Archive for June, 2010

100 Terrific Twitter Feeds for Home Improvement Advice

Monday, June 14th, 2010

With tough economic times, it seems just about everyone is learning how to do home improvement themselves instead of paying for a contractor to make repairs.

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50 Best Homesteading Blogs

Wednesday, June 9th, 2010

These bloggers have moved out to the country or are using their smaller urban spaces to produce the vast majority of their own food and other household essentials.

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70 Ways You Can Make Your Home More Sustainable

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010

Here are 70 different ways you can modify your house by yourself to make it more sustainable and to reduce your carbon footprint.

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101 Helpful Blogs for a Totally Eco-Friendly Home

One can keep a “totally eco-friendly home” in a myriad different ways — not everyone can afford a construction or renovation project, after all.

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100 Awesome Engineering Projects for Kids

Here are 100 great experiments that will let kids construct, play, learn and grow, all while they study the fundamentals of engineering.

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101 Hacks for the Devoted Home Gardener

Growing plants at home can be a great way to spruce up your space and provide healthy and readily available foodstuffs.

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100 Terrific Twitter Feeds for Home Improvement Advice

With tough economic times, it seems just about everyone is learning how to do home improvement themselves instead of paying for a contractor to make repairs. If you are in the same situation and find yourself at a loss for where to turn for good advice, then you'll be glad to know it's as close as your computer. Whether you have a construction management degree or are just a determined do-it-yourself-er, you are sure to find great advice for all your home improvement projects with these terrific Twitter feeds.

General Home Improvements

Take a look at these Twitter feeds for advice on all sorts of home improvement projects.

  1. @Handyguys. Find links to the podcasts and videos from this popular home improvement show.
  2. @HomeSavvi. Get home improvement advice from professionals, or if you are in Seattle, Atlanta, Portland, or San Francisco, you will find suggestions for local products and stores.
  3. @HappyHandyman. Get help with everything from laying tile to buying area rugs on this Twitter feed.
  4. @homeimprove. This feed is from the UK and offers lots of great advice for home improvement.
  5. @BecaHomes. Find advice for all types of home improvement and decorating projects.
  6. @diyanswerguy. Get answers to your questions and tips on DIY projects.
  7. @HowIDIY. This feed provides tips on topics such as dumpster diving for cabinet hardware, DIY projects under $50, and how to tell if a wall is load-bearing.
  8. @repairgirl. Bonnie Weggle posts links to how-tos for home improvements as well as links to news articles.
  9. @sjsolutions. Learn how to repair a fence, install a deck, replace a broken window, and more when you follow this feed.
  10. @homeownernut. From finding out if your house has termites to helpful safety reminders, this feed provides lots of tips.
  11. @DIYHomeNetwork. Expert contractors provide tips, designs, and more for your home improvement projects.
  12. @KMH_CC. This feed offers tips to prevent problems and tips to repair any problems you may already have.
  13. @housefixer. Get home improvement tips and information from this feed.
  14. @Handytweets. The Handyman provides humorous and helpful advice for getting things done around the house.
  15. @davesdiytips. Dave offers advice from the UK on topics such as bricklaying, selecting the right tool, and more.
  16. @OneProjCloser. From grout to drainage trenches that will help avoid basement flooding, find lots of information from One Project Closer.
  17. @kelly_smith. Kelly Smith provides tons of great advice on everything from making your own concrete countertops to repairing your doorbell.
  18. @DoItYourselfcom. Get a guide for flooring choices, learn what home improvements you shouldn't make, and much more on this feed.
  19. @Charles_Hudson. This feed provides advice and tips for any project around the house.
  20. @HowJim. Jim Beadman offers tips on doing everything from applying silicone caulk to building a workshop in your basement.
  21. @HandymanMttrsSD. These professional handymen offer tips for almost any kind of home improvement project.

Green Resources

If you prefer to take a green approach to your home improvements, see what these feeds have to offer.

  1. @EcoHomeSite. This feed provides tips for living a green lifestyle and building green.
  2. @molfamily. Find information on green living, building, remodeling, and gardening.
  3. @eco_building. Read about eco-friendly building materials alongside ecology news items here.
  4. @GreenHomeGuide. Get advice and information about green home building and remodeling.
  5. @PlanetGreen. The green-living advice here frequently touches on ways to improve your home and garden in an eco-friendly way.
  6. @renest. Learn how to go green with style both inside and out with this feed.

