We’ve all heard of LEED when it comes to green building certification, but a lesser-known set of guidelines is going strong in the Southeastern United States. The Earthcraft designation overlaps with Energy Star guidelines, and incorporates building practices optimized for the climate and environment of the Southeast.
Lutron Maestro Energy-Saving Motion Sensor Light Switch
Keeping the lights off in unoccupied rooms is a sure-fire way to save money on your power bills. And now you can take the “forgetful human” element out of the equation.
Chemical-Free Paint Stripping: Slow Cooker Removes Caked-On Finishes
All too often, hinges, doorknobs, drawer pulls, and other vintage hardware are caked with ugly layers of paint. But you can bring them back to life without a single toxic chemical – just throw them in your crock pot.
SoyTuf ReCork: DIY Cork Countertop Refinishing
Cork countertops are both eco-friendly and stylish. So what if you could enjoy a cork countertop without the waste and expense of removing your old counter? SoyTuf has the solution, a do-it-yourself cork countertop refinishing system called ReCork.
Eco-Friendly Modular Flooring: FLOR Carpet Tiles
Homeowners love the warmth, comfort and quiet of carpeted floors. Unfortunately, traditional carpets can contain nasty chemicals like VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and their resource-intensive manufacturing process can be extremely wasteful. FLOR carpet tiles aim to change all that, offering high-performance flooring with an emphasis on sustainability all the way from its design to disposal.
EcoTop: Recycled Paper + Bamboo Composite Countertop
EcoTop is an innovative composite material for countertops and work surfaces, made from recycled paper and renewable bamboo. The FSC-certified material was developed by KlipTech’s Joel Klippert, who was the driving force behind PaperStone before moving on to introduce EcoTop.
Deconstruction + Reclaimed Building Materials: EcoBuilding Bargains
Traditional demolition can be extremely wasteful, so we’re a huge fan of deconstruction to preserve reusable materials. Massachusetts-based EcoBuilding Bargains is a unique business that cuts construction waste and saves money for customers, by offering both deconstruction services and a retail outlet for all those reclaimed building materials.
PolyWhey: Natural, Low VOC, Water-Based Polyurethane Wood Finish
A high-quality polyurethane finish is the key to preserving wood furniture and floors. Unfortunately, traditional petroleum-based products (and even many water-based finishes) contain some pretty nasty chemicals. Produced in Vermont using whey protein from the dairy industry, PolyWhey is a natural, safe, and durable alternative to these toxic finishes.
Cork Flooring & Wall Covering: Habitus Cork Mosaic Tiles
Habitus Finishes, based in New York City, offers cork mosaic tiles that provide a beautiful and sustainable surface for floor and wall coverings.
IvoryDream Vegetable Ivory “Stone” Tile: Durable & Eco-Friendly
Benetti Stone Philosophy, an Italian home design firm, is offering a unique and environmentally friendly option for tiling surfaces. Called “IvoryDream”, the material is durable and attractive, and comes entirely from tropical palm trees.
Is Your Green Insulation Really Eco-Friendly?
With winter temperatures chilling much of the country, many homeowners want to be sure their houses are sealed and insulated from the cold. But not all so-called green insulation is created the same – and while the idea of adding insulation to save energy is solid, some insulating materials are surprising unfriendly to the environment.
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