Sustainable Architecture Building Materials - Know The Benefits

Sustainable architecture is a growing trend in today's eco-conscious world. The use of sustainable building materials promotes a healthier home or office as well as a cleaner, better preserved environment. There are many great benefits to designing spaces that use sustainable products and it does not have to be a difficult task.

Definition

What are these? These are products that are made from renewable sources, things that can be replenished and re-grown. They are distinguished from non-renewable ones in several ways. For example, they are classified distinctly because they help conserve things like water, air quality, energy and natural resources.

Typical Ones

Sustainable architecture uses the philosophy that resources are precious and should be used efficiently. So these might include things like products containing recycled elements, or wood products like bamboo that grow back very quickly.

Water saving faucets and plumbing design are certainly part of the "green" movement as are landscaping techniques like drip systems that use as little water as possible. Green materials also include products that are grown or produced locally so that less energy and resources are used up in the transportation of the goods to the building site.

It is also popular to use materials that can be recycled or reused whenever they are no longer functional or necessary in the building anymore. And finally, those that are durable and long-lasting are considered sustainable because they will not need to be replaced often and will thus conserve resources over time.

Advantages

Using "green" ones in sustainable architecture provide advantages to both the environment and those living or working in the new space. They can help reduce the amount of energy needed to power a home or office. They are also safer for the health and productivity of the people in the building as non-green ones often contain harmful toxins. In some cases, green materials can lower the long-term costs of maintain a building and replacing certain features.

And as for the environmental benefits, using sustainable products helps to protect natural raw resources like forests, water, and clean air. According to one study, over 3 billion tons of raw materials are consumed each year for construction and remodeling and using green materials helps to reduce the toll of this consumption.

Sustainable architecture is a smart way to build for the future. It is environmentally responsible and can also be the most economical choice in the long run.

With sustainable architecture, get broad scopes of architectural services including new construction, home renovation, interior design consultation and historic preservation. To know more, visit http://www.samselarchitects.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Commonly Asked Questions About Sustainable Home Design

If you're considering building your own house and you want to research some available options, it might be wise to speak with some sustainable home design architects. The idea behind this plan is to create dwellings that don't harm the environment, contribute to the local economy, and help reduce waste while maximizing tenant comfort. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about this unique kind of home plan.

• What are the principles behind sustainable design?

Home plans that reflect sustainable design ideals are environmentally sensitive and blend harmoniously with nature and society. These blueprints are not merely dwellings, but rather sanctuaries that operate under a philosophy of being an integral part of the natural surroundings rather than negatively harming them.

Sustainable design home plans incorporate only renewable, natural resources to lessen man's impact on the environment while being cost and energy-effective as well.

• What are some of the important aspects of such types of housing projects?

Architects utilize recycled, renewable, and non-toxic materials. The production process to make these is generally low impact on the environment and energy resources. That means that even after the house is no longer in use; the materials can be reused again, resulting in less waste.

These products are also often drawn from local sources to encourage local economy. Other important elements include maintaining a high quality of living for the tenants, such as an aesthetically pleasing look, healthy air flow, and overall harmony of the house.

• What are some of the primary goals of sustainable design architects?

Architects in this specialized field aim to create homes that outlast their mass-produced counterparts, with high quality plan elements and products. Energy efficiency, including electrical components and heating and cooling should be environmentally friendly as well as comfortably adequate for tenants.

A combination of alternative energies is often used such as solar power, collection of rainwater, and heat pumps to maximize effectiveness. Many of the dwellings can function equally as well without the help of traditional fossil fuel.

• Who can benefit from these types of houses?

Architects can be expensive; however, those with the ability and desire to create their own home plan will want to invest more research into these exciting and developing residential projects. It is not only environmentally friendly, but it can help save you money as well.

By using cheaper resources, you'll save money on the building materials. And since one of the main goals of these buildings is to create a longer lasting structure, you'll suffer through fewer repairs.

Alternative energy sources mean your family will save money and live a healthier, more independent lifestyle. You don't have to be dependent on traditional sources of energy or fossil fuel anymore.

• What else can a sustainable design architect do for me?

These kind of residential projects are also moving to the outdoors. Landscaping is an important aspect of a house layout, and designers have many tricks to help integrate the natural surroundings to benefit the house plans.

Elements of sustainable landscaping include strategically placing windows near trees to provide shade and protection, creating space for composting, using local plants and products to save on energy and contribute to the nearby economy, and choosing sturdy plants that can survive on little water and soil.

Sustainable home design plans are not only environment friendly but also cost effective in the long run. To find an architect with knowledge, training and experience in sustainable design, visit http://www.samselarchitects.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Sustainable Design Home Plans - The Responsible Choice For Today's Home Owner

When thinking about your dream home, there are many factors to consider. Location and cost are the first things most potential homeowners consider, but your research must go deeper, getting to the very heart of what you want your dream home to represent.

A dream house must meet all of your immediate needs, while still leaving room for growth and development in the future. For most people, the factors that they consider for the future usually revolve around a growing family and increased equity.

However, as people increasingly take a long-term, global view of their lives and their impact on the environment. Where past generations only sought to provide for the immediate needs of their family, today people are often looking for ways to leave a better planet for future generations.

As the science of ecology has developed over the years, it has been increasingly clear that something as solid and permanent as a building can have a fluid, changing impact on the environment over time. Today's houses can become tomorrow's problems if the architects behind the design do not take enough care in considering the future impact of their designs.

One way these architects are thinking of the future is by using sustainable design home plans. Sustainable designing encompasses a variety of design philosophies. The main idea that unites them all is a desire to find the best way to create buildings that will work with the surrounding environment. There are many variations on the theme of sustainable home design, but there are a number of common factors architects will consider when creating a sustainable design plan.

Working with a trained and experienced architect, you must first consider what sort of materials you will use to construct your dwelling and how those will affect the environment. Next, you must consider the amount of energy being consumed by your potential home. Utilizing certain complex design techniques, experts can now create dwellings that use the surrounding environmental patterns and building supplies to supplement energy needs, resulting in few energy required.

Finally, you must consider the pollution effects associated with your homes. The pollution put out by your home can be anything from ambient heat and water run-off that might affect the surrounding environment, to the actual pollution that will be created by your day to day life in the house.

When looking for an architect who can provide you with sustainable plans, it is important to do research. Look at buildings in your area that meet both your aesthetic needs as well as your sustainability needs. When meeting with your sustainable design representative, be sure to ask as many questions as you need to be comfortable with the design you choose.

As the years pass before your eyes and your family grows, your home will hopefully grow with you. And when it comes time to pass your home on to the next generation, hopefully you will be leaving them with a dream dwelling of their own, that will grow and change with them, all thanks to a well thought out sustainable home design plan.

Sustainable house design is the best way to create buildings in tune with the environment. LEED-Accredited architects incorporate environmentally sustainable design and green building principles throughout their work. Visit http://www.samselarchitects.com to learn more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Stratton

Natural Stone, The Timeless Sustainable Choice Of The Experts

They used it some 4,500 years ago as the primary building material for one of the most awe-inspiring of the world's seven wonders, the Giza plateau pyramids of Egypt. And about 2,000 years earlier in Britain they used it to build one of the world's greatest enigmas, Stonehenge. Natural stone, the timeless sustainable choice of experts is not a new idea, but it is still being avidly used as a building material today.

The experts who designed and built such potent edifices in Scotland as the Scottish Parliament, the Weston link at the National Gallery of Scotland, and the Museum of Scotland all chose natural stone as a predominant building material. Its unembellished beauty always shines through and its timeless enduring quality sustains down the ages.

A stone is "a piece of rock or hard mineral substance (other than metal), of small to moderate size," according to The Oxford English Dictionary. However, that does not tell us that there are many different types of stone, born from many different kinds of lithification, or rock making, processes, such as sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic stone.

Over the centuries stone masons have discovered which type of stone is best suited for a particular task. Some stone types like granite are best suited for pure strength, while limestone and marble work well for decorative and aesthetically pleasing uses.

