TheGreenerHome.com
  SUSTAINABLE  LIVING  RESOURCE  FOR  WESTERN  NORTH  CAROLINA
Profit from news, events, information and ideas about green building, sustainable living and eco-friendly developments in Asheville and Western North Carolina.

HOW TO USE THE GREENER HOME WEBSITE:
1. Move cursor to the LEFT COLUMN, and click ONCE on highlighted category. 2. Click ONE TIME on any UNDERLINED word or phrase on this useful, informational, journalistic website, such as: Buildings, Conservation, Energy and Earth Day Countdown.

WORTHY LINKS...
* Noteworthy Calendars Click Here
* Listing of Local Groups and Organizations Click Here
* North Carolina Energy Tax Incentives Click Here
* Permaculture Activist Articles Online Click Here
*Greenwashing Articles Online Click Here

CURRENT NEWS...

Time Goes Green
Time Magazine's April 28, 2008, special environmental issue highlights the critical need to combat global warning, writes Laurie David, founder of StopGlobalWarning.org. Also, Time with CNN offers their Top 15 Green Websites. Click Here


Attending the 2008 Asheville Earth Day festival in Downtown Asheville at MLK, Jr. Park, Canary Coalition executive director Avram Friedman spoke about the need to "Boycott Cliffside." Copyright 2008 MediaBear
Canary Coalition Leader Wants Your Vote
Avram Friedman, perhaps WNC's most environmentally aware political candidate ever, remains optimistic in his uphill battle to defeat fellow Democrat and incumbent Phil Haire for NC's House of Representatives 119th District. Click Here

Earth Day Countdown for 2009 Launches
365 to 357  
TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
365: April 23, 2008 - Green Mayors Day
364: April 24, 2008 - Save A Park Day
363: April 25, 2008 - Elect A Citizen Day
362: Pesticide Free Day
361: No Food For Fuel Day
360: Green Certified Remodelers Day
359: Stop Interstate 3 Day
358: Home Energy Savings Day
357: Historic Preservation Day
Click Here

356
TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
May 2, 2008: Greenwashing Watchdog Day
TheGreenerHome.com's Earth Day Countdown for 2009 designates May 2, 2008, as "Greenwashing Watchdog Day." Many businesses are trying their best to put a green spin on their old products. Others are blowing the whistle on them. Wikipedia tackles greenwashing practices, as do others, including (1) Grist (2) Organic Consumers Association (3) TerraChoice.com's The Six Sins of Greenwashing (4) Smart Money.com (5) HowStuffworks.com (6) GreenLivingTips.com on Avoiding Greenwashing and (7) GreenwashingIndex.com with its keen eye on tracking environmental claims made by ads. Uncover who walks the green walk, and who simply talks it. Click Here

355
RAISING THE TURBINE: Wind energy workshop participants at Appalachian State University
TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
May 3, 2008: Wind Energy Day
TheGreenerHome.com's Earth Day Countdown for 2009 designates May 3, 2008, as "Wind Energy Day." It's as clean as clean can be. It's better than burning oil, paying for it through the nose, or having to fight for it. There are many folks doing good windy work out there, such as Vestas, Windustry and Appalachian State University. The public's attitude for wind energy in North Carolina is positive. For a historical perspective about wind energy: Click Here

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TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
May 4, 2008: Green Wedding Day
TheGreenerHome.com's Earth Day Countdown for 2009 designates May 4, 2008, as "Green Wedding Day." Not only is it the green thing to do, it will save you thousands of dollars. Grist.com and its new "A to Green" advice column features How to Green Your Wedding with links for both bride and groom, such as GreenKarat.com,  GreatGreenWedding.com, and GreenEleganceWeddings.com. If you say, "I do," consider also saying, "I don't pollute," as your family and friends throw biodegradable confetti and drink organic champagne. Click Here

353
TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
May 5, 2008: Green Retirement Community Day
TheGreenerHome.com's Earth Day Countdown for 2009 designates May 5, 2008, as "Green Retirement Community Day." Since buildings provide almost 50 percent of all greenhouse gases and the American population is aging, it makes sense for new retirees to ask eco-housing questions and look for senior communities that are greener. In North Carolina, Cape Fear Community College students won an architectural design award for their greener duplex for seniors. In Chapel Hill, NC, the Carol Woods Retirement Community set the green bar higher with its sustainable buildings. There's no doubt that the make-peace-not-war generation will demand greener retirement options. Click Here

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TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
May 6, 2008: Vote for the Environment Day

Artwork by Jonahandjarah at Photobucket.com

TheGreenerHome.com's Earth Day Countdown for 2009 designates May 6, 2008, as "Vote for the Environment Day." The polls for the North Carolina Primary are open to cast your vote for the greenest politicians. In Buncombe County with WNC's largest population, Democratic, Republican and Nonpartisan sample ballots are online. Polling hours: 6:30 a.m to 7:30 p.m. In primary elections, voters may vote only in their declared party's primary; however, those registered as "unaffiliated" may vote in either the Republican or Democratic primary. Click Here



