Green Plug
The Green Plug aims to replace the common wall wart power supply with smart power supplies. These will be interchangeable between devices and adjust to the power requirements of your different devices. Sounds great if they can get a lot of manufactures on board. They’ve signed on Westinghouse, and will hopefully add some larger manufacturers in the future.
(Via Engadget.)
Solatubes
Solatubes are a great way to bring tons of daylight into an interior space that lacks natural lighting. Instead of burning overhead lighting for interior spaces, these let you bring in enough natural light to not have to use them. There are also options for dimmers, fans, and lights to use at night. They are inexpensive compared to a regular skylight and affects much less roof area, minimizing the risk of leaking.
Solatube. Maximize daylight and minimize lamp use with the Solatube Daylighting System. Two systems, the 160 DS and 290 DS, are designed to illuminate up to 200 square feet and 300 square feet, respectively, and are both Energy Star-rated.
Low VOC Paints
Low VOC paints are becoming more prevalent in local stores. ACE’s premium brand is low VOC, though the label doesn’t specifically say so. DwellSmart, a new retail store in Charleston, sells several lines of low VOC paint. It is more expensive, but the paint is usually a higher quality and has little to no fumes.
Whether you’re interested in working in a more environmentally friendly way or not, soon the interior paint you use–no matter where you live–may be a greener product. That’s already true for a chunk of California and a large part of the Northeast, where stringent regulations over the last few years have ratcheted down the volatile organic compound (VOC) content permitted in paint and other coatings.
(Via EcoHome: Indoor Air Quality.)
Trends: A Brighter Future
I believe LEDs are the way of the future. Low energy consumption and high light output make them very attractive.
A new light is about to break on the horizon of residential illumination: light emitting diodes, or LEDs. LEDs have been used for years in indicator, electronic readout, and signage applications, as well as in the theater industry. More recently, LEDs are increasingly used as architectural accents in high-end homes. But in the not-so-distant future, LED technology will conquer general home lighting, according to industry experts.
Green Tub and Shower Enclosures
Try these approaches for a stylish, eco-friendly tub and shower.
Can you tell me the pros/cons of concrete countertops?
Concrete countertops have some big benefits: They’re inexpensive and easy to install yourself. Check out the details here.
Top-Performing Pellet Stoves
High-efficiency pellet stoves from Quadra-Fire and Harman Stove Company offer heat from a renewable source with low particulate emissions.
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