Stone can of course be broken down into little pieces and become gravel. A crushing process breaks the stone down until the pieces are more or less the same predetermined size. This allows for a uniform covering for driveways and paths, for example, though gravel has many more uses. It is a satisfyingly low maintenance material that is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Natural stone is increasingly becoming popular as a flooring material. It works well with underfloor heating, retaining the heat and thereby making it a very cost-effective choice. It is a naturally durable type of floor covering requiring little maintenance and looking extremely elegant almost forever.

It also works well as the base of a patio, especially in a damp climate where a wooden deck can warp. It doesn't need annually painting or protecting and it will fit right in with the general landscape, which of course is where it came from originally.

Natural stone is an inspired choice for a large open fireplace surround. There's nothing quite like an open fire on a cold evening to bring out the best in people. Relaxing by an open fire as the flames lick lazily up the chimney while sipping a glass of something strong is a great time to appreciate the expert workmanship of stone in such a fireplace, and it is indeed a shame if it isn't there.

This article could go on and on about the virtues of natural stone; there's hardly a situation where it cannot be used to some extent. It is completely sympathetic to the environment, it looks great, it needs little time and effort to maintain and it is relatively inexpensive. Surely that alone is enough good reasons to love it, and certainly why it is the timeless sustainable choice of experts.

David A Robinson
Help and information about using natural stone for domestic and commercial buildings.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_A_Robinson

How Sustainable Ranching Saves Money, Boosts Ranching Income, And Protects The Environment

With the instability of commodity prices and the skyrocketing prices of real estate, making a profit from ranching has become increasingly difficult. If you don't want to see condos replace your cows, sustainable ranching may be a viable option for you. Sustainable, eco-friendly ranching is a popular form of ranch management that is gaining traction because it helps ranchers make more profit and save money all the while protecting the environment.

How Sustainable Practices Can Boost Your Ranching Income and Save You Money

An increasing number of people are willing to pay top dollar for naturally-raised meat and visits to guest ranches that protect wildlife, open space, water, and soil. Tourists are eager to pay you handsomely to stay in a secluded parcel of your ranch to enjoy hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities. Ranchers report that sustainable ranching practices increase income by about 15 to 25 percent.

By reducing technological and chemical inputs, ranchers can also save a lot of money on operating costs. When you change the way you manage your livestock and make it more sustainable, it is possible to produce more forage and graze more animals in addition.

What is Sustainable Ranch Management?

Some practices in sustainable ranch management include using crop rotation for soil health, improving habitat for endangered species in the area, and managing animals better to reduce stress-related illness. Sustainable ranchers encourage their herds to graze densely in one area before moving onto another, allowing that land to recover naturally. By using nutrition and animal husbandry practices, ranchers can control disease and increase weight gain among livestock naturally. Ranchers do not give their livestock antibiotics or hormones to encourage growth and can thus sell meat to the lucrative natural foods market, which pays premium prices. Sustainable management also eliminates the need for farming and hay production, allowing ranchers to have more free time to spend with their families.

On a sustainable ranch, ranchers develop an upland water source in order to protect riparian areas and water quality while providing water to livestock. They select livestock and crop species that are well-adapted to the conditions of the ranch property. Sustainable ranchers also prevent livestock waste from contaminating groundwater and surface water. By handling livestock carefully and providing them with fresh water, balanced feed rations, and suitable shelter, sustainable ranchers prevent stress-related illness among livestock and maintain their livestock's health.

Everyone has an obligation to take care of the planet. If you want to increase profits from ranching while respecting the planet, sustainable ranch management may be right for you.

Peter Gooding has been developing Northern AZ real estate for over 15 years. He specializes in developing the finest horse property in Arizona, including his current project, Las Vegas Ranch Estates, which is a series of sustainable Arizona ranches for sale.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gooding

Ecotourism As A Sustainable Development Model

Ecotourism appeals to ecologically and socially conscious individuals. Also known as ecological tourism, it involves travel to pristine and protected areas, where flora, fauna and cultural heritage are the main attractions. It helps the traveller to have personal growth and learn new ways to live on the planet.

Fostering respect for different cultures and human rights, it directly benefits the economic development and political empowerment of local communities. Ecotourism is an enriching experience for those who would like to research and understand the environment around them. Promotion of recycling, energy efficiency, water conservation and creation of economic opportunities for the local communities are an integral part of ecotourism. It aims at reducing the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment and enhancing the integrity of local people.

There are several characteristics of ecotourism including travel to natural destinations, building environmental awareness, providing financial benefits and empowerment for local people, supporting human rights and demographic movements etc. It also satisfies various criteria like, conservation of biological diversity and cultural diversity through ecosystem protection, sharing of socio-economic benefits with local communities by having their informed consent and participation in the management of ecotourism enterprises etc. For many countries like, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Nepal, Kenya, Madagascar, Antarctica etc it is a major industry of the national economy.

Ecotourism is a widely misunderstood concept. It is often used as a marketing tool to promote tourism, which is related to nature. The greenwashing practices carried out in the name of ecotourism is detrimental to the ecosystem. There are some operators who behave in environmentally irresponsible ways, using the labels of "green" and "eco-friendly."

In order to promote ecotourism in its real sense, many environmentalists have argued for a global standard of accreditation, differentiating ecotourism companies on the basis of their level of environmental commitment. For enforcing accreditation procedures, a national or international regulatory board would be formulated, with representation from governments, hotels, tour operators, travel agents, guides, airlines, local authorities etc.

sheebabenjamin09@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sheeba_Benjamin_Benju

Straw Bale House Made By Single Mom For $50,000 - Sustainable House Design

Sustainable straw bale house design.

Sustainable Development In Design And Architecture

Sustainable design, also known as "environmental design" is a philosophy that promotes the design of physical objects and services that meet the definition of social, economic and ecological sustainability. Sustainable architecture, therefore, is a sub-philosophy of sustainable design that deals specifically with architecture and all that goes into it from emergency lighting in commercial buildings to sun rooms in private residences. Seeking to minimize the negative environmental effects of architecture by using environmentally friendly building materials, limiting development space and dramatically increasing energy efficiency, sustainable architecture espouses the same goal as the more general philosophy of sustainable design: the preservation of the environment and everything therein for the proper use and enjoyment future generations.

Constructing a building that maintains emergency efficiency over the course of its lifetime is the primary goal of sustainable architecture. Energy efficiency begins with having a well-insulated building that meets the energy efficiency standards of sustainable design, but a building's heating and cooling methods play an essential role in realizing the efficacy of its insulation design. Some designers prefer to use photovoltaic solar panels, known as "active" solar design, to provide high level, sustainable electricity. When using these panels, a buildings roof is commonly angled towards the sun to allow the panels to collect maximum energy and may even be designed to follow the sun's movement. "Passive" solar design, on the other hand, focuses on constructing buildings using strong insulation combined with materials that possess a high thermal mass that allows them retain heat with greater efficiency.

Wind turbines are another option for generating energy efficiently, but the effectiveness of wind power varies by locations. At low wind sites, for example, wind turbine maintenance sometimes equals the revenue generated by a small wind power system. Residential wind systems have become increasingly popular, but the smaller systems are generally less cost effective than the larger systems with regard to initial cost versus how much energy the system produces.

Those who invest in sustainable architecture have far more choice in the building materials for their house than they do in choosing the house's means of energy production. A short list of sustainable building materials includes clay, certain types of concrete, baked earth, rammed earth, vermiculite, calcium sand stone, sustainably harvested wood, cork, wood fiber plates, flax linen and bamboo. Sustainable architecture can also include the use of second hand or recycled materials. In fact, the ultimate form of using old materials for sustainable architecture comes with retrofitting old structures to avoid more development. But even when old buildings lose out to new ones, demolishing the buildings and salvaging any wood and stone that can be repurposed helps maintain sustainable development.

The ultimate test for all sustainable design is whether it can fulfill its intended function without using fossil fuels anywhere in the process. Currently, most eco-friendly design is in the position of merely reducing pollution to the environment, not altogether preventing it. And here lies the current goal of sustainable design: to create products and services that are not just eco-friendly, but eco-perfect.

