re-think my impulse purchases to make sure they are actually things I really need.

2. Make My Home More Energy Efficient: While my home could do with a new set of windows, I’m not sure my budget is going to allow for it. But there are other smaller things I plan on doing like lessen my use of vampire power, run of all of my laundry on cold, turn of lights when I’m not using them, and researching other tricks for reducing my energy use little by little.

3. Start Composting : Ok, all I have to do for this one is get the appropriate receptacles and convince the people I live with that it won’t smell. I grew up with a compost heap and have always felt guilty living life without one ever since. I think this year it’s time to get back into the habit, especially since I’ve been working more on gardening than ever before.

Composting is a great way to keep bio-degradable waste such as fruit and veggie scarps out of the landfill and back into the earth. Here’s a helpful government website to get you started.

4. Use Green Cleaning Products: I’ve already started purchasing greener products such as Seventh Generation cleaning supplies for my home. But, I really want to look into more options, Such as baking soda as an all purpose cleaner, and a lemon slice as an anti-bacterial agent for cleaning cutting boards.  I’m sure there are so many more of these eco-cleaning tips that are just as easy and affordable.

5. Consider a Rain Catchment System: I would love to be able to set up a rain catchment system at my house to have a water source for gardening, or even washing my car. Check out my previous post on these cool systems.

6. When Doing Home Improvements Use Eco or Recycled Products: If you’re going to be remodeling, think about the impact of your materials. While there is an array of beautiful, new recycled and sustainable materials, you may also want to consider re-using older materials. At the Rebuilding Center in Portland you can find hundreds of reusable windows, doors, and even sinks and bathtubs. Instead of adding to the landfill, why not re-purpose something so it never becomes junk in the first place.

For more about green building and an eco lifestyle check out our Green Living Section.

Seems that everywhere you look green building is the talk of the construction industry. While some contractors and companies just talk about it, others have dedicated years to learning about the industry and growing with it. 

The Neil Kelly Co. based in Portland, Oregon has been dedicated to the green movement for many years. Spearheading a green construction focus in the West, the company can claim to have built the first LEED certified building in the West.  Being a model for green excellence takes a dedicated team, and I’m lucky to be able to feature an interview from one of them, Joel Fraley. Joel is a great person to interview on this topic since he has both experience in the field and knowledge from being an active member in professional associations for the green building movement.

Joel has been a designer with Neil Kelly Co. for the past four years. Prior to that he ran his own business designing and building custom furniture and interiors. He first got involved in green building in the late 1980s as a carpenter working on historic renovation projects. Joel is currently on the Steering Committee for the Portland Metro HBA (Home Builder’s Association) Green Building Council. He has also been a member of the US Green Building Council since 2001, showcasing his dedication to the movement.

If you’ve been wondering what going green in your home is all about, Joel has got your answers:

1. How do you define “green building,” and why do you think it is so important? 

The definition of green building is to significantly reduce or eliminate the negative impact of homes on the environment and on the homeowners. Green building continues to increase in popularity and importance as we deplete our natural resources and energy costs continue to increase.

We have also learned the importance of a healthy indoor environment as it relates to our overall well-being. Many construction products contain chemicals that can be harmful to people with environmental allergies and decrease indoor air quality.

2. What are the best ways that a homeowner can make green choices during their next remodel?

Focus on ways to improve energy efficiency, first and foremost. Concentrate on sealing air infiltration and improving indoor air quality, improving insulation and the efficiency of your mechanical systems. We offer a Home Performance audit that will spell out the costs and benefits of these projects in great detail. This is the best way to make a direct impact on your energy bill.

When it comes to specifying products for your project, do your homework and make sure that you are choosing products with a proven track record of environmental responsibility. Due to the increasing popularity of green building, many manufacturers are marketing their products as “green” simply to increase sales.

(Neil Kelly Co. Custom LEED Home - Photo via Green Talk)

3. Many homeowners think that choosing green materials and techniques will only add money to their budget. From your experience, is this a true statement?