Home and Garden

Get advice for inside your house as well as outside in the garden with these Twitter feeds.

  1. @ImproveYourHome. Find tips and articles to help improve your home and garden.
  2. @RicksFencing. If you are putting up a new fence or building a deck, then you will want to check out the advice on this feed.
  3. @STLHomeShow. This feed is from St. Louis offers local information as well as great gardening and home improvement tips for people everywhere.
  4. @diy_website. Follow this feed to find tips on DIY projects inside and outside the house.
  5. @Repairanything. Learn how to repair anything in the home or garden with these posts.
  6. @houseblogs. This feed consolidates blog posts written by people sharing their home and garden projects.
  7. @HomeDIYtips. Find out how to decorate a child's bedroom or build an outdoor fireplace with the great tips here.
  8. @4Homes. Get home and garden advice as well as peeks at others' great work in their homes and gardens.
  9. @WICKESDIY. This British feed offers advice on home and garden DIY projects.
  10. @theMulch. Gardening experts provide help and tips to home gardeners here.
  11. @DIY_Home_Tips. Find plenty of tips for your home–inside and out.
  12. @improvehomeidea. Get trendy home and garden suggestions and ideas on this feed.
  13. @MyHerbalGarden. This feed provides tips and advice for growing your own herbal garden.
  14. @eHowAtHome. Find tech tools for gardening alongside decorating tips for the bedroom here.

Remodeling

If you have moved beyond the basic home repairs and are undertaking a DIY remodeling project, then you won't want to pass up these feeds.

  1. @RenovationJunky. Read about remodeling as well as tips and money-saving opportunities.
  2. @OldHouseWeb. If you are redoing an old house, then you must check out this Twitter feed.
  3. @remodelingrx. See what this professional home remodeler recommends for your remodeling project.
  4. @AskTheBathman. When bathroom remodels are on your list, then see what the Bathman has to offer.
  5. @RemodelQA. Let the experts answer your home improvement and remodeling questions here.
  6. @BMoxieBMore. This home improvement resource service posts information from all around Twitter.
  7. @hilinebuilders. Find advice from this high-end builder and remodeler.
  8. @remodelthislife. Home remodeling and life remodeling feature on this feed.
  9. @inhabitat. Take a look at stylish designs to inspire you on your remodeling.
  10. @ParagonRemodel. Learn about why the kitchen countertop is the most important part of the kitchen and why you should go with low-flow toilets.
  11. @remodeling. If you are remodeling your home, check out the inspiration provided here with links to recent remodels or learn tips that can help with your own remodel.
  12. @builddirect. Discover how to save energy and get tax credits on your build, look at awesome flooring examples, see weird tools, and much more.
  13. @TNTHomeBuilders. Get remodeling advice from these home builders.
  14. @RemodelByDesign. Take a look at the tweets here to find awesome ideas for your home remodeling projects.

Furnishing and Decorating

Learn how to make the finishing touches on the inside of your home with the advice in these feeds.

  1. @myhomedesign. Learn about changing the look of your home or take a peek at what famous homes are on the market.
  2. @DownHomeDIY. Get tons of great ideas for decorating and furnishing your home with this information–much of which is also eco-friendly.
  3. @ATColor. Apartment Therapy fans will love this feed that is all about using color in your home.
  4. @ikeahacks. Find out how you can hack Ikea products to make awesome home furnishings and decorations.
  5. @AreaRugsClub. Browse through area rugs or learn how they are made (or even how the fake ones are made).
  6. @carouseldesigns. Check out the suggestions here for decorating a baby or toddler room in style.
  7. @mirrormate. Learn how to transform boring bathroom mirrors with the advice and ideas here.
  8. @HomeWorkshop. Get lots of great decorating tips, home staging advice, and more on this feed.

Publications, TV, and Radio

Get advice from the professionals you hear from in these magazines, online publications, and TV and radio shows.