Sustainable architecture is a form of sustainable design that focuses on creating buildings that function efficiently without the use of fossil fuels. From self-sustaining emergency lighting to eco-friendly building materials, sustainable design seeks to preserve the environment for future generations. For more information on how these signs can reduce costs and help the environment, head to GloBriteSystem.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Chambless

Hemp Houses - The Secret Of Building Sustainable Homes

Once the areas major agricultural product, hemp is making a comeback in the Altiplano area of Granada, Spain. Until the late nineteen sixties industrial hemp growing formed the backbone of this wholly agricultural area of Spain. Towards the end of the Franco era, with the invention of nylon and the mechanisation of agriculture most of the population was forced off the land to find work on the coast and major cities.

With the advent of the eco-age the interest in industrial hemp is being revived as it is a major constituent of eco-bricks, a vital component of sustainable housing.

Hemp comes from the Anglo Saxon word ‘haemp' and is the popular name for plants of the cannabis genus. Hemp usually refers to the strains of the plant cultivated exclusively for industrial use as opposed to cannabis which is associated with pot and similar drugs.

Hemp has a huge variety of uses but continues to be overshadowed by the cannabis connotation of illegal drugs, with which it is often confused. However hemp can legally be grown, under licence, in many countries, including the European Union countries and Canada.

Cannabis sativa L. is the variety primarily grown for industrial purposes, it is a fast growing plant and has been cultivated for many thousand of years being used to make rope, clothing, paper, hemp oil and medicines. Growing hemp improves the condition of the ground and reduces ambient contamination. It is a robust plant that requires neither herbicides nor pesticides during its cultivation.

Hemp as an industrial material has a ten thousand year history. The first recorded use of hemp was as a cloth fabric, found in China as far back as 8000BC.C. Circa 4000B.C. hemp started to be used, again in China, to make ropes and as food. 2000 years later, the Chinese hemp oils and medicine were in use. By 1000B.C. its use had spread to India and Greece where the first instances of hemp paper were found.

By the 6th century hemp was being used in Europe in some amazing ways, in France a hemp reinforced bridge was built and it is still in use today. The hemp fibre also found uses in sailmaking, caulking materials, fishing nets and lines. In later years hemp was used to make a variety of foodstuffs including butter and beer. By the 15th century Renaissance painters were using hemp canvases.

Today industrial hemp is used to make a staggering variety of products ranging from medicines, body care products, building and insulating materials, clothing, textiles, food, fuel, livestock food and bedding, plastics and paper.

In the building industry hemp bricks, because of their sustainability and excellent insulation properties, are being used to construct external and internal walls of ecological homes. In this area of Spain the external walls of an eco house will consist of a eco-bricks, manufactured in Guadix with the proprietary name of Cannabric.

Cannabric derives its properties from industrial hemp fibres (cáñamo). The hemp bricks are made up of industrial hemp fibres, slaked lime and a mixture of innert mineral materials. The bricks combine the functions of a load bearing wall that is fire-resistant and does not require the addition of thermal or acoustic insulation.

The most important component of the eco-brick is industrial hemp which has a very low thermal conductivity (0.048W/m²k) producing a brick with vastly superior insulation properties against both cold and heat. The mineral component of the bricks gives them their mechanical strength. Being a solid brick, with a high specific heat, it has the optimal thermal properties to protect against heat.

These characteristics make hemp bricks the ideal choice in areas of southern Europe where there are extremes in temperature through summer and winter.

The mechanical strength of the block starts with formation of insoluble hydrates. The strength increases over time with the carbonation of the free lime, (a constituent of slaked lime) by moisture and carbon dioxide present in the air. Another important factor in the progressive curing of the eco-bricks is the gradual petrifaction of the industrial hemp by the lime and minerals present in the bricks.

Due to its unique composition the hemp bricks allow the transpiration and diffusion of water vapour between the inside and outside of the building equalising humidity within the building thus avoiding humid and cold areas and minimising condensation on the inside wall surfaces.

Slaked lime acts as the binder, basically holding the brick together, but it has other uses. The slaked lime acts as a filler protecting the brick against water entry via the external surfaces exposed to rain and snow. On the other hand it provides a protection for the industrial hemp fibres against fungal and parasite attack.

The hemp bricks when laid endwise are used for the construction of external walls thirty centimeters thick. The internal walls built with hemp bricks are thinner being half the thickness. The delightful, popular cave homes of this area of Andalusia are naturally ecological in that they are re-developed from ancient derelict cave houses. As far as practical re-cycled materials are utilised and, as such, their environmental impact and carbon footprints are minimal.

It is ironic that this area of Spain, the Altiplano, until the late nineteen sixties, was renown as an industrial hemp growing area. The hemp growing era came to an end with the introduction of nylon, farm mechanisation and the growing freedom of movement coinciding with the end of the Franco regime. The combination of these factors threw large numbers of agricultural workers out of work. As a result the village populations sufferred a catastrophic decline with those leaving migrationg to the Costas and principal cities in search of employment.

As a result of these traumatic changes in demographic the remaining population was mainly aged, the villages incomes dropped to near poverty level and many empty houses fell into disrepair.

Most of the land workers who moved away lived in cave houses which are now being revitalised by the growing demand for eco-properties.

Les Edwards runs a real estate business specialising in cave houses and country properties in the Altiplano region of Granada Province in Spain. To learn more about estate agents and rural property in Spain go to: http://www.spanish-inland-properties.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Les_Edwards

Sustainable Views And Fabric Structures

With Sustainable Design as the most important issue in Architecture today, designers are not only focusing on environmentally friendly materials but also educating their clients on the benefits of their design approach, their use of materials and their method of construction for reaching "Green" status.

The essential aim of Sustainable Design is to produce places, products and services in a way that reduces the use of non-renewable resources, minimizes environmental impact, and relates people to the natural environment. Architectural Fabric Structures have been in use since first introduced by Frei Otto in the early 1960's for temporary expositions. The major benefits were its minimal impact on the environment, its ability to enclose large spaces with little material and, of course, its aesthetic quality. Essentially, these early structures were fine examples of Sustainable Design. Over time, these structures have proven themselves as a permanent building material having been used in retail malls, airports, and sports facilities to name a few.

Everyone (Owner, Designer, Consultant, and Contractor) has an opinion on sustainability and when it comes to fabric structures one could argue that these view points can be broken down into three major components: Design, Materials and Construction.

When it comes to design, it is very important to understand why one wants to be sustainable. Some times it can be a philosophical approach from the owner's point of view, it could be mandated by market segment or there could be financial implications (banks, energy, etc.). I always like to say Design takes time and Green Design takes more time. Make sure your client realizes that too. Current design benefits of fabric structures directed at clients include: day lighting which reduces the need for artificial lighting, UV protection which reduces the risk of skin cancer, water collection which is then used for irrigating plants and other services, solar shading which reduces energy on a building's mechanical system and rarely considered but a growing trend of incorporating a fabric structure as an educational tool that teaches people about UV protection, recyclability, etc.

When it comes to materials and fabric structures, designers look to the three basic components: the structural members, the membrane and the perimeter tensioning system. The structural system is primarily made of steel but aluminum and wood are being considered more often. These materials all have many recyclable attributes and can be specified to be manufactured locally to the site. However, the most important factor in looking to be more sustainable with the structural members is in documenting your work. Saying something is recyclable and having the certified documents to prove it are two different things. It is hard to go back to the origins of the material if you intend to go for a LEED certification or need it for rebates and tax cuts. The perimeter tensioning system which includes tie downs and catenaries can be made with webbing belts, ropes of different compositions or wire rope depending on the load imposed on the structure. The membrane can come from all over the world and fabrication shops varying depending on the material chosen. Some materials have short life spans while others are made of recyclable materials. You can also find materials with 20 to 30 years life spans and are more environmentally friendly than ever before. The same can be said for the membrane as it is for the structural members; document your work and certify its origins. More research needs to be done on the amount of energy required to both make the material and fabricate the finished membrane. I think one will find another added benefit to fabric structures and sustainable design.

Lastly, construction benefits and fabric structures vary from location, place where components were manufactured and what is required to install these structures. Most tensioned fabric structures are designed, engineered and fabricated by "form finding" which means they are designed to be not only structurally efficient but manufactured and installed with little to no waste and energy. Architectural fabric is considered one of the lightest building materials and can create the largest building envelope. The result can have significant impact from plant to site. Less weight and packed to move, membrane, structural steel and components can be shipped to site with fewer trucks and erected with lighter equipment. Properly designed fabric structures may have little impact on the ground with smaller concrete foundations for compression loads and the use of utility cable anchor technology for tension loads. These efforts can have significant saving when the site is being used for temporary structures or deployable structures where reuse is inevitable.

