For example, as each light bulb burned out, I replaced it with a CFL light bulb, which use less electricity and burn for a longer period of time. It is a simple and easy way to make my home greener. Other things I’ve done include:

• Repurposing an old mirror from a piece of furniture into a charming mirror for my bathroom wall.
• Choosing paint that is supposed to be less toxic and more greenly produced when the walls needed to be repainted.
• Making my own braided rug for the kitchen. (It didn’t last very long, but it was made with old jeans, so that’s okay.)
• Adding more insulation to any areas that needed to be re-drywalled to reduce the amount of heat I used.

Things I plan to do in the future include going solar and replacing my kitchen floor with eco-friendly, renewable materials.

Remember, if you rip everything out just to put in green materials, you are probably being less eco-friendly than someone who repairs, repurposes and repaints things that are already there. So, unless something is worn out or made with hazardous materials, don’t worry about how un-green it was when it was installed!

Are you interested in making your home a greener place?

Photo: SXC/Neil Hoskins

Post from: Blisstree

Greener Homes One Step at a Time

Just some quick shots, because I love this little house so much, I’ll never be quiet if I get going. That said, this was built by cobworks.com and cob cottage. Once you see the interior this home just gets better and better. You can check out a multitude of wonderful photos of the home above at cobworks.com, not to mention that you’ll see many other beautiful structures. If you’re really impressed (and have some free time) you might want to check out cobworks.com’s summer workshops.

See this was a quick shot, and I’ve said too much. But do check out the sites above – useful info if you’re interested in cob homes, clay, or straw bale.

[photos via cobworks.com]

Post from: Blisstree

Offbeat Quick Shot: Mayne Island Beauty