No. Many projects that were considered cutting edge a few years ago now enjoy mainstream acceptance. Examples include compact fluorescent light bulbs, no formaldehyde added building products, recycled content tile and countertop materials, cork and Marmoleum flooring, dual flush toilets and many others. Public awareness of these products continues to increase demand and lower prices. You can make a real commitment to sustainable products without affecting you overall budget. 

4. What is the most interesting green building project you’ve worked on?

Our “company retreat” outside of Telluride, Colorado was a vacation cabin built entirely of construction materials salvaged from other projects, which would normally end up in the landfill. I also worked on several Earthships, which use passive solar, old tires, aluminum cans and other recycled materials for their construction. 

(Neil Kelly Co. Custom LEED Kitchen)

5. What green products and materials for the home do you use or recommend?

Neil Kelly cabinets are made using responsibly forested woods, no-added formaldehyde agriboard case/drawer materials and low VOC glues, adhesives and finishes.

Whenever possible, we will often reuse existing materials or fixtures and work them into the new design.

Other products we specify include Marmoleum and cork flooring, recycled concrete or porcelain countertops, quartz countertops, dual flush toilets and many others. We also use a lot of salvaged woods for countertops or trim.

6. What is the best piece of advice you can give a homeowner considering starting on their first green home improvement project?

First and foremost, concentrate on the improvements that will add the most long term value to the house. Consider getting a Home Performance audit so you can address the specific areas that need the most work. When it comes to choosing products, buy local whenever possible to support your local economy and reduce transportation. Do your homework and make sure the products you select are truly sustainable and have a proven track record.

Thanks for sharing all your green expertise, Joel.

Got green building on the brain? Here are some past “green” posts you might like: 

Falling Rain = Falling Utility Bills: Rain Catchment Systems
Green Home Gift Guide
Breathe Better: Home Air Quality

Ever wondered just how much your different home appliances cost you each year in terms of energy costs? Well, now you can.

Energy Star has created a site dedicated to helping homeowners understand the impact of their refrigerator on the planet and their options for lessening that impact. By submitting some simple information about your home’s refrigerator you can find out the annual actual cost.

The site also offers information on state recycling programs, Energy Star refrigerator models and much more. The state by state break down of rebates is helpful. For example, if I upgraded my refrigerator, and recycled my old one, I would get a $30 rebate from the state of Oregon.

A refrigerator is often seen as the biggest electricity culprit in the home. Because of this, some brave people have decided to ditch their fridge altogether. While you may think it’s an impossible task, some claim that it’s not as daunting as one might think. I’m not convinced, and for now I’m keeping my fridge…no matter what the cost.

The first in a two part series on LEED requirements for homes.

Part One: Ever wondered what the acronym LEED means? Learn what these guidelines are, and how they are forging the way for a new philosophy in urban planning, green building, and how we live.

Have you ever heard of LEED?

I’d heard of it and seen it in ads for new buildings trying to prove their “green-ness”, but I didn’t really know what it was, let alone what it would mean for me.

But then, a few weeks ago I was talking to an engineer friend when he happened to mention he was working towards being a certified LEED member.

Talking about LEED with this friend, he shed some light on what exactly the government entity really does. The more I looked into it the more I realized LEED really is relevant to the everyday homeowner.

LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a set of guidelines made by the government to create a benchmark standard for green building.

Sure, some of the guidelines are just complicated technical things, but what really interested me about it was how many of the guidelines were very simple and encompassed issues beyond just the construction world – it’s more involved in creating a shift in philosophy, a philosophy that is moving towards making buildings and communities that are move livable and useable for everyone.

Here are some aspects of the LEED guidelines that interested me the most:

Home Placement for Better Living and Protection of Land

Many of the guidelines refer to the placement of homes. This can involve many aspects of the location and the site including protecting the surrounding land by not disturbing prime soils or endangered species.

