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	New Device Reduces Lawn Mower Pollution by 93%:Students at UC Riverside have created an inexpensive device that effectively reduces pollution by 93% in gas-fueled lawn mowers.
	The Hydros Smart Irrigation Controller:Reduce outdoor water usage by up to 60% with the Hydros Smart Irrigation Control System.
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	The Kerflight:The new Kerflight line of lamps,by design studio Graypants, uses recycled corrugated cardboard to create distinctive, reversible shades.
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	Energy Star Clothes Dryers:Starting with 2015 models, Energy Star will now certify clothes dryers. New models will be 20% more energy-efficient than the minimum energy standard.
	Dog Waste: Eco-Options:Searching for greener alternatives to throwing out dog waste with the trash.
	Cree T8 LED Linear Lamp The new Cree T8 LED Lamp easily replaces 4-foot fluorescent tube lamps. They are 30% more energy-efficient, and rated for 50,000 hours. Compatible with over 90% of existing ballasts.
	Stuff We Love: S'Well Bottle S'Well Bottles are a wonderful way to replace the throwaway plastic bottle. Insulated to keep liquids hot for 12 hours or cold for 24!!
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	SnapRay Guide Lights SnapRay Guide Lights provide safe, efficient LED lights wherever you have electrical outlets in your home,without batteries or wiring required.
	Spring Lawn Care and Snow Mold:Though it looks terrible, dealing with snow mold and other issues is simple with these spring lawncare tips.
	Envirolet Composting Toilet Systems Envirolet is an industry-leading manufacturer of composting toilet systems.
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	Whirlpool Duet High Efficiency Washer Learn more about the Whirlpool Duet washer, which has many features to get your clothes clean while using much less water and energy.
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	Philips SlimStyle LED Light Bulb Philips breaks the $10 price point for quality LED bulbs with the distinctive-looking, super-efficient SlimStyle.
	WakaWaka POWER Solar Smartphone Charger The WakaWaka POWER solar smartphone charger will charge smartphones and other devices in only two hours, as well as providing a bright light with 5 different light modes.
	New 100-Watt Equivalent LED BulbsThere are new LED light bulbs coming to market with a brightness equal to a 100 watt incandescent while using up to 80% less energy.
	Simple Winterizing Tips to Save EnergyThere are many simple, inexpensive things you can do to save energy and money this winter.
	Niagara Stealth Ultra High-Efficiency ToiletOur review finds out whether an ultra-efficient toilet is up to the task of real world usage.
	Armstrong Tin Look Ceiling TilesCreate the distinct, detailed look of a tin ceiling with these tiles made from 55% recycled material.
	Energy Star Modems and RoutersNew Energy Star standards for modems and routers aim to reduce energy usage by 25% or more.
	Green on the Go: Reducing Air Travel Air travel is a huge source of climate change gas emissions. Here are a few ways to reduce its impact.
	Green in the News A new Green Home Source page to keep you informed of up-to-date news on environmental issues.
	Big Eco Directory A large database of green blogs and sites around the web.
	Nest Protect Smart Smoke Detector The new Nest Protect smoke detector is a high-tech connected way to keep your family safe.
	CD and DVD Recycling Don't throw out those unwanted discs! There are ways to reuse or recycle them.
	Home Composting Products Make composting at home even easier and faster with these helpful composting products!
	High Sierra Low Flow Shower Head High Sierra low flow shower heads use only 1.5 gpm to save water and energy! All-metal construction and 100% made in the U.S.A.
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	Green on the Go! Our newest column looks at ways to keep your commitment to living a green lifestyle when you're not at home.
	Radiant Barrier Foil Radiant barrier foil is a highly-reflective material that works to block radiant energy from the roof from overheating attic spaces. The result is lower cooling costs.
	Halcyon Mini-Split Heating and Cooling Ductless mini-split systems are perfect for energy-efficient zone heating and cooling or for room additions.
	Steel Framing for Homes There are pros and cons to using steel (or other metal) framing for residential homes.
	Insulated Concrete Forms ICFs, a wall structure made from foam boards and steel-reinforced concrete, provide superior energy-efficiency, soundproofing, safety and strength to any green home.
