Save Precious Water with Sprinkler Timers

I'm not sure about the rest of the country, but here in the Northeast, summer has been fully upon us for a few weeks now. Things are so hot and dry that if I don't water the garden and flower pots for a few days, they will likely be up in smoke. Quite literally I'm afraid.

One challenge I have is watering the plants and garden on a regular schedule. Half the time, I end up watering them when they are half dried up and I am hoping that simple water will miraculously revive them. But when I do remember, I sometimes turn on the hose and leave it on too long as I tend to move onto another project and completely forget the sprinkler. Oops. Maybe it's a total lack of the a green thumb but probably just poor organizational skills. But good news for me as I found a solution!

A viable AND affordable solution. A sprinkler timer. It's so simple. If you visit your local home store, you will find a large variety to choose from. Some features include rain sensors, several zones, automatic shut off and even remote control. After purchasing the model that best suited my needs, I set it up in about 10 minutes. Now my lawn gets watered at 5:30am for about 6 minutes every other day, and only when dry. I save water, keeps my bills regular, and my garden never looked better! Read more!

GREEN EXPO NYC 2010

Last week, I was able to pay a visit to the very popular Green Product Expo in New York City. It is usually chock full of interesting products and this year was not disappointing.

Venetian Plaster is a beautiful, upscale look but it can be expensive. A green alternative? Variance Acrylic Finishes is a product that goes on like venetian plaster but is a high performance acrylic polymer based finish system that is low voc, dust free, crack resistant, easy to repair, it's super durable and it looks gorgeous. Plus it's 1/2 the price of Venetian plaster and it qualifies for LEED points.


Recycled tile is not just about glass anymore. I saw a bounty of recycled tile materials that were absolutely gorgeous, such as recycled leather tile, recycled aluminum tiles, recycled ceramic and more! The adjacent photo is recycled leather in a snake finish. Another new type of tile they features was a tile made from recycled MONEY! That's right - US dollars destroyed by banks are shredded and then used to create a recycled content tile in a lovely shade of green. Chelsea Arts Tile & Stone in NYC had an impressive display. Now that's a full life cycle!


Another trend I noticed (and loved!) at the adjacent Architectural Digest Designer Home Show was the use of natural forms and natural wood slabs for furnishings. Furnishings of all shapes and sizes were on display from many different vendors, including tables, chairs, art work, and even wood slab countertops.

A furniture design/maker for over 21 years, Jeff Soderbergh creates his custom pieces from all re-claimed materials, many of which are very old and historically significant. His designs are perfect for antique lovers and greenies alike! Shown: One of a kind Brooklyn coffee table made from floorboards of a Brooklyn Home; circa 1800s.



For more information on green furnishings, home products and interior design choices, contact us at www.greenkristine.com to learn more. Read more!

Is There Asbestos in Your Home?

There are hazards to consider when conducting green renovations or health home improvements for home and building owners. Among these is asbestos. While most asbestos products were banned in the late 1970’s by the Consumer Products Safety Commission and regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency thereafter, these materials still exist in nearly 80% of structures built prior to 1980.

Asbestos is particularly relevant when conducting energy efficiency renovations, as most asbestos products are found in insulation, duct work, piping, and other construction compounds. As these materials become older, they become brittle and even more hazardous. If they are disturbed, it is all the more likely that hazardous asbestos fibers can be released into the air. Inhaled asbestos fibers have been the principle cause for the rare and aggressive cancer, mesothelioma, as well as a host of other respiratory conditions.

Fortunately, there is help for those whose homes and buildings may contain this material. Asbestos abatement and consulting companies can indicate to you where and if asbestos products have become a health concern. These firms can then safely remove and dispose of these materials in adherence with state and federal regulations. Through simple precautions, asbestos cancer and other health conditions can be avoided as a result of asbestos exposure. We can create healthy homes and buildings, while staying healthy ourselves.

This article was written and presented by Jennifer Miller, Awareness and Outreach Coordinator for Mesothelioma.com Read more!

Eco Friendly Holiday Lighting

With the holidays upon us, and inflation surging, now is a great time to make smart, energy efficient choices within your home to lower your overall operating expenses. LED (light emitting diode) holiday lighting is a popular, eco-friendly option, since it's both long lasting and 90% more efficient than incandescent lights.

Here's a great vendor with some great green options: HolidayLED.com. Holiday LED.com offers traditional holiday lights in a full range of colors, popular icicle lights and even pre-lit Christmas trees, all made from energy efficient LEDs.

