AUSTIN, TX…In today’s market, many manufacturers offer products made with recyclable materials that are more energy efficient, offer better water conservation and are Energy Star-compliant. In addition to being better for the environment, consumers may even get state and local rebates and tax breaks just for purchasing these products. But being green doesn’t stop there. Few consumers are aware of LEAD (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), a voluntary green building rating system, which is a consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance sustainable buildings. The list . More »

Beautifying their home is one of the most common concerns of homeowners. They find satisfaction in increasing the curb appeal of their home. Landscaping adds lovely touches to a home. However, this service can be very expensive. Luckily, garden services are cheaper, making them great alternatives to landscaping design.   Promoting your gardening services can be difficult especially if you are not armed with the right tools. Promotional materials can be valuable resources for your business, because these are very effective and affordable. Reproducing clear and vibrant . More »

It seems the list of third party green certifications for wood furniture keeps growing on a daily basis. The granddaddy of certifications is put out by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) but there are many others including those offered by the Sustainable Furniture Council (SFC), the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association, Smart Wood, Green Seal and many others.

Why is Green Certification of Wood Furniture So Important?

What's at stake anyway? Nothing less than protection of endangered peoples, environments and animals, it . More »

What is the Most Important Criteria When Sourcing Green Furniture? Look in your own backyard. Certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) and SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) are one indication of sustainability when sourcing green furniture, but they are not fool-proof. In my opinion, the two most important criteria when sourcing green furniture are to:

Source locally made furniture and Ensure the furniture is made from natural sustainable materials, such as sustainably harvested wood or recycled, reclaimed, repurposed materials.

The US Green Building Council prioritizes local sourcing as . More »

Many owners are looking for quick home improvements and green easy. Whether these improvements in the interest of going green or you want a few things before starting a house on the market that make it more competitive with new homes, there are many options to take. Joining the Green Revolution, will be your home more comfortable and less costly to heat and cool, and some changes will constitute your water and / or decrease the sewer account. Many of these improvements to your home, you will also be compared with newer homes on the market. This could not be . More »