Is it just me, or are solar energy rebate programs ridiculously hard to understand? I mean, I’m fairly intelligent. Not Mensa caliber, but not far off. Yet when I try to make sense of how I can get a 30 percent or 50 percent rebate on a solar energy system for my home, my eyes…
While we’re enjoying Home Improvement Month, let’s pause and reflect on those who don’t have the comforts of home that we have — like power and water — and reflect on some home-improvement initiatives that are making their lives a little easier. The promise of solar power in underdeveloped countries is, in my opinion, extraordinary.…
Few topics elicit as much fear as mold in houses. That’s good news for those inclined toward litigation, whose theme is “Mold Is Gold.” And it’s good for newspaper writers, too, as the word “MOLD!” in a headline will get attention. The bad news is that most of us remain ignorant about how and why…
Building Green TV announced Tuesday that its new weekly television series, called Building Green, about creating beautiful homes and buildings in harmony with the environment, is set to air on PBS affiliate stations starting June 5. “Many people don’t realize that buildings cause more CO2 emissions than cars,” said show host Kevin Contreras. “In fact,…
Bill Doering, whose “green” Santa Barbara remodel was featured in the Real Estate section of the L.A. Times, has gotten quite a few questions regarding his tankless, on-demand water heater. So, as Bill is an engineer who runs an energy-oriented engineering firm, and as engineer types tend to be pretty thorough, he has more clarification…
As you can see in Sunday’s Pardon Our Dust feature, Bill and Becka Doering were extremely motivated to create a healthy, green family home. But while most of us agree with the concept of green building, our commitment fizzles when it’s time to write the check. Still, green is not necessarily out of reach. Global…
If you’re a serial remodeler, you’ve likely got half-full cans of latex paint around house. What to do with it? CNN reports on two cities, San Francisco and Miami, who take in extra latex paint, mix like colors together, and give it away. Here’s another idea, from Santa Monica decorator (and my friend) Kitty Bartholomew:…
Craftston Bronze ENERGY STAR 10 1/2" High Outdoor Wall Light The Craftston Collection of outdoor lighting offers classic good-looks from the Mission and Arts & Crafts traditions. This fluorescent outdoor wall light has earned the ENERGY STAR® rating for energy efficient operation. Plus, it features an integrated dusk-to-dawn photocell for added efficiency. An aged…
Portland Table + 4 Chair Set Here’s a unique patio-dining set: It features a lazy-Susan inset for easy mealtime sharing and is made from 70% Forest Stewardship Council FSC-certified Eucalyptus Cladocalyx, a Teak-like hardwood harvested from a plantation in South Africa. The folding chairs are sturdy and ergonomically designed, allowing you to truly relax. Items…
Tofino Armchair Prized for its strength, resistance to decay and fast-growing renewability, our Forest Stewardship Council–certified eucalyptus furniture complies with international standards for sustainable forest management. Plus, it has the timeless look and durability of teak — at a fraction of the cost. The comfortable armchair will accent your outdoor living space with the beauty…