Better yet, this vendor offers a special recycling program. Send them your old incandescents holiday lights for recycling and they will send you a 15% off coupon for new LED lights! Sounds like a good deal right? There's more!

They are offering an additional discount exclusively for IDOG readers: an additional 10% off by using Coupon Code "GKRIST." Offer expires 12/31/2008.

Happy Holidays!
Photo courtesy of HolidayLEDs.com. Read more!

Green Kristine on the CW11 News!

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Steals & Deals: Viva Terra Eco Furnishings

Good news for a change! I just saw that one of my favorite retailers, Viva Terra, is having a sale on one of their most unique and unusual pieces, the twisted stool/side table, and I just wanted to alert my readers. Aren't they really nice? These works of art are hand sculpted from sustainable monkey pod wood, have a variety of uses and are on sale for just $175 (for the tall size). When can you get a handcrafted anything for this price??

Click on this link, TWISTY, and enter the code "NT8101" when ordering. Offer good until 11/15/08. And don't forget to check out their other fantastic furnishings! Read more!

Mc Mansions are Out and Prefabs are In

There was a time when prefab housing of any type was frowned upon. It was always cheap, sometimes tacky and worst of all, a major faux pas. However, times are a-changing. With surging inflation and the increasing popularity of "green", reducing your carbon footprint and downsizing is becoming positively chic. Whether you are on the market for a little cottage or an entire house, pre-fabs come in all prices, shapes and sizes.

Several home designers and architects are catching onto this and are releasing their own pre-fab designs. One is these new fangled manufacturers is Kithaus. Kithaus has created several designs that are compact and easy to install due to lightweight construction materials. Furthermore, they offer homeowners the option of adding a small backyard office/retreat/playroom without permits and contractors, which is a huge plus. Some of their models are priced from $29,000+ and work for a variety of uses.

If you are interested in something a little more complete, consider this: the ASAP House. ASAP stands for a house "about saving a planet." Architect Laszlo Kiss has developed plans for a contemporary, modular net-zero energy house. It's a complete home with all of the modern conveniences you would expect yet it is truly green. The architect has plans to expand on the ASAP house by introducing additional new design modules - everything from a 700 sq ft studio cottage to a 3100 sq foot home. Visit ASAP to learn more.

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Eco Floors: Natural Cork by Globus Cork

When renovating my "green" house this summer, I chose to do the kitchen floor in a natural cork material. I wanted to use something durable, beautiful and sustainable, and cork was a perfect solution.

I looked to a local New York manufacturer, Globus Cork to provide the product as well as an education in cork flooring. First off, cork is a renewal material - it gets harvested from the bark of cork oak trees every 9 years and it then grows back. Even so, the cork tiles themselves are made from the scraps of the wine cork manufacturing process, so they are truly a recycled product. Folks, you really can't get much greener than that! Once the tiles are formed, depending on the color/style, they get a coat of voc-free stain and sealer. Cork tiles come in either the glue down or the floating variety, and either one provides a beautiful outcome! They are offered in a wide variety of patterns, shapes and colors and the good people at Globus Cork can help you either design your floor or make suggestions based on your ideas.

Cork flooring offers even more benefits. Cork is very soft under foot and is easy on your joints and back. It's also super durable, water and stain resistant (within reason), and maintains its freshly laid appearance over time. One of my green contacts tells me that her cork kitchen floor of 5 years still looks fantastic. And cork flooring is not hugely expensive either, unlike many other "green" products.

The images you see show the cork floor I used in my own kitchen project. Please email me if you need any details...I would be happy to share them with you. For further information about the environmental aspects of cork, the many color/design options, and more, visit Globus Cork. Read more!

Green House Makeover : Eco-Friendly Hardwood Floors

When I purchased a 1920s Colonial for renovation, I wanted to maintain its original character yet use as many eco-friendly products and features as possible. The house had the original hardwood floors throughout; Douglas Fir on the first floor and Southern Yellow Pine on the second floor. Both were shabby. The first floor showed plenty of discoloration, large scratches and even a hump in the middle of the floor. The second floor was partially covered in hideous pink ceramic tiles, so we weren't sure what would happen. We knew that the green way to go was to salvage as much original planking as possible, rather than to scrap it and start new. But would it work?