  1. @Southern_Living. Find information on homes, decorating, and gardening with a southern flair.
  2. @House_Beautiful. This feed offers tips on decorating, furnishing, home improvements, and much more.
  3. @StyleAtHome. This Canadian magazine tweets about home decorating and design tips.
  4. @ThisOldHouse. This PBS series and magazine has brought tips for home improvement for years and offers even more on Twitter.
  5. @HouseandHome. Another Canadian magazine, this one also provides decorating and design ideas.
  6. @HandymanMag. See what tips for home projects this magazine from Australia and New Zealand offers.
  7. @BobVilacom. Bob Vila is one of the most trusted resources for do-it-yourselfers, so check out his feed here.
  8. @hgtv. If you love watching HGTV, then you won't want to miss their Twitter feed, either.
  9. @hgtvdecorating. This arm of HGTV looks specifically at decorating your home.
  10. @DIYNetwork. Get great advice and ideas from the experts on the DIY Network.
  11. @CindyDole. Cindy Dole is the host of Home Wizards Radio Show and offers awesome advice for home and garden DIY projects.
  12. @moneypit. See what advice The Money Pit Radio Show folks have to offer on their feed.
  13. @howtowired. Take a look at what Wired has to offer in their how-to community that often includes home projects.

Corporate Feeds

Turn to some of the same places you purchase your DIY materials for great home improvement advice.

  1. @Lowes. This feed is full of helpful tips, articles, and more to help with your home improvement projects.
  2. @HomeDepot. Find out what's going on at The Home Depot with their feed.
  3. @AceHardware. Ace Hardware provides helpful tweets from the helpful hardware store.
  4. @Bondera. This tile manufacturer offers tons of tips for bathroom and kitchen remodeling.
  5. @ToolsmithDirect. Not only can you learn about tools and participate in giveaways here, but you will also find other helpful home improvement advice.

Tools and Construction

Learn about building and the tools you will need to use for those major projects with these feeds.

  1. @HomeFixated. Find tool reviews, giveaways, and more on this feed.
  2. @tfratzel. This construction and home improvement feed includes tool reviews, information on topics like xeriscaping and cracks in the concrete, and much more.
  3. @poundedthumb. Get power tool and hand tool reviews as well as tips from experts here.
  4. @StanleyToolsSec. Stanley Tools and Security provides tips on tools, giveaways, and more.
  5. @AsktheBuilder. Ask this builder questions and see recommendations for tools and projects.
  6. @LiquidWrench. This feed offers information on lots of different DIY projects and the tools necessary to make them happen.
  7. @toolsdotcom. Visit this Twitter feed to learn about the best deals on tools and hardware.
  8. @DremelBrand. If you love your Dremel, then you'll like all the information available here.
  9. @ExtremeHow_To. Extreme How-To offers advice on roofing, remodeling, house framing, and more for those ready for the extreme DIY building projects.
  10. @HomebuildingMag. If you are building your own home or undertaking a major remodeling project, then you will appreciate the advice here.
  11. @AMANATOOL. Amana Tool offers tips of the day as well as information about their tools.
  12. @HousePlans. Find information and inspiration for building your dream home here.

Specific Areas of Home Improvement

These Twitter feeds hone in on a specific area such as doors, bathrooms, or woodworking.

  1. @WoodWhisperer. Get woodworking advice and tips from the Wood Whisperer.
  2. @DIY_Electricity. This electrician answers questions and offers tips to help with your DIY electrical projects.
  3. @CrestviewDoors. Discover inspiration for your doors here as well as find other home project information.
  4. @RejuvenationInc. Find creative lighting ideas for a polished finish to your remodeling or redecorating job.
  5. @MetalRoofingMag. If you are considering a metal roof, then take a look at the information on this feed that is all about the different types of metal roofs.
  6. @NewBathroom. When redoing your bathroom, visit this feed for tips and articles to help you create an awesome bathroom.
  7. @woodworkingsite. This woodworker not only offers tips, but sources for inspiration on your own projects, too.

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50 Best Homesteading Blogs

Whether you work in construction, landscaping, or some other field altogether, you can learn more about the increasingly larger movement towards homesteading through the great blogs being published about it on the web. These bloggers have moved out to the country or are using their smaller urban spaces to produce the vast majority of their own food and other household essentials. Find inspiration, advice and just plain interesting articles on this great collection of blogs all about homesteading in the modern world.

General

These blogs cover the basics of homesteading, showcasing families who are making it work in their own ways.