Meeting LEED requirements also calls for home sites to be placed in socially and environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community.  Basically this means you want to place your home near already existing resources and infrastructure. Living in an existing neighborhood with close grocery stores, libraries, and churches is good for you because it means you can live a lifestyle where you can walk, bike or take convenient public transportation to things without getting into your car and having to drive. Which for me, would definitely improve my quality of life! And save resources!

Creating Connections with the Outdoors and Maximizing Free Resources

Another LEED guideline is to use materials and building techniques that maximize energy efficiency. In itself this is always smart whether your house is LEED certified or not. One way that LEED emphasizes energy efficiency with smart building design is illustrated by their use of windows.

(LEED LivingHome featured in Dwell Magazine)

By installing windows that maximize solar intake you don’t have to use electric lighting as much as you would in a home with few windows. It can also help in winter by encouraging daylighting, or passive heating, from the sun. But the benefits aren’t just about reducing your energy usage. 

I have always been happiest in homes which I describe as being “flooded in light.” Homes that have big windows that let in lots of natural light make your home feel bigger, more airy, and allows for people to feel a connection with the outdoors which can often be lost in the day to day shuffle of life. Using natural light in home design seems like a no-brainer, since ultimately the more sunshine a person gets, the happier they tend to be. 

Friday: Part 2 – A look at the first LEED Building: 7 World Trade

The stimulus bill has finally passed and with a trillions of dollars in the mix you’re probably wondering what parts will help you. Here’s a short review of how homeowners can benefit from the new bill.

We’ve been talking a lot about tax credits for homeowners wanting to make energy efficiency improvements to their home. It’s a sweet deal to have the government pay you to update your home, but the deal has just gotten a little bit sweeter.

Before, most improvements, such as new Energy Star windows installed in your home, were eligible for a tax credit of 10% of the project up to $500. With the new bill, these projects are now eligible for 30% of the project up to $1500. That’s triple what it was!

For most homeowners, $500 wouldn’t cover much of an installation, but $1500 can make a much larger dent in buying a new water heater, windows or maybe even solar panels. If you hadn’t considered any of these projects before, now might be the time to request free estimates on projects to see how much you could save with the larger tax credits.

For a full list of projects and their corresponding tax credits check the Energy Star website.

Are you considering buying your first home? Did you know there is a tax credit for first time homeowners? The new stimulus bill has increased the new homeowner tax credit from $7500 to $8000. I wouldn’t mind getting that extra $500 back from the government, and it’s especially nice for a young homeowner who might take that extra money and put it right back into their home for remodels and improvements.

For more on the final stimulus bill, check out this great breakdown from the Wall Street Journal.

I don’t want to let myself admit it, but we’re slowly creeping towards fall. The weather will start to get a little crisper, and you might find yourself grabbing for blankets more than you used to.

Insulation = Energy Efficency

As the weather starts to shift, you’ll want to consider insulating your home so that it can be as snug and warm as possible this fall and winter. The better your insulation, the better your energy efficiency will be. And who doesn’t want that?

One place that often gets overlooked when it comes to insulating your home is the garage. Upgrading or replacing your garage door can make a big impact overall.

If you want to replace your garage door, you may want to look at models that are steel with a polyurethane core. Wood and fiberglass doors are generally considered to be less energy efficient than their steel counterpart.

It’s often popular to choose garage doors with windows in the door to allow for some natural light in your garage. If you choose this design, be sure to check that the windows are just as energy efficient as the rest of the door.

Easy Garage Door Maintenance Can Save You Money

Even if you’re not ready to do a full garage door replacement, you can check and replace your weatherstripping to ensure you’re not letting in any extra drafts. You’ll want to have proper weatherstripping around and between the door panels. This is an easy weekend project that can end up saving you money on energy bills.

As fall approaches we’ll have more tips on how to insulate your home, and get it ready for the colder season.