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Ecohouse in Brazil - Inhabitant
Outside of Rio de Janeiro architect Alexandra Lichtenberg is producing environmentally friendly houses for cheap. The architect is incorporating passive cooling, green roofs, and neutral ventilation.
Walden Pond Goes Solar - Backwoods Home
Solar expert Jeffrey Yago answers the question: how can I run a small cabin on solar power? This first article in a three-part series suggests evaluating your electricity use and alternatives to energy-hogging appliances like washing machines. While this advice focuses on a running a cabin on solar as a summer getaway, it's also a way to live a simple, off-grid life year round.
Walden Pond Goes Solar - Backwoods Home
Solar expert Jeffrey Yago answers the question: how can I run a small cabin on solar power? This first article in a three-part series suggests evaluating your electricity use and alternatives to energy-hogging appliances like washing machines. While this advice focuses on a running a cabin on solar as a summer getaway, it's also a way to live a simple, off-grid life year round.
Do It Yourselfers Find Satisfaction in Their Projects - FT.com
Like gardening, the world of do-it-yourself projects has expanded over the past decade. DIY projects are easier to get into than ever thanks to the internet and a proliferation of books and DVDs dedicated to modern projects. While doing it yourself often saves money on expensive repairs, this isn't the only reason people start projects. The simple satisfaction of completing a project and working with one's hands are just some other reasons why do-it-yourself projects are becoming more popular.
Home energy tax credits
Here is a good primer on energy tax credits. Use this type of information to decide what if any home improvements you may consider making. Improvements that might be covered under this program include insulation, windows, and roofing.
USA Today: Obama on Home Insulation: Don't Do It Yourself
Georgia - Obama instructs Georgians to call in the professionals to retrofit homes with new insulation in order to put unemployed people to work. Although homeowners will be eligible for a tax rebate, is it worth it for residents to spend thousands of dollars on a job they could do themselves? Or is the president correct in his approach to creating jobs?
10 Things You Should Stop Paying For and Learn How to Do Yourself - ChristianPF
Many services are so convenient that we don't think twice about paying for them. Over time, paying for things like dog grooming and landscaping become hardened necessities. But the fact is, you really don't need to pay for that stuff. This is a list of 10 things that you normally might pay for, but which are easy to do by yourself: oil changes, painting, mowing the lawn -- this stuff adds up!
Do it Yourself: Asbestos Awareness for DIY Remodelers
Everyone knows that asbestos can be dangerous in certain circumstances. This article teaches the reader about the dangers of asbestos and the proper handling of it.
DIY Slip Proof Garage Floor - Popular Mechanics
If you live in the place where water freezes in Winter you might want to learn how to slip proof your garage. The solution is simple add a pound of sand to your paint and then paint your garage floor with it. This creates more friction on the floor of your garage.
The Telegraph: Jeff Howell's DIY advice: concrete floors
Interested in buying a new house or revamping your old one? Be careful to avoid the common problem of concrete floors with Victorian houses which can cause problems for the structural integrity of your house.
DIY Life: 2P-10, the Super Duper Glu
Need a fast setting glue that can quickly fix that broken picture frame? 2P-10 might be a good glue for you: it sets in 10 seconds.
Instructables: Do It Yourself Roman Shade Blocks Noise, Light, and Drafts
If your windows aren't totally airtight, you can save some money and stay warm by making your own Roman shade. This thick window covering is made from any old quilt that you like.
DIY Chatroom
This is an excellent resource. It provides a forum where people can ask and answer question on home improvement, home repair, equipment, auto repair, and more.
Tucson Citizen: Is Replacing a Showerhead a Do-It-Yourself Job?
Replacing your old shower head with a new one could cut your water and energy usage. Learn how to do it yourself from this site.
Illinois News-Gazette: Sustainable, Energy-Smart Home Is Rocket Science
Urbana, IL: Ty Newell and his son, both mechanical engineers, designed a four-bedroom "Equinox House" with a grid-tied solar panel array that nets zero over one year. The design also includes a water collection system, some passive heating/cooling principles, and an LED lighting system.