  1. Carpe Diem Acreage: This family is trying to live more simply through homesteading.
  2. The Happy Homesteader: Check out this Mother Earth News blog to get all the basic information you need on successful homesteading.
  3. Living the Good Life: Raising sheep, crops and other farm animals, this rural family is all about keeping life simple.
  4. Tiny Farm Blog: This blog proves that you don't have to have a huge farm to make homesteading work.
  5. Walnut Spinney: Here, you'll find a family that does it all on their own, from home schooling to raising their own food.
  6. Throwback at Trapper Creek: This blog chronicles some of the differences between homesteading back in the day and how it works today.
  7. Seldom Seen Acres: Check out this blog for posts from a homesteading mom just getting started raising animals, growing food and even making her own soap.
  8. The Walden Effect: Ever felt inspired enough by Walden to take it to heart? These bloggers did and post all kinds of articles about the simple, quiet country life.
  9. New Life on a Homestead: Read this blog to watch this family learn more about homesteading as they go.
  10. The Self-Sufficient Homestead: Learn how to make your homesteading project a successful one with help from these podcasting and blogging homesteaders.
  11. Cage Free Family: This family gave up their city lives to live simply and sustainably in the country. Learn more about their journey here.
  12. Homemaking Homesteader: On this blog, you'll find a mom who not only helps maintain the homestead but cares for her kids, cooks, bakes and makes her house a home.
  13. Life, Homesteading and Everything: Try out this blog to find lovely garden photos and information about homesteading.
  14. Not So Virtual Homestead: Read along as these bloggers maintain their 6-acre homestead in New Jersey.
  15. Timber Butte Homestead: These homesteaders live on a beautiful farm and are trying to make it more sustainable.
  16. No Ordinary Homestead: Through this site, you can read posts about homesteading and anything else that comes to this blogger's mind.

Newbies

Check out these blogs for insights into what it takes to get started with homesteading.

  1. A Homesteading Neophyte: These bloggers have only been homesteading for a couple of years and share their experiences raising sheep, making soap and living the rural life.
  2. City Boy Starts Farmin': If you're a city person who wants to move out into the country, check out this great homesteading blog for inspiration.
  3. Freshman Farmer: Here you'll find a group of bloggers who are all new to farming, so learn along with them as they plow the land.
  4. Mud on the Tracks: This newly-rural couple share their ups and downs on their Massachusetts farm.
  5. Living a Simple Life: Check out this blog for inspiration for the younger generation on how to live a more simple, sustainable life.
  6. The Birth of a Homestead: Follow along as this family sets up their homestead in Vermont.
  7. My Freezer is Full: On this blog, you'll be able to read posts from an Iowa farm girl who moved back to the farm to live.

Farms

These homesteading blogs focus on the family farm.

  1. Rowangarth Farm: This Ontario farm is home to modern day homesteaders trying to live more sustainably.
  2. Animal Escapades: These bloggers and homesteaders primarily raise sheep on their farm, but have many other animals as well.
  3. Achorn Farm: Based in Maine, this farm is where a former nurse put her career on hold to concentrate on working with the land and raising her family.
  4. Cold Antler Farm: Blogger Jenna raises sheep, chickens, rabbits, geese, ducks, turkeys, bees and more on her farm.
  5. Moonmeadow Farm Blog: Read this blog to find lots of great photographs of life on the farm.
  6. Whistling Wind Farm: On this blog, you'll see a family of three working and living on a five acre farm in Georgia.
  7. Lizzy Lane Farm: This family is trying to make a living from what they produce on their farm.
  8. Victoria Hill Farm: With bunnies and fancy chickens, these bloggers make homesteading look fun and stylish.
  9. Tylerfarm Homestead: Located in Southern Maine, this homesteader shares experiences raising sheep and caring for a family farm.
  10. Ironwood Farm Project: This family understands that their family farm is an ongoing project.
  11. Nexus Farm and Alpacas: Learn more about this family raising alpacas on their farm from this blog.

Green

These bloggers are homesteading because they want to live greener, more sustainable lives.