Remember, sustainable design and the use of fabric structures is most successful when ALL three components are considered just keep in mind the views of others.

About the Author:
Samuel J. Armijos, AIA, is Architect and Vice President of FabriTec Structures, a brand of USA Shade and Fabric Structures. He is author of Fabric Architecture: Creative resources for Shade, Signage and Shelter. He resides in Fairfield, NJ. http://www.fabricarchitect.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Sustainable Views and Fabric Structures

Sustainable Building And Construction - All You Need To Know

Sustainable energy is one of the most widely developed forms of energy on the planet. With concerns that non renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, will be completely depleted, research and development has gone into sustainable energy in hopes of protecting the environment and having a viable source of electricity for future generations.

Sustainable energy comes in many forms. Solar power, wind power, and wave power are among the three most commonly pursued types. Geothermal energy, which is only available in some parts of the world, is also a very successful source of sustainable energy.

If you wish to help the environment and lower your costs of electricity, investing in sustainable energy may be for you. There are many ways that you can get involved in the sustainable energy movement, if you are willing to make lifestyle changes. One way is to invest in solar powering for your sustainable homes. While not all locations are suitable for solar power, installing solar panels in your home can help lower the amount of energy you pull from major power grids. With the proper system and enough space, you can even feed energy back into the power grid, resulting in energy companies paying you for the energy that you provide. Unfortunately, wind and water based sustainable energy is out of the reach of most home owners. However, if you live on a country property with fast moving streams, you may be able to install a water wheel or a small windmill to help generate energy for your sustainable homes.

Unfortunately, it is very difficult to thrive on only sustainable energy. While there is efforts to make electric and hybrid cars, as well as cars that can function on high percentages of ethanol, thee vehicles are still extremely expensive and the technology is still in development. However, purchasing a car with a high mileage rate can significantly lower the amount of energy you consume. If you do a lot of short distance driving, a pure electric car coupled with solar power can nullify the amount of non renewable energy you consume. However, electric cars still do not have sufficient battery life to handle more than short distance driving.

There is a great deal that needs to be learned about sustainable energy, and how transitional energies can be used while good sustainable options are under development. If everyone does their part, a solution can be found before the future generations suffer from the decisions made by the current generation.

Timothy Greensland
sustainable building and design

About the Author:
You can find detailed reviews and information on {a http://www.eco-friendly-product.info/Sustainable.php}sustainable homes by Timothy Greensland.

Ecologically Sustainable Building Materials - Options For You To Check Out

Because of the growing impact of the green movement in recent years, more and more people are looking into ways of incorporating sustainability with the construction of homes, buildings, and cities all over the world. The real estate world as a whole has constructions that can occupy up to 2 million acres each year. Because of this, the effects on the environment are not only great, but are also beginning to affect the lives of people themselves. One of the ways of reducing the impact of construction on the environment is through ecologically sustainable building materials. Here are some of the commonly used materials that the real estate industry is beginning to look into.

Bamboo
One of the primary advantages of bamboo as a construction material is its availability, cheap price, and its flexibility. Many Asian countries have long discovered the many uses of bamboo, not only for building homes, but also for medicine and even food, because young bamboo shoots can be cooked for food or turned into herbal medicine. As a construction material, however, it is especially useful in creating homes that can resist natural catastrophes such as earthquakes and hurricanes. This is attributed to the pliant nature of the bamboo. Bamboo can also be formed into certain shapes and patterns by manipulating the shoots from a very young age.

Stone
Another great option to choose from among ecologically sustainable building materials is stone and clay. Stone materials create less pollution when used in construction since they only need to be processed into smaller blocks. These also do not make use of the chemicals which are often incorporated into cement mix. For optimum environmental protection, however, you should make sure that the company from where the stone and clay are bought clean up the site where they quarry the materials.

Wood
Wood is also another of the best sustainable building materials. They are very strong and they are renewable in wholly environmental ways, and are also very visually pleasing, making them aesthetic as well as utilitarian. Depending on the type of wood use, these are also some of the most durable materials, since some types of hardwood are known to live for thousands of years, and can last twice as long. Unlike cement, wood does not tend to crack.

Issues
There are, however, several issues that you must keep in mind in order to improve sustainability and the environmental friendliness in construction through the use of these types of materials. One is to ensure that the wood and bamboo are harvested from wood farms and not from old-growth forests, which threaten the ecological systems that are present in these forests. Also make sure that ancient trees are not used and that the loggers have the appropriate permit to operate in a given area. Although these materials are more sustainable when compared to the steel and cement which are often used in construction, it is still essential that the means used to create them are equally sustainable and in line with environmental protection policies. Through use of these ecologically sustainable building materials, you get not only better real estate properties, but are doing your share of caring for Mother Earth.

About the Author:
For more information on how to get your own environmentally friendly real estate, check out San Diego Houses for Sale and Residential Real Estate in San Diego

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Ecologically Sustainable Building Materials – Options for You to Check Out

Sustainable Home - Green Building For The New Era

More and more people are realizing how important it is to lead a life that makes a minimal impact on the environment. Every person making their own individual contribution can lead to substantial difference for the future and protection of our planet. A big step that you can take is to use sustainable materials when constructing your home or commercial business. Appreciating how these green materials can be included into your life can go a long way to lessening your impact on the environment.

The best place to start when trying to understand what sustainable materials are-is to first understand what the term "sustainable" refers to. Sustainability means consuming quantities and categories of resources in such a manner that will make sure that the resource will be there for generations to come. Another way to think about this is as resources that renew themselves. This concept can be better understood through illustrations. Building with wood is an excellent example of sustainability. By Planting trees, a forest can be re-grown. Then wood can once again be used as a building material. A counter example would be the use of steel for a building. Although steel cannot be replenished, it can at least be recycled.

The other aspect to sustainability is recyclable materials. Many metals are recyclable. You can use these materials for areas like floors, walls and countertops. You can also get recycled stone to use as a material as well.

As you pick and choose materials for your home, if you are going for sustainability, an aspect of the issue is understanding how much energy is used to get materials to you. Try to locate materials that have taken less energy to transport. For instance, if you fancy granite for a countertop, then go with the local manufacturer rather than purchasing it from a far-off provider such as Malaysia. Much more energy will be consumed getting that material from the Malaysia to your home than from the local supplier.

Using sustainable materials is just one step on the path of having an eco-friendly property. You also want to bring all of the other elements together, such as the architecture, materials, and the construction methods. Map out your plans for things like your water usage, energy usage, and make sure that the building site blends in with the natural locale of the home. You want to take as little as possible from nature and be mindful of your consumption.

Converting your home to a sustainable household is not something that you have to do all at once. Instead, you can convert your home over the course of time. When you have occasion to renovate or improve, pick sustainable materials. In place of of paint, use natural fibers that will make your home's air quality better. Rather than tile, use bamboo as a floor covering. For countertops, give cork a try in place of granite. Each of these changes will help make a difference.

About the Author:
Locate your next home in Southern California: Gated Santaluz Real Estate and View Santee Real Estate and Condos for Sale in Scripps Ranch.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Sustainable Home - Green Building for the New Era

Slash Your Home Energy Costs

Slash Your Home Energy Costs Without Adding A Single Watt of Extra Energy Or Compromising Your Lifestyle.

It is becoming a popular craze these days to generate your own energy to cut your power bills.

Solar, wind, and other sources can supplement your energy supply in whole or in part. But, wouldn't it be great if you were able to do something that would allow you to get the same amount of benefit for a fraction of thecost or time required to install these other energy sources?

Of course you would! For example, it may cost you $10,000 for a certain amount of solar equipment to give you a certain amount of benefit. But what if you were able to get the same benefit for $1000?

How? This is the question that many people are asking because everyone is programmed to believe that turning down the thermostat so that you freeze in your own home and throwing a thin little bit of insulation around your water heater are the smart things to do!

Most people are also becoming programmed to believe that making your own electricity at home is also the answer. But I'm not interested in anything that takes a lot of time, money or effort.

