Green Building

How To – Building A Solar Lawn Mower

We came across this website with a howto by Jeremy James at Humboldt State University on how to build a solar lawn mower.

We thought this project was kind of interesting because it was someone taking a stab at alternative fuels in their own life. In the past we have seen people trying to build portable generators from gas powered lawn mowers by mounting a car alternator and inverter on them which …

How To – Installing Metal Roofing Overview

Metal roofing has long been used in commercial and farming for protecting buildings but in the past 15 years or so metal roofing is finding its way into residential communities because it is easy to care for, has a long life and the added features of fire prevention and the ability to collect water from rainfall.

If you are interested in installing a standing seam metal roof system on your home we will cover some …

How To – Tip List For Green Savings

People are always trying to find ways that they can conserve energy and resources so we thought it might be good to make a list of some of the things we can do.

Use Compact Florescent Lights.
Raise the setting for your Air Conditioner to 78F – 80F.
Turn your Air Off when you leave the house.
Reduce the temperature on your water heater.
Reduce your thermostat setting to 68F for heating.

How To – Making Electric Solar Panels Can It Be Done?

I like many out there look for ways to reduce my monthly utility bills and alternative energy has been an interest to me since the 1970’s when I first saw a home with panels and asked what they were for.

Recently … I would say in the last 6 months I have been coming across articles on large websites not independent ones claiming that the average person who is handy can build their own solar …

Understanding Fuel Economy Guides For Your Car Purchase

The Federal Government and other private companies test the full line of new cars every year and provide average fuel ratings to help the consumer know which car will cost them more at the pump.

In the past few years we have seen Fuel Prices go up and down but the fact is fuel costs will always continue to rise. This is because Oil is a limited resource and …

How To – Finding Recycled Materials To Reduce Your Home Project Cost

Everyone wants to save money and while you are searching the net or local sales circular for discount prices you may also want to look into recycled building materials.

Now I know what you are thinking why would you want to buy someone’s old used toilet.. Well doing that is probably not a good idea but there are a lot of ways you can save and even pickup new items for big discount.

Almost every area …

Water – Saving Money at the Faucet

water faucet saving moneyHow would you like to save 50% or more of the water you send down your drain? Everyone would but when it comes to saving water, electric or fuel it seems there is always someone telling you that you need to spend money to save.  They say buy this thing for $50 and it will save you $100 over the next 30 years. …

London Rail System To Power Lights From Foot Traffic

The London Rail System is looking into powering some of its lights by the way of generator pads placed in the floor of its underground system.

The pads generate electricity through Heel Strike technology. When travelers walk over the pad their weight compresses it and that motion energy  is sent to generators. With over 34,000 passengers that pass through the system every hour London rail expects to be able to run about 6500 lights through foot traffic.

Hearing this news we wonder if carnival boat cruses …

USA Increases Wind Power Output By 50% in 2008

In 2008 the nation got 50% more of its electricity from wind power.

More than 8,500 megawatts of additional power generated by wind turbines was added last year.

Texas is the leading state in the nation bringing almost 3000 megawatts of  new Wind Power Electric online last year making it number one in the country.  Iowa ended up with the number two spot out ranking California which is now in third place for wind technology. Minnesota, …

How To – Design Ideas For Green Kitchen Makeovers

Search : SLH9-448SS Vent-A-Hood Emerald Series 9" x 48" x 21" Under Cabinet Hood (1200 CFM) - Stainless SteelThe amount of time that we spend in our kitchens seems to ever be growing so improving one of the most important parts of our home is something we all can benefit from.

When choosing green products for our kitchens it is always important to take a close look at the cost vs the benefit. If you find …