Our plan of action was to hire the best flooring contractor in the area. That was easy. Dave Novak Flooring of Long Island is a real pro and knows his green products to boot. Dave helped us to determine whether or not the situation was salvageable or not. Miraculously, they were able to correct the major flaws, including the hump, some wide gaps, and the discoloration. The next step was to determine what product to use to restore the floor. He highly recommended BonaKemi products, for their quality, durability and environmental friendliness. In fact, Bona's extensive line of products are the only hardwood flooring system that is GreenGuard certified for Indoor Air Quality. With a combination of BonaKemi's water based stains and sealers, and Dave's expertise, our floors became absolutely flawless. Our Green House Showcase slide show pics at the top of this page show the gorgeous (and healthy) results.

When renovating your hardwood floors, talk to your contractor about the benefits of a water based treatment vs. oil based polyurethane. Or contact ours: Dave Novak Flooring at (516)-672-2413, and please visit BonaKemi.com. Read more!

Green House Makeover: Toilet Talk

Did you know that your old toilet (circa 1994 or earlier) uses up to 70% more water annually than a new dual flusher? In areas where water costs are high, replacing your old bowl can save you some significant coin! Since our fresh water supplies in parts of this country are dwindling and are expected to drop precipitously low in the future, dual flushing technologies are essential.

At our recent Green House Showcase in New York, reducing water consumption was one of our main objectives. One way to meet this goal was to install dual flushers. These toilets have been used for years in Europe and Asia, and they are slowly making their way to the US. Here's how they work: there are 2 flushing options, either 0.8 gallons or 1.6 gallons, depending on your uh, needs. And they come in all types of styles, from traditional to super contemporary, and best of all, most of them are affordable. The ones we installed cost about $250 each, made by Sterling for Kohler. See how the tank in the photos is so small? This makes them look so tres chic - ooh la la! (Both photographs show the same toilets in 2 different baths, fyi.)

Ok now let's talk functionality. Do they work and get the, er, job done, shall we say? The answer from my experience is a wholehearted yes! I have had many a construction worker over the house and let's just say that I didn't find any nasty surprises.

In conclusion, mon ami, adopting water saving features like dual flushers in your home are a fabulous way to reduce your consumption and save money in the process. Manifique! Read more!

Green House Showcase 2008 Photos

 It doesn't look even remotely green, does it? Ha ha, yet it totally is! For those of you poor souls who didn't attended this event, watch the slide show attached to see the results. The home was completely renovated in a sustainable and environmentally sensitive way thanks to the consulting work by Kristing Livadas. Eh hem, that's me. My work on this project, coupled with my research and present study for the LEED AP exam enables me to successfully complete green minded projects, both commercial and residential.

Here's a listing of the green attributes we added to this 1920s Colonial Charmer: 1. Rhino Shield Exterior Paint (insulating and guaranteed for 25 years) 2. BonaKemi water based stains and sealers for the 90+ year old wood floors 3. Sherwin Williams Harmony no-voc paint 4. beeswax candelabra in WB fireplace 5. programmable thermostats 6. Energy Star rated windows with Low E coating 6. Energy Star Rated Exterior Doors 7. Globus Cork Kitchen Flooring 8. Moen water purifier kitchen faucet 8. Ice Stone recycled glass and concrete countertops 9. recycled glass and recycled porcelain tiles 10. Energy Star appliances throughout 11. low flow aerator faucets and shower throughout 12. dual flush toilets 13. Savvy Rest organic mattress 14. Feng Shui eco design throughout 15. organic bed and bath linens throughout 16. front loading Energy Star washer and dryer 17. new gas hot water heater 18. organic fertilizers and native plantings throughout 19. new cement fiberboard siding on garage 20. new natural pebble driveway (allows for natural drainage and minimal soil disruption 21. eco furnishings by Crate & Barrel.

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Eco Furnishings Found Locally at Crate & Barrel

After renovating a house recently with all environmentally friendly features, it was now time to look at furnishings. Of course, I wanted to go eco friendly. Home furnishings can be toxic and negatively impact your indoor air quality. I learned this first hand last year.

I made the incredibly stupid decision to purchase some bedroom furniture from a major national furniture chain. A few hours after it arrived, I noticed a heavy "new car/furniture" type of scent in the room. I figured it was just new and needed some time to air out. After a day, the odor was still there. After 4 days, the odor was still there. After 10 days straight with the windows opened, the odor DID NOT dissipate AT ALL! I was having visions of those poor people in New Orleans in their FEMA trailers! With the windows shut, I could only tolerate 5 minutes in the room before a headache would set in. I knew I had to take action and removed the furniture immediately.

