Archive for September, 2009

“Green” concrete

Monday, September 14th, 2009

Fly Ash Concrete cuts greenhouse gases by reducing production of Portland, the usual bonding agent in concrete. Fly Ash is a byproduct from coal burning power plants, while production of Portland produces vast amounts of greenhouse gases for that purpose alone!  According to the US EPA, Portland Cement (the binder used inconcrete) is the 3rd largest producer of CO2 emissions in the US annually, says Tom McGrath, Green Building Consultant at Elemental Building, www.elementalbuilding.com.

Posted in Green construction or finishes | No Comments »

Whole-house fan for whole-house savings

Monday, September 14th, 2009

091409-4small2

Use a whole-house fan to reduce your carbon footprint- and save utility costs! At night, they pull cool outside air from open windows on lower floors, expelling warmer air.  You need a lot of CFM’s for a whole house- try one from Grainger or other commercial source.  If you don’t have attic accessibility, install in window of laundry or other room ON THE TOP FLOOR. Don’t forget to close windows during the day to keep the cool air in/hot air out.  Enjoy…

Posted in Construction and contractors, Furnishings, Green construction or finishes, Housekeeping and maintenance, Old house repairs or treatments, Solutions, Wall treatments, Window treatments | No Comments »

Baby Bath- North Shore Style

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009

Baby baths, on the North Shore- Click on  “vapor green”- perfect with the must-have white and gray marble, right? Available undermount, too.

http://www.us.kohler.com/onlinecatalog/detail.jsp?item=10574102&section=1&category=5&subcategory=36.Click

Posted in Bathroom design, appliances, and fixtures, Kitchen design, appliances, and fixtures, Solutions | No Comments »