If you want to know what the power companies, the green builders, and other so-called green thinkers aren't telling you wouldn't that be worth a few minutes of your time to find out?

Check it out here:
Slash Your Home Energy Costs

Join the growing number of people who are Saving on Home Energy costs right now.

Sincerely,
Peter Lindemann

© Peter Lindemann - All Rights reserved

Peter Lindemann has been educating thousands of people over the years in various renewable energy technologies and sciences. He also has the #1 searched website on Free Energy in the world.

Slash Your Home Energy Costs

Top 9 Benefits Of Backyard Ponds And Water Gardens

Ponds and water gardens have exploded in popularity as homeowners embrace the many benefits and advantages of having a backyard pond. Let's review the top 9 reasons more and more homeowners are choosing ponds and water gardens as the landscaping centerpiece for their backyard:

PONDS ARE TRENDY
Let's face it, backyard ponds and water gardens are trendy right now. Homeowners are looking for something new and unique to set their properties apart from neighbors. There are so many cool and unique pond designs and accessories available that it’s easy to get caught up in the craze. Pond bridges, koi ponds, pond fountains, cool light effects or pond misting machines - it’s all available and some of these high-tech pond gadgets are hard to resist!

IMPROVE YOUR LANDSCAPING
Ponds and water gardens take a lot of thought and design to do it correctly, but can add a new dimension to your overall landscaping design.

INCREASE YOUR PROPERTY RESALE VALUE
Having a well designed pond as part of your outdoor living area can enhance the appeal of your property and add to your resale value if you ever sell your home. They key is to have a well designed pond space that enhances and adds to your outdoor living space and provides an area of peace and tranquility.

WATER GARDENS IMPROVE YOUR SOCIAL LIFE
Almost every major city has a local water garden social club that joins like-minded pond enthusiasts to get together and share their experiences. If your own backyard pond is nice enough, you may even get it listed on the local water garden clubs list of famous ponds in the region.

PONDS ARE GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH
Ponds and water gardens are peaceful, relaxing and help reduce stress. Imagine how relaxing it would be to sit on a nice bench in your backyard near a beautiful pond with warm sun reflecting off it surface and warming your face. Imagine hearing the peaceful trickling sound of water as you breathe in the fresh scent and air of this garden oasis. More and more doctors today are recognizing the value ponds and gardening can provide in helping people reduce stress and maintain balanced lives.

IMPROVE YOUR FENG SHUI
Practitioners of the ancient art of feng shui design have recognized ponds and water gardens as being important outdoor landscaping designs to improve your chi. The water element provided by the pond creates balance, harmony and improved prosperity in your environment.

EDUCATE CHILDREN
Maintaining a backyard pond is one of the best ways to educate children and get them interested in biology, sustainability and habitats while at the same time just being darn fun!

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Having a backyard pond or water garden can offer several environmentally positive benefits as they can act like a mini wetland in your backyard to provide a natural resource for a host of diverse creatures and at the same time help filter excess chemicals naturally from the water runoff of your grass and roof.

PONDS MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD
The best reason for maintaining a pond or water garden is that they simply make you feel good! There is such a joy in creating and maintaining a beautiful backyard pond that it is really something you cannot describe - you simply have to experience it. Why not learn a bit more about ponds and find out how easily it can be to create your own?

S.A. Smith is a freelance writer, contributor, and editor of the Ponds Water Gardens information portal which reports on the latest backyard pond news in the water garden industry.
Discover the latest products and trends in pond liners, lighting, fountains and water garden accessories.

Article Source: Sustainable Living Articles

Build Your Own Pool Solar Panels

Pool solar panels as main heating systems allow one to save money considerably, not to mention that the contribution to the reduction of toxic emissions is not to be overlooked. In terms of solar applications, pool heating has proved highly successful, particularly since the systems are considered both very simple and affordable at the same time. Pool solar panels require the use of unglazed plastic collectors, given the fact that the pool itself functions as the main thermal storage recipient. Under the action of the pump that controls the water filtration circuit, the water in the pool will actually be sent in the solar collectors.

We can consider pool solar panels and light energy as another type of fuel and it actually behaves as such; the result is that it will bring the water temperature at a level that is comfortable for swimming. Through the diversion of the water through the numerous tiny passages in the solar energy collector, water is automatically heated. The warm water is sent back into the pool by the filtration pump until all the volume has reached a certain temperature level. When the heating process is over, water is not longer passed through the solar collectors but sent directly back into he pool.

Despite a very widely spread opinion that the pool solar panels have to face south, manufacturers point out that this is not a must-follow rule. The only condition for the proper functioning of the system is that the pool solar panels be exposed to the sun light as much as possible throughout the day. The inclination angle in a certain direction is very often influenced by the type of mounting used for the installation of the system. A heated pool is a great idea no matter the climate particularly since many home owners would like to take a swim early in the morning. After a chilly night for instance, the water in the pool will be too cold for a comfortable swim.

Do not buy very expensive equipment that doesn't influence the efficiency of the pool solar panels. This is the case with highly insulated housings used for advanced water heaters; such items do not increase the working rate of the pool solar panels, and often prove a waste. Before purchasing the system make sure you learn everything you need to know on the winterizing procedure. Other than that, pool solar panels do not require any special maintenance efforts, and are therefore very easy to work with.

About the Author:

Want to learn about pool solar panels? Visit our website: A Beginner's Guide To Solar Panels

Magnets For Energy - Make Your Own Zero Point Magnetically-Powered Generator

Magnets 4 Energy is an easy-to-use, do-it-yourself DIY kit that’ll show you how to make your own zero point magnetically-powered generator creating energy that’s so powerful you can power your whole house for FREE!

Magnets 4 Energy is a digital book that shows you how to create a magnetic generator which generates free electricity.

The book consist of high quality content and illustrations written by professional writers in collaboration with experienced technology experts that specialize in alternative energy sources.

Magnets 4 Energy is written in laymen's terms and is the complete solution that you can provide to the ever increasing number of people wanting to save on their electricity bills.

The Use Of Photoluminescent Materials In Sustainable Building Design

With today's political environment focusing on keeping everything as green as possible, the use of photoluminescent materials in sustainable building design is an idea whose time has come. The employment of photoluminescent exits signs and other self-luminous emergency egress indicators is an easy choice given all the advantages they afford. Let's take a brief look at some of the reasons why using these types of emergency exit signs is a terrific idea.

First of all, photoluminescent materials are about as environmentally friendly as you can get. These exit signs use no electricity, consume no batteries, and are virtually maintenance-free. There is no more hard wiring, having to search out electrical problems, or the constant purchase and disposal of batteries. You simply mount these exit signs to the wall and forget about them. They collect and store the ambient light that is available when the building is in use, and make that energy available when there is an emergency need. If the need arises, these photoluminescent exits signs can store enough of this energy to stay illuminated for up to three days. They are visible to a distance of around 100 feet in dark or smoky conditions, serving as a beacon during a blackout or fire.

As a result of this energy conservation, these photoluminescent exits signs can save your company thousands of dollars yearly in energy costs, as well as dramatically improve the carbon footprint left by your building. Use of photoluminescent materials in your sustainable building design can reduce air pollution by nearly a half a million pounds of CO2 when compared with incandescent signs over the life of the product. They are also 100% recyclable, and when or if you ever have need to dispose of them, they can simply go into the nearest metal recycling container. They are easy to install and a snap to move if needed; simply move the mounting to the new desired location.

Compare this to the hands-on time and energy required by incandescent signs and the other choice, tritium signs. Incandescent exit signs pose problems such as replacement, electrical issues, and more. Tritium exit signs are a wholly different matter, and have a large number of undesirable issues. They are made of a radioactive substance that is tracked and regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and require special handling by a certified hazardous materials expert to dispose of properly. Moreover, they are no longer manufactured in the US because of environmental concerns and must now be imported from abroad. There are other issues to consider, but I think toxic waste is just about enough for anyone!

The best solution in luminescent signs available today is a company called Jessop Manufacturing, who have been in business since 1956. They offer a wide range of eco-friendly exits signs and egress indicators, available at a very reasonable cost and in several colors and configurations. They have become the unquestioned leader in this market, and you can find their products online at GloBriteSystem.com.