My guess is that the wood frame and drawers were constructed with plywood that contained formaldehyde and heaven knows what else. In other types of furnishings, upholstery can be treated with flame retardant chemicals (and stain resistant chems too) that off gas into your home, and your family get the breathe it in! So going eco friendly makes a lot of sense for a lot of reasons.

The next challenge is to find these types of furnishings, which are few and far between. Luckily, I stumbled onto a national chain that offers eco friendly furnishings and housewares, as a part of their Eco Initiaves Program - Crate & Barrel. They carry everything from Bamboo Dining Tables, to chairs with Soy foam cushioning, to recycled glass dinnerware. Some of the pics on this post are from their line. I was lucky enough to get some of these lovely pieces for our Green House and everyone loved them, especially me.

For more eco furnishings, take a look at:
Fernwalla
Cisco Brothers
Read more!

Eco-Fabulous Bath Furniture by Waterfall

Are you looking for eco-friendly bathroom furniture that is not only green but beautiful and functional? On my endless quest for all things green, I have noticed that finding something chic and green was not easy. Luckily, I found the needle in the haystack: Waterfall Bathroom Furniture.

As you can see by the photos, Waterfall offers a variety of styles that are sure to please even the most discriminating tastes. The materials used to make them are all environmentally responsible: from FSC certified MDF (medium density fiberboard) to the lowest VOC (volatile organic compounds), water based paints available. Even the countertops are made of CaesarStone, a certified green product.
Add a low flow faucet and your vanity will be full-on green! To see their complete line of products, go to Waterfall Bath. Read more!

Green House Makeover - Oil vs. Gas or Solar??

Energy usage and efficiency is a critical element to any green home makeover. Currently, our lovely makeover house is heated by old fashioned steam radiators powered by an oil fired boiler. Ick. Not only is oil the dirtiest fuel source, it's the most expensive and least green. The electric is powered from, what else, electricity, which isn't cheap either in this part of the country.

We have a certain budget toward the upgrade of mechanicals of this house and unfortunately we can't replace both the boiler and add a solar system for the electric. ( Although I really, really, really, really want to.) Is our money spent more wisely on a new gas fired boiler which replaces the crusty oil furnace or do we keep it and add solar panels to pay for a portion of the electric bill?

Let's weigh it.

Solar: Clean, renewable energy. Totally green and conceptually, I love it. Solid up front investment for small system (2k). Must deal with local building departments and boards to get approval, and potentially, neighbors may complain that its ugly, since its on the front of the house. Depending on the new occupants of the house, it may pay for a good portion or a small to medium portion of their montly electric bill. Keep in mind that we are in the Northeast and we don't have full sun all year round like CA or FL, plus we still have oil to heat the house.

Gas: Much cleaner (aka less odors, no soot, major carbon reductions) than oil but not renewable. Still a fossil fuel yet a lot cheaper (for now.) Installation costs about 1/2 of the solar system. Electric remains untouched.

Do we get rid of the oil or go with solar? Feedback anyone? I am completely interested in hearing from you!!!

My thought is to go with gas. The sooner we all get off oil, like the junkies we are, the better off the country and our planet will be. The current oil boiler is older and probably not working at full efficiency anyway. It will be cleaner and cheaper and the new occupants will benefit more this way vs. electric via solar. I really love solar but unless the system covers most of the electric usage and preferably pays me back, I'm not sure its worth the money vs. the alternative. If we went for a larger system that could take care of 100% of the usage, it would become cost prohibitive on this project.

What I could do if money was no object....and if it's not an object to you, call me and we'll do lunch. On you. Read more!

Green House Makeover I - Evaluation

As you may or may not have read in a previous post, I have purchased a property in New York with the intention of renovating it as green as possible and then selling it to some lucky greenie. The house itself is a solid early 20th century Dutch Colonial and I plan on adding as many energy efficient and sustainable items as possible to enhance its green value.

Now I need to perform an overall evaluation to determine opportunities for change.

OK, let's talk about the exterior. Quite simply, it's ugly. The house looks like it's missing something big, like a front porch. I think we'll add one. The exterior paint colors are hideous, especially the reddish brown trim. The landscaping is...what landscaping? The driveway is also a disaster and the garage is being held up by a giant overgrown bush. Change all that.

Let's go inside. The house is not big with 7 rooms in all, but it has great bones, a nice flow and original pine floors throughout. The baths and kitchen are gross. The whole place is dirty and pretty much everything you see needs to be refinished.

The mechanicals in the basement consist of a 100amp electric panel, already updated. A working oil burning furnace. Not very green. Hmm.

