go solar
(June 2006)Photovoltaics—panels that convert the sun's rays into electricity—are a great option if your region is relatively sunny (check out Find Solar for further info). What they cost in setup—typically $10,000 to $20,000—comes back in tax incentives and electric-bill savings within a few years. Solar homeowner Renée Loux says her Shell Solar installation shrank her monthly electric bills from $550 to $0. For installation information, call Shell Solar Industries (800) 947-6527.
plant a green roof
(September 2006)Activist and Sustainable South Bronx founder Majora Carter describes a green roof as "a layer of soil and foliage that sits on top of a building, serving many happy purposes: to absorb excess rainwater (preventing sewage-system overflow), to conserve energy, to cool interiors in the summer and to improve air quality. Utility aside, green roofs have spectacular beauty potential, be they flat or sloped." Preplanted modules ("GreenGrids") create an instant rooftop garden and are available from Weston Solutions (847) 918-4149.
use eco-paints
(January/February 2006)These conscientious colors are virtually free of nasty, fume-producing VOCs. (VOCs—volatile organic compounds—are low-level toxic and headache-inducing emissions released by conventional paints for years after application.) Our favorite brands of VOC-reduced paints are Eco-Spec, Yolo Colorhouse, Horizon, and Safecoat.
find earth-friendly countertops
(March 2007)The best sustainable renovating materials? Eco-conscious model Shalom Harlow "is excited about Squak Mountain Stone, a new limestone-like material made of recycled paper and glass and coal fly ash. It can be used as a kitchen counter or a tabletop." Find out more about this revolutionary building material at the Squak Mountain Stone website.
salvage and save
(March 2006/December 2005)Reuse and reduce. For your next big home reno project, take your contractor along to an architectural salvage facility in your area (just run an Internet search to find one). If you're looking for something in particular —vintage stove, perhaps?— submit a wish list to the "Search & Rescue" section of the Island Girl Salvage website, and they'll keep an eye out for your desired items. For more information, call Island Girl Salvage (847) 593-2433 or Olde Good Things, (888) 233-9678
green your floors
(May 2006)Sustainable housing experts and eco-design entrepreneurs Jen Carlson and Josh Shear are wild for bamboo flooring, available at their online green-materials store Straw, Sticks & Bricks. They also swear by AFM carpet sealant, which prevents off-gassing (a problem with many synthetic-carpet backings) or better yet, carpeting made of natural materials like wool.