	Vegetable Garden Basics Vegetable gardens are becoming more popular every year. Here are some garden basics for planning your very own vegetable garden!
	Hwam Freestanding Wood Fireplace Hwam makes a line of freestanding wood fireplaces that allow owners to have the functionality and beauty of an efficient wood fire anywhere.
	Haiku Ceiling Fan The Haiku ceiling fan, made from sustainable bamboo, is Energy Star-rated as the most energy-efficient fan on the market today.
	Stramfit CAFboard: Stramit's CAFboard offers superior wallboard performance in products made from sustainable, all-natural wheat straw.
	When to Replace an Old Refrigerator: Old fridges use much more energy than new more-efficient models, but when is the right time for replacement?
	2nd Chance Reclaimed Wood Company: 2nd Chance Wood Co. is a Michigan based company offering beautiful furniture, flooring, and other products made from wood salvaged from old structures.
	Geothermal Heating and Cooling: Geothermal energy uses the limitless supply of energy located just below our feet rather than polluting fossil fuels to heat and cool a home.
	Green Built Michigan: For Michigan homeowners looking to build green, the Green Build Michigan certification program is the official green building program of the Michigan Association of Home Builders.
	What are Green Building Blocks Anyway?: The Green Home Source Building Blocks were created to help homeowners make the best decisions to save the most amount of energy and money, no matter your budget.
	Green Building Blocks: Lowering Water Usage: Saving water in and around the home is a practical way to save money.
	Green Building Blocks:Moving Up the Wall: We continue to work our way up the Green Building Blocks wall, investigating even more ways to save energy and money.
	Green Building Blocks:Next Steps: Moving up the Green Building Blocks wall, these blocks offer signification energy savings and quicker payback to initial investments.
	Green Building Blocks:The Foundation: These are the building blocks that typically save the most energy and money with the least effort and investment.
	Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Store collected rainwater that falls on your homes' roof or other structure for use in outdoor irrigation. Save water, save money!
	Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs): SIPs are an extremely strong and energy-efficient wall system that can reduce a homes' energy use by up to 50% compared to stick-frame construction.
	Green Home Siting: Simply where and how a home is situated on its site can save a great deal of energy and money; best of all, it's free!
	Blower-Door Test: Conducting a blowerdoor test is one of the best ways a builder can discover whether unwanted air is leaking into a home.
	The Benefits of a Smaller Home: Simply shrinking the size of a home is the best, simplest way to lighten its environmental impacts.
	The Building Blocks of Green: Our Green Building Blocks system will help you plan to get the most 'green' out of your home, no matter how large or small your budget.
	Site Wind Analysis: Determining whether your location has adequate annual wind speeds is an important first step in installing residential wind power.
	Recycled Building Materials: Using recycled building materials in your new green home greatly reduces its environmental footprint.
	Small Wind Turbines: Create clean, green power right at home with a small wind turbine.
	Advantages of Wind Energy: Wind power created right at home has many advantages....and some disadvantages.
	Cost of Wind Energy: Want to get your feet wet and get into wind energy, but are curious about the costs? Find out here.
	Walk for Water Day: Help us supply fresh clean drinking water to all parts of the world during Walk For Water Day.
	Greywater Systems: Greywater is simply another name for wastewater generated by the home; activities like laundry, dishwashing, and washing.
	Low Flow Shower Heads: Bathing is a huge source of water usage in the home; switching to low flow showerheads can cut water usage in the shower by 50% or more.
	How Does Wind Energy Work?: If you have been thinking of moving to a wind energy, be sure to scan this informative article.
	Renewable Building Materials: Most rapidly renewable materials are biodegradable, often low in VOCs, and produced from agricultural crops.
	2x6 Stud Framing: Using 2x6 studs instead of the traditional 2x4's may be better for your green home, and help to make it more energy-efficient.
	Front Load Washer Reviews: Averaged over 400 loads, the energy and money saving potential is enormous for these hi-tech machines.