One green trait already exists. The windows have been updated with Energy Star replacement windows with a low E (emittance) coating! This is the window you want to install in your house for its beneficial energy rating and ability to keep radiant heat out in summer and warm air in during the winter.

On this project, I want to focus on energy and water efficiency, superior interior air quality, and beautiful sustainable features and products throughout that will knock the socks off of everyone who comes in. I am thinking possibly solar, modification of furnace, insulations checks abound, and a few surprises too.

Time to call the suppliers... Read more!

Live from NY: "Green This House"

So I had this great idea: Renovate an old, ugly house in the suburbs of New York using as many green, sustainable features as possible. Then showcase the house in all it's green glory to prospective buyers and folks who want to learn more about a healthier, energy efficient home at a series of Open House Events.

I will be documenting the entire project from start to finish on this blog so join us while we attempt to answer these questions:

What sustainable materials and products will we use and why?
Does renovating green really cost more?
Can a renovation be green?
What's the popularity of green residential construction in NY and everywhere?
Do people care at all?
Will we sell the house or will we be stuck with it?
Was buying a home in the worst real estate market in 10 years a really stupid idea or am I a freakin' genius?!

Follow this ground breaking series while we uncover the story behind greenovations!!! Read more!

Greening the Nursery

You plan your pregnancy. (Sometimes.)

You take special vitamins and get regular check ups to make sure the baby grows healthy.

You take classes to prepare yourself for the birth.

You learn about breastfeeding and baby care.

So why would you fill your baby's room with a bunch of chemicals?

Actually, most of us are guilty of this, myself included, until I got an education in "green." Shockingly, paint, carpeting, bedding and even furniture upholstery can contain or are treated with chemicals that produce dangerous gasses that linger in your baby's room and home for months, sometimes years, and result in poor interior air quality. Is there a link here to the rise in the rates of asthma and other childhood respiratory illnesses? There are no clear studies that indicate this (of course!) but you can draw your own conclusions.

The good news is that the popularity of the green baby is surging and now there are more choices than ever. Hollywood celebrities like Julia Roberts and Halle Berry have greened their nurseries, but they spent thousands of dollars on a green interior design consultant.

Try IDOG's Green Nursery Guide! The price is right!

Step 1: Pick out your colors! When painting the baby's room, you need to use a low or better, no VOC paint. Traditional paints contain volatile organic compounds that linger in a room for long periods of time. A great no-VOC paint is the Harmony line by Sherwin Williams. It's so safe that you can paint with it by day, and move in that night. Color choices are in the hundreds.

Step 2: Many parents like carpeting in a baby's room because the baby may be crawling on the floor. True, but the bad news is that wall to wall is treated with toxic chems- even benzene and formaldehyde in some cases, as well as moth repellents, stain repellents, and dangerous adhesives that can off gas into your home for months if not years. Imagine their little faces rubbing on it! No, no, that won't do. Check out http://www.flor.com/, a very eco-conscious company that offers natural fiber rugs that come in these cool, easy to install, easy to clean carpet tiles. If a tile gets stained, you just pull it off and replace it. The tile adhesive doesn't ruin the floors underfoot either. You can use it for wall to wall, or create an area rug. For true wall-to-wall and other flooring alternatives, try http://www.greenfloors.com/. This company's products are made from recycled materials and are some of the lowest VOC carpet on the market. Or stick with wood floors, especially if allergens are an issue, but make sure they are treated with a water based sealant, not the usual oil based polyurethane.

Step 3: Buy an organic mattress and bedding. New babies spend much of their day sleeping, and it's important they are not on or close to dangerous substances. Did you know that regular mattresses are treated with a host of chemicals, including PVC, phthalates, lead, or antimicrobial biocides, pesticides and even formaldehyde? This will not do for a pure newborn! Go to http://www.babyandmeboutique.com/ and purchase a Naturepedic mattress, a company that specializes in organic baby mattresses. I also found some well priced crib sheets at http://www.babycenter.com/ in pink, blue and ivory, and check out the "Best Blanket in the World" according to Esquire Magazine, at http://www.underthenile.com/. It's organic, and super soft!

Step 4: Stock your crib with organic crib toys like this adorable crate of veggies from Under the Nile. Babies chew on everything, and it makes sense that they chew on something that is made and stuffed with organic, pesticide free cotton.

Step 5: Make sure that you keep the room well ventilated, and get fresh air circulating daily!

