Construction

A bulky old lamp takes up a lot of space in a landfill. But if it doesn't fit your décor, you've got to do something with it. Is recycling an option? There are a few things to consider.

By Susan Batten

During the excitement of having your new mattress delivered, you might not care what happens to that old, back-pain-inducing one once it's hauled away - but you should. Although it can sometimes be a bit difficult to do, there are environmentally friendly ways to dispose of your old mattress.

By Danielle Fisher

More than 20 million mattresses fill up American landfills each year. Don't add even one more to the pile. Instead, find a more creative way to dispose of your old mattress.

By Danielle Fisher & Francisco Guzman

To save money, many people are considering alternative heat sources, and wood pellet fireplaces are one possible solution to rising energy costs. But what do you need to know before you head out to buy one of these energy savers?

By Denise Harrison

Companies in every part of the construction industry are going green, and roofing is no exception. If you want a stylish roof that really stands out, you may want to consider clay roofing tiles. So what makes them a green choice?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

Compared to standard heating and air systems, going green is better for the environment -- and your wallet because they use less energy. So what kind of green HVAC systems are on the market today? Read on to find out.

By John Perritano

Does living in a house with no cold drafts, no temperature variations, and, virtually no heating or cooling bills sound too good to be true? Well it's possible in a passive house. See what some of the other benefits of this building standard are.

By Beth Brindle

The smell of paint usually gives away the fact that you're probably breathing in something that's bad for your health. But you might not know just how right your nasal signals are. How dangerous are the VOCs in paint?

By Sarah Alban

In a passive house, winter woes (or summer highs) are a thing of the past. Why? Because they're built to maintain comfortable indoor conditions without a conventional furnace, boiler or HVAC system. Read on to see how.

By Beth Brindle

Clean energy technology is more advanced than ever before and can be as beneficial for your wallet as it is for the Earth. But what exactly is green construction technology?

By Wesley Fenlon

Green homes have come a long way from the prototypes (and stereotypes) of the early days. Now you can find eco-friendly architecture that is as attractive as it is comfortable.

By Terri Briseno

Whether you've bought a new house or just need a change, the most dramatic impact you can make is in the color of the walls. What are some important things to consider before you head out to purchase house paint?

By Jacob Clifton

Air Krete is a cement-based insulation product whose primary component is magnesium oxide. But what makes Air Krete different from other types of insulation?

By Garth Sundem

A prototype is like a model of an idea for a new product. Learn what prototypes are in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

You're building a new home and want to make it supremely green. Consider the LEED rating system as your guide to building an ultimately eco-friendly abode.

By Matt Sailor

Hemp as a building material might seem like a fairy tale, but it's not. One of the most common uses of industrial hemp is actually insulation, and it can help cut down your energy bills. So why is hemp so prohibitively expensive in the United States?

By John Perritano

Homeowners are now beginning to discover the color of home insulation isn't just pink. It can also be green -- as in eco-friendly. But does it cost an arm and a leg?

By John Perritano

Some homeowners are opting for eco-friendly tools to lower their electricity usage and stop stressing the power grid. Others vow to cut down on oil and gas. So what are some of the best green tools on the market?

By Denise Harrison

As housing prices rise and people become more concerned about their environmental footprints, green construction has been gaining popularity. So what are some unique, eco-friendly alternative housing ideas?

By Becky Striepe

With the increase in "green building," cool roofs are becoming popular. These are roofs that have been built or modified to maintain a lower temperature in bright sun. We'll examine some of the many ways you can cool your roof.

By Beth Brindle & Melanie Radzicki McManus

Building a new home is the perfect time to add green features that will help you lower your energy costs. But choosing the right ones isn't always easy. Here are 10 to help make the decision process a bit easier.

By Danielle Fisher

Recycled and reclaimed materials are becoming popular construction options as people look for greener ways to build. But could building a recycled home be as simple as stacking up the bottles from your recycling bin?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

The drive for energy-efficient building comes down to a quest for the so-called tight envelope, which you can often achieve using renewable, recycled material. What are some of the latest energy-efficient building materials?

By Rebecca Fairley Raney

The first real line of defense against the heat is a building's roof. And some materials are better than others -- especially in hot climates. See which ones are best at keeping the heat at bay.

By Terri Briseno

When it comes to roofing, materials matter -- especially in a hot climate. So when it comes down to asphalt shingles or a metal roof, which really is better?

By Terri Briseno