  1. Free Range Living: Blogger Cheryl shares her love of gardening, cooking and living green through this blog.
  2. Fast Grow the Weeds: Learn more about this organic garden in Michigan through this blog.
  3. AmLo Farms: This family only has a third of an acre to work with, yet they are doing their best to produce their own food and promote sustainable living with what they have.
  4. NY Homesteader: Living in the Catskills, this blogger homesteads the organic way.
  5. Subsistence Food Pattern: These homesteaders chose to go their own way and now focus on growing and gathering their own food.
  6. Off-Grid: While not every post on this blog is about homesteading, you'll find loads of information about living without using tons of resources.
  7. Nature's Harmony Farm: Find inspiration in this farm that produces its pigs and chickens organically and humanely.
  8. Rehoboth Homestead: Learn more about this homestead that's fully focused on producing nutrient rich, organic produce.
  9. Green Surviving Blog: On this blog, you can learn not only about homesteading but how to prepare your family for just about anything.

Urban

These bloggers are making homesteading in the city work for them.

  1. Urban Homesteader: Get tips on cooking, recycling and homesteading in your own backyard from this blog.
  2. Pluck and Feather: These bloggers are raising chickens and growing a garden in their urban backyard.
  3. Green Thumb Mama: This mom maintains a huge organic garden and raises her own hens.
  4. Empress of Dirt: Check out this blog for ideas and commentary on living a simple, frugal, healthy life on an urban homestead.
  5. Homegrown Evolution: This blog proves that you can make homesteading a reality even if you don't live in the country.
  6. Little Homestead in the City: Find inspiration in these homesteaders applying the techniques of rural life to a more urban setting.
  7. Leda's Urban Homestead: From baking bread to living more sustainably, you'll find a wealth of homesteading and green living posts here.

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70 Ways You Can Make Your Home More Sustainable

You don't have to work in construction management to be able to make some changes to your home that will make it greener and more sustainable for the years to come. In fact, there are many changes that you can make that don't require much how-to at all, just a willingness to change how you do things and the way you use your home. Here are 70 different ways you can modify your house by yourself to make it more sustainable and to reduce your carbon footprint.

Big Changes

If you've got the bucks and the time, these big, and often expensive, options can be a great way to create a sustainable home.

  1. Consider solar panels. Solar panels can be a significant investment, but it may be one that will pay off in a few years' time with reductions in utility bills. If you live in a sunny place, it may be well worth considering.
  2. Look into geothermal heat. Installing this kind of system can be a major undertaking financially, but you will be gaining peace of mind that you're getting your energy from a natural source rather than one that causes extra pollution.
  3. Build a solar water heater. This project need not be expensive, but it will take a little know-how to build. Once you're done, however, you'll save loads on water heating energy costs.
  4. Downsize your water heater. If your current water heater is bigger than you really need, consider exchanging it for a smaller, more economical model. And of course, recycle the old one.
  5. Metal roofing. Metal roofing is the most durable kind of roofing you can buy, and it doesn't have to be the ugly, corrugated kind that comes to mind when you hear metal roof. Today there are many stylish options for metal roofs that can be green and good looking.
  6. Invest in insulation. There are few things as essential to greening your home like providing it with good insulation. If what you have now isn't cutting it, you may want to invest in some more to keep your home the temperature you want.
  7. Consider a biomass boiler. These kinds of boilers use special fuel to run, which can be better for the environment. Of course, a major drawback is that they require a hefty up-front investment.
  8. Install double glazed windows. Are your old windows drafty even when they're not open? It may be time to switch to double glazed windows. These windows have a layer of air in the middle that helps insulate your home in warm or cool weather.
  9. Try out a green roof. While not all roofs are suitable for this, some might be, especially if you live in the city. You'll be helping the environment and reaping the benefits of a green roof at the same time.
  10. Try wind power. Installing a wind turbine can be a great way to produce your own energy. Of course, you'll want to do some testing first to see if it's worth the investment.
  11. Lighten up your roof. Putting a white roof on your house just might help fight global warming. The lighter color reflects light, rather than absorbing it, leading to lower energy costs.

Small Changes

These changes won't require major changes in your life, but they will help create a more sustainable home.