Kate Shows Off Ohio University's Eco-House
In Asheville and everywhere, the greener home trend continues to grow. Take a peek at this short, informative video about a cool Eco-House, emailed by OU's Jennifer Krisch. Click Here


New, Free, Green Building Directory Now on the Street and Online
WNC Green Building Council (WNCGBC) and MountainXpress deserve credit for putting out WNCGBC's recently released 2008 Green Building Directory. It is available in print and, for the first time, online. Without question, it's the nonprofit's biggest and best compendium yet -- chockful of informative articles and listings of local green industry folks. The Directory will now be published annually, instead of once every two years, said program director Maggie Leslie. Click Here

FEATURED STORIES...

365 to 1
TheGreenerHome.com Earth Day Countdown 2009
April 23, 2008 - April 22, 2009: Your Daily Reports
To view TheGreenerHome.com's Second Annual Earth Day Countdown 2009, Click Here. To participate with your greener story and news, call or email Greener Home editor-publisher Byron Belzak at 828-768-5600 or Click Here>

Hot Jobs for A Warming Planet
The Sierra Club weighs in. Click Here


Plan and Plant An Edible Landscape
Spring (and fall) is a great time to start planting. Interview with Griffin Abee. Click Here

Sierra Club Ranks Two North Carolina Colleges as "Coolest"
Buncombe-based Warren Wilson College (No. 3) and Raleigh's Duke University (No. 5) received kudos from this environmental giant. Click Here


Photo compliments of EveryStockPhoto.com
Asheville Area Restaurants' Fryer Oil Converted into Biofuel
Blue Ridge Biofuels collects and converts fryer oil into fuel. Click Here 


Super Solar Panel Videos
TheGreenerHome.com has selected several solar panel videos worth your viewing time. May they help you bring renewable energy into your home. Click Here


"Fossil Fools Day" Protest: Eight Arrested at Cliffside Coal Plant
Reported by RisingTideNorthAmerica.org. Click Here


* Free Parking on Tuesdays Click Here


Peak Oil Beginner's Guide
"The Wolf at the Door" is an online book with free contents that explains why the end run of peak oil is really bad news. Click Here>

CURRENT NEWS...

Ashevillage Institute Presents Sustainability Workshops
Learn how to live greener by taking one or all of eight sustainability courses offered throughout 2008 by Ashevillage Institute. Topics include permaculture, natural building, beekeeping, capturing rain water, and more. Click Here  


All-New GreenSpec Directory 7th Edition
Now Available. Over 2,100 green building products selected by the editors of Environmental Building News. Click Here


Boycott Grows Against Progress Energy and Duke Energy
More grassroots groups continue to protest Duke's proposed Cliffside coal-powered plant in NC and Progress's proposed nuclear power plants in Florida. News posted Feb. 1, 2008, by Canary Coalition Click Here

The Latest Myths and Facts About Global Warming
Authored by Dr. James Wang and Dr. Michael Oppenheimer. Published by Environmental Defense. Click Here

50 People Who Could Save the Planet
It's a tough job, but someone has to do it. The Guardian of the United Kingdom gives their list. Click Here


American Pioneers, Awake
Who's Who in helping the mountains stay green. Click Here

Free Mineral Identification
At Colburn Earth Science Museum. Every Weds., 3 to 4 p.m. Click Here


AAC Block House Is Green and Ideal for D-I-Ys
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) may be in your future, especially if you are a do-it-yourselfer. Interview with SafeCrete with on-hands training available. Click Here

THE GREENER HOME Set to Launch in 2008
Expanded Print Issue of "The Greener Home" will hit the streets and mailboxes in early 2008. It is intended for homeowners and residents of Asheville and Western North Carolina. For more details, contact Byron Belzak at 828-768-5600 for 2008 Advertising Rates & Editorial Policy. Click Here


Photo by Lisa Ring * Copyright 2007 MEDIABEAR.COM
Advantage Innovation 2007 Conference Explores the Energy Future for WNC
AdvantageWest's All-Day Energy Conference at Crowne Plaza in late 2007 Attracts Hundreds Click Here

MORE NEWS...
* PROPOSED U.S. ENERGY BILL Boosts Fuel-Economy Standards Reports Los Angeles Times Click Here

* EXTREME DROUGHT IMPACTS NC and SC Click Here

* NEW GREEN TRANSIT Company Serves Asheville Click Here

* NC COOPERATIVE EXTENSION CALENDARS By County Click Here


*AL GORE'S Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech Excerpts Click Here

* NEW SUSTAINABLE ENERGY COUNCIL of WNC Promotes Greater Citizen's Voice Click Here