To learn more about how photoluminescent exit signs can help your company become more eco-friendly and save energy dollars in the process, visit us today at www.GloBriteSystem.com.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Use of Photoluminescent Materials in Sustainable Building Design

You Can Build Your Own Solar Panel

With energy resources dwindling fast and global warming changing climates across the globe, more people look towards renewable energies for reducing their carbon footprint. However, even the most environmentally passionate person cannot pursue such endeavors without the proper financial resources. The professional installation of a solar energy system can cost in the thousands, so many resourceful individuals are turning to the many great resources that help you build your own solar panel.

It is possible to completely build your own solar panel, but for the most part, these panels are small and do not produce the wattage necessary to power more than a simple lamp and only for a couple of minutes. The most effective way to produce power from the sun, when you can’t afford to hire the professionals, would be with a solar panel kit. These build your own solar panel kits come with everything you need to successfully build your own solar panel in the comfort of your living room, or the garage may be a wiser choice.

Surprisingly, build your own solar panel kits are not difficult to find. With large companies like GE producing these kits, the build your own solar panel sets are very affordable and offer quicker return on your investment than purchasing and professionally installing a solar energy system. In general the instructions are easy to follow, even for teens and children, and in no time you are on your way to your own solar power system.

If you are looking to build your own solar panel there are a numerous resources and guides available to help you through the process. By involving the whole family in the building process, every one will learn how a solar power system works and exactly how the components are put together. Also, when you build your own solar panel you are giving yourself the knowledge to expand your system on your own, without calling back the installers, and the ability to adapt your current system to meet new design needs.

Making the choice to build your own solar panel is a great investment for your future and the world’s future. Start making your own power at home and take advantage of this great way to educate yourself while saving money and helping the environment and learn how to build your own solar panel today.

101 Essential Green Living Links And Resources

About Green Living
About.com green living, sustainable lifestyles, low impact living and environmental living.

Alternative Energy
Alternative Energy is for our economy, security, and the environment. Read news on solar energy, wind power, geothermal, biofuel, biodiesel, hydrogen and every form of renewable energy.

American Solar Energy Society
Established in 1954, the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) is the nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the use of solar energy, energy efficiency, and other sustainable technologies in the U.S.

American Wind Energy Association
The mission of the American Wind Energy Association is to promote wind power growth through advocacy, communication, and education.

AutoblogGreen
We obsessively cover the green scene.

Better World Club
Better World Club Provides Nationwide Roadside Assistance. We are the Nation's Only environmentally friendly auto club. Membership Includes eco-travel Services, Discounts on hybrid car rental, insurance Services, Free Maps, Auto Maintenance discounts and bicycle roadside assistance. We donate 1% of annual revenues toward environmental cleanup and advocacy.

Betty Biodiesel
To improve the air we all breathe by providing a dynamic and entertaining approach to education; teaching all ages about the benefits of diversity, efficiency and renewability. To empower youth in the creation of a society dedicated to providing clean air for all.

Building Green
Publishers of Environmental Building News and of other information resources for practictioners of sustainable design.

Campaign Earth
We offer simple solutions to today's most pressing environmental issue, climate change. Knowing a busy lifestyle is as American as apple pie, we've created straight forward actions that enable us all to make a difference, one step at a time.

Carbon Fund
Carbonfund.org is leading the fight against global climate change, making it easy and affordable for any individual, business or organization to eliminate their climate impact and hastening the transformation to a clean energy future.

Care2
Largest online community empowering people to lead a healthy and green lifestyle while taking action on important causes such as human rights, animal welfare and global warming.

Clean Air Council
Clean Air Council is a member- supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council works through public education, community advocacy, and government oversight to ensure enforcement of environmental laws.

Common Fire
Common Fire helps to create and nurture model living spaces that are devoted to giving as full an expression as possible to healthy and sustainable living in solidarity with other people and the planet. Common Fire does not pretend there is one way to do this. Rather each Common Fire co-op and community, while adopting some norms on which there is strong consensus, offers a rich diversity of perspectives and strategies regarding what it means to lead such a good life.

Corporate Short Term Housing Phoenix
New, spacious and luxurious your Zazu corporate housing accommodations are all inclusive from cleaning supplies to Broadband Hi-speed Internet. Zazu's standard set-up, all inclusive apartments provide you with one single, affordable price for those services.

Cultivate Sanctuary
A holistic approach to living. Including feng shui , green living and food energetics.

Cyberset
Cyberset, a music and media company based in San Francisco. Our growing family of artists blend musical elements of world, ambient, dance, vocal, and urban genres into fresh sounds that share the positive intentions and global reach of modern New Edge culture.

Daily Acts
By growing our awareness and better recognizing the power in each common action, we shape the world we wish to call home. All of our efforts involve providing the resources and support to rediscover the bits of bliss in how people live.

DIY Power System
Discover how to build your own wind or solar energy generator for as little as $100!

DSIRE
DSIRE is a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Earth4Energy
Here at Earth4Energy we have created a complete step-by-step kit so that you can setup your own renewable energy system in your backyard for less than $200!

Earthdance
Our mission is to promote peace by joining participants worldwide in a synchronized Prayer For Peace and to support humanitarian causes through the global language of music and dance. Our goal is to inspire participation from promoters, clubs, artists, musicians and peace-lovers worldwide to dedicate one day to support humanitarian efforts and help unite people from all nations in a day of peaceful celebration and harmony.

Earthware Biodegradables
Our mission is to be part of the solution. We're focused on helping to reduce waste by developing and marketing sustainable solutions - compostable, recyclable and reusable products for households, businesses, and institutions.

Ecofriend
'Ecofriend' is an environmental blog. The idea behind Ecofriend is simple: to inform and educate consumers who love to possess the latest gadgets and products available in the market and who are also concerned about the environment around them. We are here to help both these ends meet. The main editorial focus of 'Ecofriend' is Alternative Energy. Our insatiable demand for energy contributes hugely to help combat global warming among a host of other environmental problems. Renewable energy and Energy-efficiency are going to be two big themes at 'Ecofriend'.

Ecopalooza
Ecopalooza Green Events Network welcomes your events related to environment/ecology, sustainable living, food/sustainable farming, organic food, renewable energy, bioregionalism, faith-based eco-events, sustainable transportation/biofuels, green business, localization, and other eco-related events.

EERE
The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) works to strengthen the United States' energy security, environmental quality, and economic vitality in public-private partnerships.

Efficient Planet
This website will show those interested in generating their own power and how to live more efficiently, the perfect step-by-step program.

Energy Center
The California Center for Sustainable Energy (CCSE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to Greening Your WorldSM through public programs and services including free workshops, rebate programs, free shade trees, outreach events and public education.

Energy4Green
Stop being held hostage by the electric company and discover how you can transform your backyard into a mini power plant.

Environment Directory
Earth's biggest environment search engine!

Environmental Defense Fund
Founded in 1967 as the Environmental Defense Fund, we tackle the most serious environmental problems with: Strong science, Innovative markets, Corporate partnerships, Effective laws and policy

Environmental News Network
We publish information that will help people understand and communicate the environmental issues and solutions that face us and hopefully inspire them to get involved. We help nonprofits, governments and businesses from around the world get their information published and read by the people who want to help make this planet a better place. People like you.

Environmental News Service
The Environment News Service is the original daily international wire service of the environment. Established in 1990 by Editor-in-Chief Sunny Lewis and Managing Editor Jim Crabtree, it is independently owned and operated.

Etopia Eco Village
Etopia Eco-Village is a realistic representation of a semi-sustainable village showcasing the best Real Life examples in sustainable design, renewable energy production, intergated land use and human-scaled development.

Excess Access
We link donations of business and household items / materials with the wish-lists of nearby nonprofits that can provide pick-ups or accept drop-offs. We serve the US, Canada and beyond. Together we're keeping useful goods out of over-flowing garbage dumps. It's great for charities and the environment!

Fields Of Green Team
We are here to inspire and teach environment readiness and responsibility. We know that families can work together and do small things everyday that will create a huge impact. As a team, we will share powerful ideas and recommend practices and products that can begin to reverse our environmental crisis and clean up the air we all breathe.

for Harmony
What if we each made conscious choices every day? What if we were more conscious of how our thoughts, words and actions can impact our lives and those of the people around us. And on an even bigger scale, the global community and the Earth itself? That is why for Harmony was created. To create awareness of our thoughts, words and actions. To connect us to each other and to the world around us. And to embrace all that life has to offer. For a healthy and sustainable world.