	Phantom Power Reduction: Electrical devices that use 'standby power' even when turned off can be responsible for up to 10% of a home's total electricity usage.
	LED Light Bulbs: With their superior efficiency and durability,LED/s are about to revolutionize the world of residential lighting.
	Philips L Prize LED Bulb: This is the first winner of the U.S. government's L Prize, with remarkable energy savings.
	CFL Lights - Part 2: Additional information on the CFL that you should be aware of before you switch.
	CFL Lights: Find out about CFL's in this very informative article and find out if they are for you.
	LED Christmas Lights: Check out these LED lights and make your White Christmas much more green and save greeen while you are at it.
	Ford Rouge Factory - Case Study: The living roof at Ford's Rouge Factory Complex is a 10.4 acre garden, planted with sedum.
	Faucet Aerator: This is a quick, simple way to save a significant amount of water, energy, and money in the home.
	Insulation R-Value: Insulation R-Value is a measurement of an insulation's thermal resistance.
	Evacuated Tube Solar Hot Water Collectors: Explore this simple and efficient way to obtain hot water.
	Window Insulation Film: Save up to $20 per window by installing this film over your windows.
	NAHB Green Buidling Standard: Established by the National Home Builders Association, be sure to check out this credible program.
	Green Electricity Suppliers: Renewable energy is quickly becoming a player in the energy supply industry.
	WaterSense: Find out what the WaterSense label is and why you should select WaterSense Labeled fixtures.
	Water Conservation Tips: There are many ways to save water around the house; most are inexpensive or free.
	Water Saving Toiets: Newer, efficient toilets with the WaterSense label are tested and certified to save money and water for consumers.
	Underfloor Insulation: While insulating walls, ceilings, and attic spaces seems like a no-brainer to most people. Another area to consider is the floor.
	Spray Foam Insulation Kits: Kits, such as those from Foam It Green, allow you to add beneficial spray foam insulation to your home by yourself.
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	LEED Certification: There are several levels of LEED certification for homes and any LEED home is guaranteed to be an efficient, green home.
	LEED For Homes Certification: LEED certification for a home is the gold standard in environmental design, but at what price?
	Attic Vents - An Overview: Attic vents are an important tool in managing air ventilation through a home's attic.
	Underfloor Heating Information: There are several installation options available for radiant floor heating.
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	Green Home Certification: Learn the steps necessary to achieve various certification levels for a new green home.
	Healthy Home: Creating a healthy home environment for your family entails many different steps.
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	Residential Solar Panels: Get free renewable electricity for your home using only the energy of the sun.
	Attic Ventilation: Proper attic ventilation is important in keeping your home comfortable and efficient.
	Home Durability: Keep your green home operating at top efficiency and with minimal maintenance by keeping it durable.
	Net Metering: Find out if your power company will allow you to tie into the power grid and save big.
	Energy Tax Credit - Roofing, Water Heaters, Doors and Windows: There are some great tax credit available for use of these popular construction items.
	Solar Energy Facts: Continuing advancements in solar energy technology is driving down costs and improving efficiencies.
	Energy Tax Credit 2011 Wind Generators: Use a wind generator is a great way to spin your meter backwards and get tax credits as well.
	Solar Hot Water Credit: Solar hot water is one of the most energy efficient systems available. Save even more with a tax credit.
	HVAC Tax Credit: Energy efficient HVAC systems installed during 2011 may qualify for a federal energy tax credit.
	Energy Tax Credit Insulation: Adding insulation to your existing primary residence in 2011 can qualify for up to a $500 tax credit from the Federal Government.
	Window Tax Credit: Replacing your aging windows with new Energy Star windows in 2011 can qualify you for a Tax Credit on your 2011 Federal Taxes.
	Energy Tax Credits: Thinking of Going Green? With these Federal and State tax credits, you may be able to justify upgrading before the credits expire.
