Sierra Club Green Home

The one question that comes up time and time again from homeowners is: “What steps can I can take to lower my home energy costs?” Here are some tips to help you look at your energy consumption and things you can easily change.

Definitely not your uncle’s Winnebago! And being green with envy isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when talking about environmental-friendly mobile homes. Luxury or comfort aren’t the words that come to mind either, but words like cramped, or small, or automotive usually don’t instill satisfaction inside the hearts of potential residents who’re use to a home that can’t get up and drive off!

Times are tough, there’s no doubt about it. We’re facing multiple crises, from a warming planet to dwindling fossil fuel reserves to a stumbling economy. Reducing energy consumption won’t make all these problems disappear, but it can make a difference. To fire you up, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite energy-saving tips, starting with ones that won’t cost you a penny.

From food to toys and even clothes, owners will buy pretty much anything for their pets. And why wouldn’t they? Most pet lovers consider pets a part of their family, some even consider them children. They bring joy and unconditional love into our lives, so spending hundreds to thousands of dollars a year on our priceless friends is a sacrifice we are willing to make.

SAN FRANCISCO — Cargo containers—those giant, steel, rectangular boxes most often seen hitching a ride on a train, truck, or ship—hold a myriad of industrial goods. But now the shipping container itself is a home. Cargotecture is a modular home that is portable, off the grid, and made of recycled materials. HyBrid Architecture | Assembly designs sustainable living spaces in cargo containers and coined the term “cargotecture” to describe these novel new structures.

When it comes time to paint your walls, step number one is finding a product that won’t emit harmful chemicals in your home. That means paints with the lowest possible emissions of “volatile organic compounds,” or VOCs. Such paints are widely available, and you can learn all about them in our article, “Paints, adhesives, and other finishes.”

Is your lunch causing global warming?!?! It is possible. Did you know, the food system is responsible for 1/3 of global greenhouse gas emissions? With every meal you eat, you have the power to reduce climate change.

Chris Prelitz with New Leaf America take us through the basics of Solar Economics. Chris discusses solar electric panels and ways to save money on your utility bills.

If you’re the kind of person who really uses your backyard–whether for big barbeques or quiet contemplation–you need a special kind of furniture. It should be comfortable and attractive, yet tough enough to withstand years of your area’s worst weather

The Wall Street Journal’s Gwendolyn Bounds walks us through an array of composters, demonstrates the pros and cons of each, and finally shows us how easy it is to get started! Take a few classes in composting 101 by watching this video.