Free Energy Options
Get instant access to all the information you need to create electricity right in your own backyard, including detailed step-by-step instructions, full-color illustrations, and sources for all materials.

G Living Network
The G Living Network is more than a media entertainment network for a new generation. We are a lifestyle company. We focus on all the elements that make this lifestyle possible. Currently, G Living creates original innovative content, and works hands-on to create "G" products, contemporary designs and original programming from our Venice California studio. The G Living Network produces various online media, including streaming broadband shows, a multi-media cookbook, cooking shows, featured editorial content, daily blogs, and an interactive social networking community.

Global Citizen Center
The Global Citizen Center ("GCC" or "the Center") is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that employs public education and demonstration to promote a set of new economic practices that are environmentally sustainable and socially just. In so doing, the Center hopes to accelerate the transition to an alternative economic paradigm that embodies these practices, a paradigm often referred to as the Green Economy.

Global Giving Green
Focused on helping people and the planet. We've hand-picked projects that address climate change and poverty - you choose your favorite and watch your donation make a difference! These projects have been selected using a unique evaluation system and have earned the GlobalGiving Green "leaf".

Go Green Solar
GoGreenSolar.com is the #1 online destination for Renewable Energy Products, Professionals and Financing. We not only retail small renewable energy systems, wind turbines, and solar panels; For larger installations we connect you to renewable energy professionals in your area. Through our extensive relationships in the renewable energy industry we deliver consumers the highest quality products, services and information.

Green Biz
Green business news and tools for aligning sustainability with business success. Resources for successful green strategies, covering operations, energy, product design, marketing, and more.

Green Daily
Green Daily is your one-stop shop for all things eco-friendly. We cover everything from environmental news and politics, to green celebrity gossip and fashion trends, to the emerging green tech industry. We also offer a host of easy, practical, money-saving tips for reducing your impact on the planet.

Green Energy News
The first issue of the weekly Energies newsletter was published in 1996. Green Energy News incorporated the following year. The publication was developed to offer news and commentary in regards to clean, efficient and/or renewable energy in relation to business, technology, issues and policy. Green Energy News is geared to a wide audience ranging from consumers to industry professionals to the educational community to government officials.

Green Festivals
Think of Green Festival as a walk through a sustainable community. It begins with finding solutions to help make our lives healthier-socially, economically and environmentally. Individuals along with business and community leaders come together to discuss critical issues that impact us at home and abroad. Organizations and businesses showcase programs and products that restore the planet and all that inhabit it. Neighbor-to-neighbor connections are formed, and skills are shared to empower people to create positive change in the world.

Green Guide
National Geographic Green Guide makes living in an environmentally aware way personal, practical and positive. Intended for general consumers, Green Guide shows people how to make small changes that add up to big benefits for their wallets, for their health, and, of course, for the health of the planet. Not political or activist, the Green Guide is chock full of simple, useful ideas broken down into achievable steps that make going green a gradual and affordable process rather than an all-or-nothing plunge.

Green Harmony Living
Green living products, organic foods, raw foods, and vegan food. Green Harmony Living online shop.

Green Home Building
Greenhomebuilding.com is where you can find a wide range of information about sustainable architecture and natural building.

Green Impact
Green Impact helps organizations implement their sustainability goals by providing expertise in strategy, program development, cross-sector dialogue and written communications.

Green Living Ideas
Green Living Ideas provides ideas, tips, and information to help you improve the environmental sustainability of every aspect of your life: home energy, green building and remodeling, cars, food, waste recycling-and everything in between. Green Living Ideas is the most comprehensive green living website ever assembled, with information on how to live greener in over 200 different areas of life! We've assembled the world's top green living authors and experts to bring you the latest info on green and sustainable living.

Green Living Journal
Green Living has been publishing news you can use, mostly related to environmental issues, since 1990. Our regular topics include organic gardening, green building, health, ecocareers and right livelihood, outdoors/sports, socially responsible investing, econotes, questions and answers, book reviews, and features on topical environmental issues.

Green Living Online
Whether it's sustainable seafood, pasture-raised meat, organic grains and vegetables or raw food you're after, here's where to go for a great green meal.

Green Living Project
To educate and inspire citizens to live and support a more sustainable lifestyle through stories focused on successful and unique sustainable projects from around the world.

Green Living Tips
Environmental tips for going green at home or work plus earth friendly business guides. News and advice on living a more natural lifestyle that reduces impact on the environment.

Green Lodging News
Unlike any other lodging industry publication in the marketplace, Green Lodging News focuses solely on environment-related issues that impact profitability. Via the website and the weekly Green Lodging News e-newsletter and Green Supplier Spotlight, Green Lodging News offers an opportunity to reach a segment of buyers and sellers who are serious about saving money and conserving natural resources.

Green Map
Green Map System promotes inclusive participation in sustainable community development worldwide, using map-making as our medium.

Green Matters
Helping homeowners transform their lives and living spaces for simplicity, health and the environment.

Green Maven
Finally a website that brings the best of the Green Web together. Designed for Mavens that just can't get enough of all things Green. Use it as a research tool, or keep up to date on the latest trends in the Green Revolution.

Green Restaurant Association
The Green Restaurant Association (GRA), a national non-profit organization, provides services in research, consulting, education, marketing and community organizing. The GRA utilizes a collaborative strategy that involves restaurants, manufacturers, vendors, grassroots organizations, government, media, and restaurant customers. The GRA's model provides a convenient way for all sectors of the restaurant industry, which represents 10% of the U.S. economy, to become more environmentally sustainable.

Green Search
A leafy alternative to your daily Google.

Green Yoga Association
The term "Green Yoga" indicates our conscious intention to honor and care for the Earth as part of yoga. Green is also the color of chlorophyll, which represents the life-sustaining relationship between Sun and Earth. The creation of this chlorophyll came, as one of my teachers Brian Swimme likes to say, through the Earth's process of careful attention to the Sun. For 4.5 billion years the Earth attended very, very carefully to the Sun, meditating on it. Ultimately, the Earth learned how to be transformed by sunlight, resulting in the creation of chlorophyll. In a similar way, when we as humans devote sustained, loving attention to the challenges at hand, we are transformed in ways that promote life.

Green-e
Green-e is the nation's leading independent consumer protection program for the sale of renewable energy and greenhouse gas reductions in the retail market. Green-e offers certification and verification of renewable energy and greenhouse gas mitigation products. It is a program of the Center for Resource Solutions.

Greeniacs
The Greeniacs mission is to deliver unbiased, non-judgmental information regarding the environment and ecological issues to anyone and everyone at no cost to them so that they may each be better informed. We hope that this approach will lead to better environmental decisions by the broadest number of people.

GreenNet
GreenNet is the ethical ISP that has been connecting people and groups who work for peace, the environment, gender equality and human rights since 1986.

Home Made Energy
If you have ever wished to stop wasting money on your electrical bill, help the global economy and save the Earth, then you've arrived at the right page.
HomeMadeEnergy.org is the website created to help you slash your electricity bill by 80% or even eliminate it completely! With the ever increasing costs of living, there is no better time than right now to stop throwing money out the window and start generating your own electricity. However, you need an open mind and willingness to listen, because there are large economic interests that keep most people dependent on energy.

Ideal Bite
Ideal Bite offers bite-sized ideas for light green living - ideas for real people who lead busy lives and want to make small changes that add up to big results. Our Daily Tips cover everything from biodynamic wine to eco-pet products to organic cosmetics. The secret sauce? A spoonful of "incremental environmentalism" combined with a keeping-it-real attitude.

Live Earth
Live Earth was built upon the belief that entertainment has the power to transcend social and cultural barriers to move the world community to action. A for-profit company, Live Earth seeks to leverage the power of entertainment through integrated events, media, and the live experience to ignite a global movement aimed at solving the most critical environmental issues of our time.

Living Green
Actions for healthier and more sustainable lives.

