
Expert Advice for your Lawn & Garden TV Host of Today's Homeowner® and home expert for The Weather Channel![]()
Safety and Security, Garage and Storage, Ask Danny, Green Living Published 02/07/2008 by Danny Lipford
Lori asks, “My husband and I are big advocates for recycling. We fortunately have a recycle center nearby that we use. Our problem/question, How or where can we get rid of old car batteries and old paint? Our recycle center doesn’t allow them and don’t have answers. We’ve been holding on to these old items and don’t know what to do with them. Any advice?”
Kitchens and Baths, Green Living, Quick Picks Published 02/06/2008 by Ben Erickson
What if I told you that you could wash your hands after every flush without using any water? The SinkPositive toilet tank sink works by diverting the water used to fill the toilet bowl through a faucet that turns on and off automatically every time you flush. And before you ask, the water used for washing is as clean as any in your house. The only difference you’ll notice is that the water in the toilet bowl might have a little soap in it. The SinkPositive is easy to install, adjusts to fit most toilets, and costs around $100.
Green Living, Quick Picks Published 02/01/2008 by Ben Erickson
Want to know what to look for when buying a green home, which refrigerators are the most energy efficient, or how to remove mold without toxic chemicals? You’ll find the answers to these questions and hundreds more at the Green Guide. One of the best sources of information on the Web for those wishing to reduce their impact on the environment, the Green Guide features tips, product reviews, and articles for the conscientious consumer.
Green Living, Quick Picks Published 01/28/2008 by Ben Erickson
This greener alternative to pressure treated lumber combines a boron-based preservative with water repellent to keep moisture, mold, rot, and termites at bay. Intended primarily for use as above ground framing, BluWood® is more environmentally friendly and less toxic than traditional pressure treated lumber. It doesn’t release hazardous fumes, carries a limited lifetime warranty, and qualifies for use in LEED approved green buildings.
Video, Flooring, Kitchens and Baths, Green Living Published 01/28/2008 by Danny Lipford
More and more materials for countertops and floors are available that are both beautiful and environmentally friendly. One product called shetkaSTONE is made from recycled paper, plant, and cloth fibers. While it has the look of stone, it can be cut and screwed like wood. It is water and stain resistant and comes in a number of colors. Best of all shetkaSTONE can be recycled again if it is ever replaced.
Video, Doors and Windows, Electrical and Lighting, Green Living Published 01/25/2008 by Danny Lipford
While skylights are a great way to bring more natural light into your home, they can be hard to install, result in unwanted heat buildup, and are prone to leaking. ODL Tubular Skylights solve these problems by using a small diameter round lens on the roof to gather sunlight and shine it down a reflective metal tube to an diffuser mounted on the ceiling.
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Electrical and Lighting, Ask Danny, Green Living Published 01/23/2008 by Danny Lipford
Ricky asks, “My light fixtures have a maximum rating for wattage bulbs (i.e. 60 watt, etc.). If I change to the energy efficient bulbs (screw in fluorescent) do the recommended wattage ratings still apply? I thought that the wattage rating has to do with the amount of heat that the bulb generated thus creating a fire hazard.”
Green Living, Quick Picks Published 01/22/2008 by Ben Erickson
Want to build an environmentally friendly and energy efficient house but aren’t sure how to go about finding a qualified builder or architect in your area? Check out the LEED Accredited Professional Directory at the website of the Green Building Certification Institute. The online database is searchable by city or state and contains the names of those who have completed training in green building techniques developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Video, Green Living Published 01/17/2008 by Danny Lipford
One of the first steps in creating a green home is finding innovative, environmentally friendly products to incorporate into the construction or remodeling process. Green products are those manufactured from nontoxic, sustainable, or recycled materials. They also include items that save energy or can be easily recycled. Here are a few green products worth considering for your home.
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Danny's Blog, Green Living Published 11/12/2007 by Danny Lipford
I just returned from attending the “Greenbuild Show” in Chicago where we shot some great footage on a ton of new ideas that have hit the market as well as a few new twists on some old ideas. This recent interest in green building and living is big. The effort and focus that is being placed on this trend should produce some very innovative products in the months and years ahead.