earthtalk
dear earthtalk:
What kinds of home improvements could I do
that would make my house healthier and more
environmentally friendly? —Elizabeth Bram, via e-mail
Most homes could be healthier for fam- of such material can develop rashes
ily and kinder to the environment. For and skin infections. Cedar wood is a
instance, indoor air quality is a serious naturally pest-resistant alternative that,
problem affecting millions of homes. while more expensive, is a kinder-
Studies show that air within homes can gentler option that will stand the test of
be more seriously polluted than the air time.
outdoors – even in the largest and most Other ways to green-up the home
industrialized cities. include replacing traditional incan-
According to Glenn Haege, a descent light bulbs with more energy-
master handyman who hosts a national efficient compact fluorescents, as well
radio show on home repair, as our as switching out conventional hot water
homes and apartments have become heaters in favor of solar or on-demand Do it yourselfers can find
more energy efficient and airtight, “hu- tankless versions. And for saving on wa-
hundreds of websites
midity levels from cooking and breath- ter, replacing traditional showerheads
ing tend to increase, causing mold and and toilets with pressurized low-flow offering tips on green
mildew.” Harmful chemicals, he says, alternatives can save gallons per day
building and repair.
from construction materials, insulation, while generating cost savings on utility
furniture, carpeting, padding, paints bills. Likewise, capturing rainwater
solvents and household cleaners, drawn and shower “gray-water” to irrigate the
audit company can help assess a homes
by this moist atmosphere, combine to garden is another smart move.
health, safety and energy efficiency as
contaminate the indoor air, which then Do it yourselfers can find hun-
well as make recommended improve-
stays trapped inside. dreds of websites offering tips on green
ments and repairs.
The first step in remedying this building and repair. Glenn Haege’s
Source:
emagazine.com/earthtalk/
problem is to test your indoor air. Pure
MasterHandyman.com and Natural-
archives.php.
Air and Evirologix, among others, sell
Handyman.com both offer a plethora of
inexpensive and easy-to-use indoor articles and links and are good resourc-
For more information about home en-
air quality testing kits. Once you get es if you’re looking to improve you own
ergy audits contact Energy Check
an idea of the contaminants floating handy skills while staying true to your
of Blacksburg at 540-443-9966 or
around your home, you can get to green ideals. For less handy homeown-
check out their website at
work replacing the offending sources ers or those strapped for time an energy
WeCheckEnergy.com. See ad below.
accordingly. Green superstores such
as the Environmental Home Center,
Green Building Supply and Oikos of-
fer a wealth of greener and healthier
Home energy audits by energy CHeCk
building supplies and materials. Also,
BuildingGreen.com offers a free online
Money isn’t all you save.
“GreenSpec” database with detailed
increase the comfort, health and
listings for more than 2,000 environ-
value of your home and improve
mentally preferable building products.
the environment.
Materials outside the home can
also contribute to health problems. One
wecheckenergy.com
example is pressure-treated lumber,
which contains a form of cyanide to
540-443-9966
keep pests away. Kids who play on health • comfort • safety • energy efficiency
backyard jungle gyms and decks mad
Call now to schedule your homes Energy Check...you’ll save more than you spend.
August 2009
23
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