	Federal Energy Tax Credit: The Federal government has tax credit programs available for many energy efficient products to make building green more affordable.
	Photovoltaic Shingles: Photovoltaic shingles are smaller solar collectors designed to blend in and look like traditional asphalt shingles, while providing energy for your home.
	Residential Solar Power: Residential solar power is a great way to reduce your home's reliance on polluting, nonrenewable energy sources like coal and oil.
	Brick Veneer: Brick Veneer is a natural product that is mined from the earth as clay, fired and provide a very durable product that used for a home's exterior and interior.
	Green House Plans: A green house plan from Green Home Source is designed to offer a beautiful house that is extremely energy efficient and environmentally sustainable.
	Engineered Wood Products: Engineered wood products offer greater strength and stability than solid wood, and can have a lower environmental impact as well.
	Energy Efficient Doors: Be sure to look for energy efficient doors that also use sustainable materials for your green home.
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	Doors and Windows: New Section started on energy efficient doors and windows. Great ideas on selecting the proper door and window elements.
	Radiant Floor Heating Installation: It's important to plan ahead before installing a radiant floor heating system, choosing the right type of system and the right flooring materials.
	Stucco Siding: Stucco has been used for building exteriors for centuries; it is extremely durable while also creating a beautiful exterior for your green home.
	Clay Roof Tiles: For thousands of years, clay roofing tiles have been a attractive and durable roofing material.
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	Building Envelope: The building envelope probably influences your home appearance and durability more than anything. Make the wise choice.
	Metal Roofing Materials: Metal roofs offer a more environmentally-friendly choice for a roofing material.
	Living Roofs: living roofs have several environmental benefits that make them an attractive choice for the ultimate in green home design.
	Asphalt Shingles: New And Exciting Products For Asphalt Shingles That Are Greener Than Ever.
	Green Roof Systems: Explore the Options of Greening Your Home From The Top Down.
	Roofing Systems - Types of Roofs: Explore This Section and Find Out How You Can Green-Up Your Roof.
	About Us: The Green Home Source Team. Our Experience, Our Passion and Our Goals.
	In-Floor Heating Options: Find Out What In-Floor Heating Options Are Available For Your Green Home Project.
	Radiant Heat Flooring: Get The Most Even And Comfortable Heat Available For Any Heating System Today.
	Electric Radiant Heat: An attractive option for those looking for radiant floor heating in new or existing homes.
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	LED Light Fixtures: Search For Energy Star Labeled LED Fixtures To Ensure The Best Customer Experience.
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	Roof Windows: Bring Cooling Ventilation and Exiting Capabilities Into Your Living Spaces.
	Skylight Windows: Skylights Are A Great Way To Bring Natural Lighting To Core Areas And Work Areas.
	Solar Tubes - Skylights: These Little Gems Can Bring a Incredible About Of Light Into Your Interior Spaces.
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	Spray Foam Insulation: Great R Value, Moisture Proof and Gap Filling, Eco-Friendly Insulation.
	Blown Cellulose Insulation: Healthy, Inexpensive and Highly Recycled Product. Great For Attics and Cavity Insulation.
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	Batt Insulation: By Far The Popular Insulation Product Is Now Greener. Tune Into This Article To Find Out Why.
	House Insulation: Learn All About the Different Insulation Types For Homes, R-Values, Green Aspects And A Lot More.
	Ways To Conserve Water: Learn How To Save One Of Our Most Important Natural Resources With These Easy To Implement Tips.
	Save On Utility Bills: Find Out How To Reduce Your Utility Bills Dramatically - Possibly Down To Zero.
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	Recycled Glass Countertops: These Are Some Of The Most Beautiful Countertops You Can Install, Plus They Are Very Eco-Friendly.
	Reclaimed Wood Flooring: If You Are Looking For a Green Alternative To Hardwood Flooring, Look Into This Product.
	Cork Flooring: Cork Is Rapidly Renewable, Recycled, Easy To Care For and Beautiful - Give Cork Flooring A Try.
	Concrete Countertops: Form These Counters In Virtually Any Shape, Color And Size And They Are Eco-Friendly.

Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement Siding - James Hardie Siding

The siding you choose for the exterior of your home serves two purposes: add a distinctive appearance to your home that matches your aesthetic taste; and more importantly, to protect the structure itself from the harsh elements. If you are considering building your home 'green', the main criteria for siding is its durability.

Fiber Cement Siding: A Study in Durability

Fiber cement siding is manufactured with sand, cement, and wood fibers. It replaces a cement sheeting product that contained asbestos, certainly not a very green material, which was manufactured until the late 1980s.

Compared to other siding materials like vinyl and wood, fiber cement siding is extremely durable. Some of fiber cement siding's durability factors include:

Fiber cement siding is very low maintenance once installed.
Fiber cement siding is resistant to rot from moisture and damage from insects such as termites. It also won't crack or split like traditional wood products.
Fiber cement siding is highly wind resistant and is not easily damaged by wind-blown debris or hail. It is a reliable siding product for homes in hurricane or tornado-prone areas, and is approved for use in such areas.
Unlike wood and vinyl siding, fiber cement siding is non-combustible and is widely used in areas that are susceptible to brush or wildfires.

Due to these highly durable qualities, many fiber cement siding manufacturers back their product up with long warranties, some up to 50 years; essentially for the life of the home.

Other Environmental Aspects of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement Siding - James Hardie Siding

Fiber cement siding's durability is its main green qualification, since replacing a home's siding more frequently generates a great deal of waste and the production of new siding is resource and energy intensive. But durability isn't fiber cement siding's only green attribute.

All natural materials: All of the materials used to produce fiber cement siding is natural: cement, wood pulp fiber, and sand. Other siding products, especially vinyl, are made from fossil fuels and other toxic chemicals and are non-renewable.

Fiber cement siding helps to create a super building envelope, the physical barrier between a home's interior and exterior. It allows for superior air circulation and the drainage of moisture.

Environmental Considerations for Fiber Cement Siding

While the materials used to make fiber cement siding are all natural, there are some environmental concerns over the huge amount of energy required to make cement. While this is a legitimate concern, the long term durability of the finished product should compensate for the high energy usage of manufacture. Some companies use wood fibers imported from far-off places like New Zealand and Russia. The transport of this material over such long distances is also energy intensive. Do your homework up front, as there are companies that source their raw materials domestically.

Installation of Fiber Cement Siding

Fiber Cement Siding - James Hardie Siding

As its durability (and its name) might suggest, fiber cement siding is HEAVY. It will require at least two people to carry the uncut siding sheets, which are also extremely fragile before they're installed and easily chipped or broken.

Cutting the siding requires power saws in a well-ventilated area, as long term exposure to the fine silica dust is a concern.

Your best bet: Leave installation to the professionals!

Fiber Cement Siding For a Beautiful Exterior

Fiber cement siding is manufactured in a variety of styles, and a huge selection of colors. It is available as overlapping horizontal or vertical boards, resembling wood or vinyl siding. It can also be made to look like cedar shingles.

Most fiber cement siding is primed and painted at the factory, and the paint job is as durable as the siding itself. Fiber cement siding takes paint extremely well, and the paint will last much longer than wood siding, often several times longer.

If you're planning to build a custom green home, and your budget allows for it, fiber cement siding is well worth considering. It will add beauty and class to your home, add to its value, and protect the structure for decades.

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