Last One: If you are going green all the way, then consider natural furnishing as well. http://www.downtoearthhome.com/ offer a complete line of cribs, bassinets, changing tables and rockers made from natural wood, free from all types of toxic adhesives, paints, and finishes. Most of their fabrics are primarily hemp and organic cotton. If you don't want to take it this far, the first 5 steps should serve your baby very well!

Congratulations on taking the first step to a natural, healthy baby!

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Great Green Gifts: Housewares by Fire & Light

For anyone looking for a unique and meaningful gift, look no further! I was recently thrilled to stumble upon a little bit of "green" heaven in a line of gifts and tablewear from a company called Fire & Light.

It all started years ago when the oldest recycling community in the nation got together to discuss ways of resolving the issue of shipping their glass for recycling, which was very expensive and cost prohibitive. After discussing their options, a solution emerged. Fire & Light was created to utilize the post consumer recycled glass and in the process, create jobs for the community. ( Who said that green business can't save our planet and our ecomony? Pishaw.) Currently, Fire&Light produces a delicious line of glass tableware, home accessories and art glass in colors that take your breath away.

Here are some of my favs.

Splash Bowl. It's shape, color and the swirls of color within it make it a true work of art. As with many of their products, it comes in a wide range of hues. And at $46, it's a deal.

The Goblets and other barware. At left. This colorful glassware make that beverage extra special, and a set of 4-8 make a eco fab gift.

Purchase their dinner plates in one color and salad plates in another. This creates wonderful contrast and texture.

Soap dish & Footed Jar w/ Lid. Add some natural lavender soap and you have yourself another special gift.

All of the Tealights. The candlelight reflects into the glass for a special effect. Love the Splash and Conch Shell in particular.

Many of the items come signed by the artisan, making it a true piece of art!

See for yourself at http://www.fireandlight.com/.

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Save Money & Energy with Balls!

Blue balls are usually not a positive thing, if you are male anyway! In this case, it's all good.

If you must use a clothes dryer, which is hard not to, consider spending $10 on a 2 pack of these dryer balls. You use them in place of those expensive dryer sheets that have that artificial perfume scent on them. Ick. They work to fluff and soften your laundry, as well as help the heat of the dryer circulate more efficiently, which reduces drying time. Naturally. No chemicals here. The balls last for about 2 years and really work.

Less energy used, fresh laundry scent, & you save on dryer sheets. Win win win.

Find them on http://www.asseenontv.com/.

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Take a Breath of Fresh Air - Inside

Did you know that in many cases, the air quality outside your house is actually better than inside your house? According to the American Lung Association, many indoor air pollutants are 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor pollutants and in some cases, 100% higher. This is of great concern because many people spend up to 90% of their time indoors! Our home's interior air quality is compromised because many items in the home contain chemicals that off-gas - everything from furniture and upholstery, carpeting, paint, even kitchen cabinets. Besides living in the wilderness, there is not a ton we can do about this. But we can improve the quality of our indoor air by taking a few simple steps.

1. Air things out. Cold weather or not, we should do this. Generally, I like to this in the morning after everyone is gone. Try to get a nice cross ventilation going for about 5 minutes.

2. Look into purchasing an air purifier. These are great for people who are have sensitive allergies, and for rooms that don't get a lot of ventilation. I put one in my basement, a place I could rarely go because of my allergic reaction. With the help of our air purifier, I can now stay down there for hours. I highly recommend getting one if you have little ones playing down in the basement. Bionaire makes several good models. http://www.bionaire.com/.

3. If you are planning an interior remodel or painting the new baby's room perhaps, you should consider a low voc paint. This is a paint that contains low or no VOC's (volatile organic compounds) and solvents, so you don't have to breathe in those noxious odors. Plus you can move immediately into freshly painted areas, if need be. This is a must, in my opinion, in a new baby's room! Sherwin Williams carries an environmentally friendly line called Harmony. http://www.sherwin-williams.com/.

4. Wood burning fireplaces actually contribute quite a bit of fine particles, carbon monoxide and other toxic compounds into your home. I still love it because of the wonderful atmosphere it creates, but consider closing the doors as much as possible during the "burn" and ventilating soon afterwards. People with lung related illnesses or athsma should stay away from wood burning fireplaces.

5. Add indoor plants to your home. Like trees, house plants can remove carbon and oxygenate your home. This is a nice affordable and attractive way to green your home.

Over time, as you move or upgrade your existing home, you can begin to make other product choices that will also positively impact your interior air quality, one selection at a time. To learn more about home pollutants, visit www.lungusa.org.

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