Low Impact Living
At Low Impact Living, we want to help you lower the environmental impact of your home and your daily life. To do that, we help you find the best green products, practices and service providers to help you achieve your environmental goals. And we will also help you understand the environmental benefits and economic trade-offs of your choices. Our primary goal is to make the path from inspiration to implementation as short and as smooth as possible. Only by taking action will we collectively reduce the damage to our planet and ecosystems.

Make Natural Power
Your ultimate all-in-one guide to home renewable energies. Make your own solar and wind power systems. If you are interested in joining the thousands of people who have chosen to say good bye to their power bill, then this is the perfect resource for you.

Modern Green Living
Welcome to moderngreenliving.com, your source to design, build, remodel, furnish or find a green home. Search the most comprehensive database of green residences and communities. Find green architects, builders, remodelers, interior designers, realtors, and green building consultants near you.

Mother Jones
Mother Jones is an independent nonprofit whose roots lie in a commitment to social justice implemented through first rate investigative reporting.

Mother Earth News
America's leading magazine about sustainable, self-reliant living. Topics include building, gardening, homesteading, do-it-yourself, kitchen, energy and conservation.

NRDC
National Resources Defense Council is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.2 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.

Natural Resources Defense Council
The Natural Resources Defense Council works to protect wildlife and wild places and to ensure a healthy environment for all life on earth. NRDC is the nation's most effective environmental action group, combining the grassroots power of 1.2 million members and online activists with the courtroom clout and expertise of more than 350 lawyers, scientists and other professionals.

Off Grid Living
For the past 15 years our family has been living off the grid with only solar and wind power. We moved to our present location, built our own house ourselves and set to work to find alternative energy options for our home that we could afford. Our family is no different than yours. We are just regular people who just want to make a difference in our lives. We wanted to lower our electricity costs. It is getting very expensive out there so we figured out a way to beat it. Today we live 100% Off-Grid with our solar panels and wind generator.

Our Energy
Join the thousands of American consumers who have already sent over 1,540,000 letters and emails to elected officials asking about our nation's energy and climate policy.

Pachamama Alliance
To preserve the earths tropical rainforests by empowering the indigenous people who are it's natural custodians. To contribute to the creation of a new global vision of equality and sustainability for all.

Planet Drum Foundation
Planet Drum was founded to provide an effective grassroots approach to ecology that emphasizes sustainability, community self-determination and regional self-reliance. In association with community activists and ecologists, Planet Drum developed the concept of a bioregion: a distinct area with coherent and interconnected plant and animal communities, and natural systems, often defined by a watershed. A bioregion is a whole "life-place" with unique requirements for human inhabitation so that it will not be disrupted and injured. Through its projects, publications, speakers, and workshops, Planet Drum helps start new bioregional groups and encourages local organizations and individuals to find ways to live within the natural confines of bioregions.

Planet Thoughts
A PlanetThought is a thought directed towards caring for our planet. The environment needs our care so Earth can remain human-friendly for the next century and beyond. You can join us to learn more and to help promote more awareness and discussion of these critical issues.

Planetwork
Planetwork brings a collaborative systems view rooted in conscious evolution to the intersection of sustainability & technology. We are a convening organization, gathering people from a wide variety of disciplines and vocations - science, technology, activism, business and the arts to further the conversation about earth systems, communities and the potentially constructive role of technology.

Playgreen
The wiki on green living.

Raw Veg Info
Planetwork brings a collaborative systems view rooted in conscious evolution to the intersection of sustainability & technology. We are a convening organization, gathering people from a wide variety of disciplines and vocations - science, technology, activism, business and the arts to further the conversation about earth systems, communities and the potentially constructive role of technology.

Recycle First
RecycleFirst is a pioneer in the consumer and corporate recycling industry. Seven years ago we started our business when cartridge recycling was in its infancy and cell phone recycling did not exist.

reegle
reegle is a one-stop shop for high quality information on renewable energy and energy efficiency. This includes a powerful search engine for documents and other information (Intelligent and Category Search) as well as a comprehensive catalogue of stakeholders (Actors' Catalogue)

Run Your Home For Free
In minutes you'll know how to build your own simple, ingenious home power supply that's perfectly legal, and will give you all the juice you need on demand for pennies.

Sinless Buying
Our company is a manufacturer and a sales partner with other manufacturers. Together, we put together a line of products and customizable green solutions that can serve you as the one stop shop for green packaging needs. We provide sustainable alternatives to Paper and Plastic products. By working with various manufacturing partners, we offer the ability to customize products for various packaging needs. Our current focus is on food packaging but are not limited to other industrial packaging products.

Solar Energy International
Solar Energy International (SEI) is a USA non-profit organization whose mission is to help others use renewable energy and environmental building technologies through education. SEI teaches individuals from all walks of life how to design, install and maintain renewable energy systems, and how to design and build efficient, sustainable homes. SEI offers trainings online and in 22 locations around the world.

Sustainable World Coalition
We are a coalition of individuals and supporting organizations who work toward a world that is environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling. Our work is to educate, inspire and activate, fostering a strong engagement in personal and planetary sustainability. We produce events and educational materials to promote action that restores and maintains the health of the planet and the well-being of humanity.

The Daily Green
The consumer's guide to the green revolution.

Thimmakka
To create practical, quantifiable, economically-viable systemic solutions to critical global environmental problems. We accomplish our mission by transforming business-as-usual practices through the forging of new partnerships and leveraging existing Green Business Program guidelines.

Think Green
At Waste Management, we are dedicated to delivering on the promise of Think Green®, to promoting sustainability, and to being good neighbors with each other and the environment we share.

Think Green Building
We believe that good buildings unite specific people with a specific spot on the planet to the benefit of both. Through teaching, writing, consulting, designing, trouble shooting, and building, we are dedicated to helping create good buildings.

TreeHugger
TreeHugger is the leading media outlet dedicated to driving sustainability mainstream. Partial to a modern aesthetic, we strive to be a one-stop shop for green news, solutions, and product information. At TreeHugger we know that variety is the spice of life, so you can find all you need to go green in our up to the minute blog, weekly and daily newsletters, weekly video segments, weekly radio show and our user-generated blog, Hugg. We also extend our expertise to companies looking for a little green guidance. Past clients include Domino, Sundance Channel and House & Garden.

Urban Alliance For Sustainability
UAS intends to always provide a platform for those solutions that are successfully manifesting the shared vision of a more sustainable world. By returning focus on the solutions, UAS hopes to activate the energy of those individuals and organizations that are feeling overwhelmed or helpless in this currently unsustainable world. UAS wants to engage with you and hear what is important to you!

Urth
Urth members are creating the next generation of conscious media: global citizen media. Urth.tv encourages the merging of conscious practices into digital storytelling creating a new ecology, a new economy and a new mythology - a new Earth.

We Can Solve It
The We Campaign is a project of The Alliance for Climate Protection -- a nonprofit, nonpartisan effort founded by Nobel laureate and former Vice President Al Gore. The goal of the Alliance is to build a movement that creates the political will to solve the climate crisis -- in part through repowering America with 100 percent of its electricity from clean energy sources within 10 years. Our economy, national security, and climate can't afford to wait.

Webcor
We are committed to helping our clients produce buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable and healthier places to live and work. As a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, our teams include accredited professionals who leverage their expertise during preconstruction by working with the design team to help the owner evaluate the benefits of sustainable features while optimizing the value of each dollar spent.

Whole Life
We are creating a global, collaborative, click and Mortar platform with hundreds of conscious social networks, media channels, live broadcasting, e- commerce and philanthropy for people who value healthy and ecological lifestyles, personal and spiritual development, conscious commerce and global citizenship - a Wholelife!

Wikia Green
Green Wikia strives to become a trusted central place to share our growing and evolving body of knowledge about environmental topics and issues with people who want to inform themselves and live in a more sustainable way. The Green Wikia community also believes that the threats to our environment are real and that they require action. However, the wiki also strives to foster a community where respectful debate and informed viewpoints can be heard.

Women's Earth Alliance
Women's Earth Alliance is a global organization that unites women working on the frontlines of environmental causes, through the coordination of resources, training, and technology - because when women thrive, communities thrive.

World Resources Institute
The World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think tank that goes beyond research to find practical ways to protect the earth and improve people's lives.
Our mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth's environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.