Increasing the energy efficiency of a house is a smart and affordable home improvement. Learn about ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Zinc was all the rage in Europe in the 1800s, and modern American architects and contractors seeking more sustainable resources have rediscovered its value for roofs and walls. See more »
With all of the choices available to us when it comes to lighting, it's easy to get confused over which option to choose. Fortunately, lighting manufacturers have paid attention to the green movement, too.
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Chances are, even if you don't live in an area that's been going through a drought, you've probably heard about it on the news. But what can you do to help counteract the effects of a drought? Catch your own water, of course.
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Believe it or not, the walls of that cozy house pictured are made of the ground beneath your feet, albeit with a little modification. But does this alternative home design practical or comfortable?
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Wouldn't it be nice to have your favorite song start up the moment you walked in the house? Or to get the coffee brewing from bed? Smart homes can do all those tricks, and you might be able to afford one, even if you're not Bill Gates.
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With energy bills on the rise, homeowners are looking for new ways to use less power around the house. A cutting-edge window technology called the "smart window" allows consumers to fully or partially block light by turning a knob or pressing a button.
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In today's economy, with rising fuel prices and dwindling resources, homeowners are looking for ways to save money wherever they can. And some are taking a lesson from the 1970s and turning to solar power to heat their homes.
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You've probably come across solar panels before, but what about solar shingles? It's the same idea as the solar panel, but in a much smaller scale. And they'll probably save you more money in the long run.
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Remember the story of the little pig who built a straw house, only to have the big, bad wolf huff and puff and blow it down? Nowadays, that pig would have a sturdy, energy-efficient home.
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What if your house could tell you what the weather's like outside, call an ambulance if you get hurt, remind you if you forget to take your medicine or help you find that darn remote? Well, the Georgia Institute of Technology may be very close.
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People in the market for new homes usually have their eyes on key features during the search for their perfect potential abodes: location, space, a pretty yard. Others look for the green factor -- something Enertia Building Systems may provide.
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This house uses the sun to power its refrigerator, gravity to pump water and bacteria to break down trash. How does it redefine green design?
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Imagine living in a 10 by 7 ft home for more than five years, by choice. While the thought of willingly giving up extra square footage might be inconceivable to many, there's a new movement of people choosing small spaces over larger dwellings.
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Tree houses are no longer kids-only hideouts. Adults taken with Swiss Family Robinson fantasies are building fully appointed luxury tree dwellings. So how do you choose a tree?
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Before McMansions and developments, before condos and co-ops, yurts dotted the land. Why do campers and nomads think these simple circular dwellings are yurtastic?
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Zinc was all the rage in Europe in the 1800s, and modern American architects and contractors seeking more sustainable resources have rediscovered its value for roofs and walls.
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Rain barrels are great for water conservation. Test your knowledge on rain barrels with this rain barrel quiz at HowStuffWorks.
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Smart windows help with energy conservation. Test your knowledge on smart windows with this smart windows quiz at HowStuffWorks.
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New home construction takes a tremendous toll on the planet, but that doesn't have to be the case. These ten natural building materials can form sturdy, energy-efficient homes without the environmental impact.
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Tree houses are fun and safe if constructed properly. Test your knowledge on tree houses with this tree house quiz at HowStuffWorks.
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Yes, Virginia, there is a way to be eco-friendly and decorate with flair. These recycled wallpapers started as phone books and diapers, but they're ready for your walls now!
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