Whether you’re redecorating your living room, covering up the screaming Pepto pink you once painted the bedroom, or just doing a little touch-up, there’s more at stake when you repaint your home than color, What you choose affects your health and the environment, too. Here’s how: Conventional paint contains toxic chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that […]
Archive | Home Design
Want to save energy? Cuddle up under eco-friendly bedding & blankets.
342viewsOutside, the temperatures are dropping. Inside, what do you do? Turn up the heat — or stock up on cozy blankets and bedding, especially if they’re made from natural fibers like organic cotton, wool, and hemp? What makes these materials more environmentally friendly? Natural fibers breathe more easily than synthetic fabrics, wicking away moisture if […]
“Practically Green” Offers Simple Steps to an Environmental Lifestyle
If you still haven’t figured out how to live with the environment in mind, pick up a copy of Micaela Preston’s cheerful new book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Ecofriendly Decision-Making. Then keep this handy guide on your desk or in your purse, backpack or briefcase — anywhere you might find yourself in need of some […]
We Need Meaningful Standards to Protect the Planet — and Us, too.
We’ve all seen the product claims that SOUND like they mean environmental protection. But do they? * Products labeled “natural” may contain some biological ingredients, but they may also include synthetic dyes and fragrances. * “Hypoallergenic” has no medical meaning. The word was invented by advertisers who used it in a cosmetics campaign in 1953. Says […]
Eco-Friendly Paint Keeps You & the Planet Healthy
Conventional paint contains many volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, that “outgas” and escape into the air after they are applied. Indoors, these VOCs cause headaches, nausea, achey bones, and general discomfort. Outdoors, they contribute to smog and air pollution. Whether for indoors or out, your best bet is to buy low- or no-VOC paint. You’ll […]
Environmental In-Box: Marmoleum, the Eco-Friendly Flooring
2.3kviewsWhen it comes to choosing flooring for your home, you might not even know eco-friendly options exist. But for over 100 years, Forbo has been manufacturing Marmoleum, an all natural linoleum. Katie Kelleher reports: What is it? Marmoleum is made into flooring sheets or tiles from a compound of linseed oil, rosins, cork flour, limestone and […]
Top Ten Eco Ways to De-Ice Your Driveway
Tis the season for snow and ice – only fun if you’re a penguin or like to walk with an ice pick. For the rest of us, the big challenge is dealing with frozen precipitation once it hits the ground, especially if we want to be ‘eco friendly.’ These tips will help. What’s wrong with […]
Eco-Gadgets That Deliver a Good Workout, Too
552viewsBruce Hathaway, an editor at Smithsonian magazine and eco-tech guru par excellence, wrote this guest post on cool home energy saving gadgets for Father’s Day or any day (NOTE: add shipping & handling to all quoted prices). Thanks, Bruce! Bogo (Buy One Give One) Solar Flashlight This well-made orange (or pink) light throws a nice […]