  1. Change your light bulbs. Switching to compact fluorescent bulbs or LED bulbs can save you big bucks over the course of a year in energy costs.
  2. Recycle everything you can. This not only goes for small items like cans and bottles, but larger items like furniture and electronics.
  3. Install ceiling fans. These small additions to your home can help improve air flow and ensure that your home stays cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
  4. Keep up with repairs. Leaky faucets, drafty windows and inefficient appliances are just a few things around the house that could be costing you when you don't repair them. Don't let repairs linger as they aren't doing you any favors.
  5. Get a garbage disposal. If you don't have the time or the room to compost, using a garbage disposal can be greener than putting organic matter into the garbage. As a bonus, you won't have refuse stinking up your house either.
  6. Weather strips. Inexpensive weather strips can help protect your home from lost heating and cooling, saving you money and making your home a little greener.
  7. Learn basic handy skills. If you've never been too handy around the house, it's never too late to learn. Keeping up with repairs and maintaining your house inside and out is essential to giving it a long life.
  8. Dispose of items properly. Many household items can be toxic if they're not disposed of properly. Do your research to make sure you're not harming the earth with your home improvements.
  9. Get rid of what you don't need. Extra stuff means extra room to store it and extra resources to care for it. Give away or sell items you no longer need.
  10. Make your own cleaning supplies. They'll be greener and cheaper in the long run, and your house will be just as clean.
  11. Go cloth. Instead of tossing out dozens of paper towels and napkins, switch to towels and cloth napkins instead.

Saving Energy

Try out these ideas to help you save energy around your home.

  1. Use a power monitor. Want to find out what's sucking up the power in your home? Invest in a power monitor and run checks.
  2. Buy your energy from a renewable source. There are options in many places where you can purchase energy credits from larger renewable sources. Look around in your community.
  3. Put appliances and electronics on power strips so you can turn them off. Some appliances and electronics suck up just as much energy when they're off as when they're in use. Save energy by plugging them into a power strip and turning the whole thing off when you're not using it.
  4. Try slow cooker cooking. Using a slow cooker can create delicious meals and, in some cases, it can use much less energy than an electric stove to do so.
  5. Wash clothes with cold. Most clothes do fine when washed in cold water, and you won't have to pay for the heat to create all the hot water.
  6. Insulate your water heater. Don't let your hot water go lukewarm. Purchase a hot water heater insulator to keep it hot.
  7. Clean that fridge. Dirty coils on your fridge could be making it inefficient and costing you more. Clean it off regularly to prevent this.
  8. Buy a programmable thermostat. Why have the heat or air up when you're not at home? Use a programmable thermostat to maximize your energy savings.
  9. Use motion sensor lights in areas like closets. If you find that you often forget to turn the light off when you slip into your closet or storage area, use a motion sensor light instead. It'll turn on when you're using it and turn off when you leave.
  10. Lower your water heater temp. Do you really need scalding hot water to shower or wash with? Lowering the temp on your water heater is a small change that could save you big.
  11. Get a solar powered attic fan. Your attic is the perfect place to install a solar powered device. Consider one to have one less item adding to your monthly bill.

Saving Water

Use these tips to reduce the amount of water you're using every day.

  1. Save rainwater. Getting a rain barrel can allow you to save rainwater which you can then use to water your plants, yard, and whatever else you'd like to use it for.
  2. Switch to low-flow. Changing out your shower and toilets to low-flow options can help you to use a fraction of the water.
  3. Use soaker hoses and drip irrigation. These are much more efficient ways to water your outdoor plants.
  4. Install dual-flush toilets. These kinds of toilets use the type of waste in the toilet to determine how much water to use–making them much more efficient.
  5. Use faucet aerators. Aerators allow you to use less water by mixing air into the water stream. You'll still get the same pressure, just with less water to do so.
  6. Use the dishwasher. It might be counterintuitive, but using the dishwasher when it's full actually uses less water than manually washing the same amount of dishes.

Design and Decor

Don't just green your home, but the items you have inside your home as well with these helpful tips.

  1. Get some heavy-duty drapes. Heavy drapes will help you block out not only nosy neighbors but sunlight and wind that can cost you in lost energy.
  2. Go natural. There are loads of options for natural fiber carpets these days that are kinder to the earth and that look great at the same time.
  3. Buy quality. High quality items might cost you more up front, but they will last longer and cause less waste in the long run.
  4. Use eco-friendly paint. You can find numerous places that carry environmentally friendly brands of paint these days and it comes in just about every color you could want.
  5. Design for the future. If you're planning a redesign of your home, make sure you account for age, new family members and other life changes. That way you won't find yourself needing to do another remodel a few years down the road.
  6. Get an earth friendly fireplace. What does your fireplace burn? How about ethanol? There are loads of stylish fireplace options out there that use more renewable resources.
  7. Get creative. You likely have old items around your home that with a little TLC and imagination could be turned into something great.
  8. Go classic. Classic designs might not be the most hip, but they will last you the longest over time.
  9. Make use of natural light. You won't need a load of lamps if you make good use of the natural light in your home.
  10. Investigate reclaimed materials. From tables to flooring, there are tons of reclaimed materials out there you could use to spruce up your interior design sustainably.
  11. Find eco-friendly decor. Check into companies that are making organic and green furniture. You just might find something you like and you can feel good about having it in your home to boot.

Outdoors

Make your outdoor space even greener with these tips.

  1. In warm weather, use a clothesline. Why bother with your energy-sucking dryer when you can use the wind for free?
  2. Install awnings over your windows. These can help you control the sunlight that enters your home, allowing you to better save on energy costs.
  3. Consider less grass. Grass can take a lot of maintenance and water, especially in hot climates. If you want to save, try scaling back your lawn and investing in rock gardens and planters.
  4. Use native plants. Native plants are going to need much less care than those that are brought in from other areas. Plus, there's no chance they'll do harm to the natural environment if they spread beyond your yard.
  5. Plant trees. Trees not only look nice, but they can also shade your home and protect it from the elements, meaning less energy costs for you.
  6. Bring in the birds. Birds can be a great way to control pests without having to use harmful chemicals. Better yet, bird feeders and seeds are relatively inexpensive.
  7. Start composting. Waste from indoors and out can be used to fertilize and protect your plants outdoors. You can buy composting bins commercially or make your own.

Green Shopping

When buying things for your home, keep these tips in mind.

  1. Look at energy ratings. Don't buy appliances or electronics without doing a little research into their energy ratings. A little up-front research could save you money down the line.
  2. Choose sustainably created materials. No matter what you're buying for your home, from wood to couches, do your best to buy materials that are sustainable.
  3. Buy secondhand. There's no need to always buy new when you can get items that are just as nice used as well. It's cheaper and better for the environment to reuse.
  4. Do your research. Look into companies and services before you buy so you know how their green products stack up to others out there.
  5. Work with companies that have green standards. If you are going to have work done on your home or even if you just want to make a big purchase, look into the companies you'll be doing business with before buying.
  6. Check out eco ratings. This site will help you determine the true greenness of just about any product you'll buy for your home.
  7. Learn about tax credits. Did you know that there could be tax credits waiting for you if you make green home improvements? Check online or with your accountant to see if you qualify.

Green Materials

These tips will help you find the best green materials out there.

  1. Try to buy local materials. They'll have used less energy to end up at your local hardware store than those that come from far away.
  2. Make sure wood is harvested from sustainable sources. You don't want your new deck to be made of wood that came from a virgin rainforest, so make sure what you're buying is sustainably harvested.
  3. Consider bamboo. Bamboo is an excellent source of flooring, cabinetry, furniture and more for the home. Even better, it's sustainable and attractive.
  4. Recycled glass. Glass is an incredibly versatile and recyclable material and there are loads of ways to use it sustainably in your home.
  5. Wheat and strawboard. These building materials are made from sustainably harvested materials.
  6. Choose materials that can be recycled or reused. Styles change, and you'll be doing the earth a favor by choosing materials that can be reused rather than those that just have to be thrown away once they've run their course.

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50 Best Real Estate Blogs

No matter if you are a student looking toward a career in the industry or a seasoned professional that has seen it all, these blogs offer a wealth of information on topics such as the state of the housing market, tips for investors, analyses of the real estate economy, and even a glimpse into the world of house flipping.

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Top 100 Gardening Blogs

Whether you love to work in your own garden or simply help others with the construction of their dream backyards, there’s plenty of reading material out there for professionals and amateurs alike.

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Construction management degree program locator

Somewhere specific in mind? Choose a state:

Below you will find a complete listing of all accredited construction management degree programs sorted by state. If you're interested becoming a construction manager and already know the state you want to pursue your education in, the pages below will provide you with a complete list of your degree options. We update this list frequently, but if you find an accredited construction management school we have missed in your state, please contact us.