* REMODELED GREENER HOUSE Serves As Classroom Click Here

* EVERY TUESDAY: Free Parking at NC Arboretum Click Here

Builder's Guide to Reuse and Recycling

The Sustainable Design Resource Guide

Local Links

Henderson County Arby's To Use Solar Energy

Canary Coalition Posts Photos of TVA's Wind Project

WNC Residential Energy Survey

Southeast Drought Monitor

It Takes An EcoVillage

Live Lightly on Earth

Grow Local, Buy Local

NC Water Conservation Tips

NC Recycling Markets Directory

NC Steep Slope and Landslide Maps

NC Geological Survey Information

National Forests in North Carolina


Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Energy


Harvest Wind Power on Your WNC Property


See How A Wind Turbine Works


Laurel Valley Watch News


Meet You at the Landfill "Swap Meet"


 The EcoBuilders' Passion: Green Building

 
The Amazing "Eloo" Toilet Comes to America

Alliance for A Sustainable Future

Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth"

Who Killed The Electric Car?

Build Electric Vehicles for Your Neighborhood

Institute for Local Self-Reliance


How to Save the World

Hike An Old Growth Forest

Rare Old Growth Forest Threatened

Where to Hike in Western North Carolina

Know Your Trees of Western North Carolina


Kimberly-Clark/Kleenex Destroys Ancient Forests

George W. Bush (Sorta) on Global Warming

My New Year's "Greener" Resolutions

"Is God Green?" Asks Bill Moyers

"Energy Diversity" Speech

Blue Man Group Explains Global Warming

What Can You Do About Climate Change?

Pres. Bush's Advanced Energy Initiative 2006

10 Recommendations for America's Energy
Independence by Sen. Salazar

The Coming Hydrogen Economy

12-Step Program to End America's Oil Addiction

Smart Growth America, The Organization

Vote Solar, The Movement

Know Your Renewable Energy

n A Monorail in Our Midst
 A comprehensive state-wide transportation proposal to help reduce air pollution is being circulated by the Canary Coalition Click Here> 

n Join the March
Join the Virtual March at StopGlobalWarming.com Click Here>

n "DestiNY" Mega-Mall Dream That's All Green?
Developer Robert Congel has big plans for upstate New York that he says won't harm the environment. Click Here>

n Apollo Offers Report to End Our Addiction to Oil
Apollo Alliance Energy Report urges the President Bush to follow model state energy programs. The report, called "New Energy for States," outlines the best state-based clean energy solutions the feds can adopt nationally. More>

n How To Save Energy
This government website about ways to save money through greater home energy efficiency is timely given dramatically higher energy costs. More>

WORTHY MATERIAL
Passive Solar for Do-It-Yourselfers:
Living in Harmony with Nature
Designing and building with passive solar and sun spaces in mind makes more sense, if saving money and leaving a light footprint on Mother Earth are high on your priority list of things worth doing. Noteworthy is the technique of building with dry stack blocks without mortar that utilize Quikwall or a similar surface bonding product. Nowadays, living in harmony with nature can be as practical as it is beautiful. More.

WORTHY REALTOR
New Category of Eco-Realtors
Ginny Lentz of Beverly-Hanks & Associates, Weaverville, NC, is one of the nation's first designated Eco-Realtors. Her new video is a primer on how she hopes to preserve the mountains. More>

WORTHY BUILDINGS
North Carolina One of Top Six States with Energy-Efficient, Environmentally Safe Buildings
Energy Star status was conferred on more than 2500 buildings in 2005 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. All states had some Energy Star status buildings, but most are located in six states with Food Lion leading the way. More>

WORTHY INSTRUMENT
How to Determine Solar Potential on Your Property
The manufacturer of "Solar Pathfinder" said that its affordable technical field instrument can help you determine your site's total annual solar potential in just five minutes. More.

WORTHY PRODUCT
Make Your Roof Out of Photovoltaic Shingles
This article explains how and why some builders are installing PV collectors that resemble traditional roof shingles. More...

WORTHY TV
New Generation of Photovoltaic Cells
PBS and Scientific American have teamed up to offer "Hydrogen Hopes," a wonderful series about what some people are doing to make the world a greener, better place. Noteworthy is Part 3, entitled "Sunshine Hydrogen." The info about a new generation of rugged, thin-film, photovoltaic cells is incredible. More.

WORTHY EXHIBITION
Georgia Nature Center To Feature Solar Power
The Georgia Nature Center, located on 144 acres in Oconee County, Georgia, 20 minutes south of Athens, features exhibits and information about organic farming and solar energy, as well as five miles of nature trails to contemplate a greener home. More.

WORTHY PROGRAM
How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient
Alliant Energy's PowerHouse is an educational program designed to help improve the energy efficiency, safety and comfort of your home. We in the mountains would do well to borrow a page from their book. More.

WORTHY NONPROFIT
Biodiversity Rules
Wild South (formerly Southern Appalachian Biodiversity Project) is a favorite among greener advocates in the Asheville Area. If you're looking for a local green group to join, this might be your match. More.

WORTHY SCIENCE
Green Chemistry: Theory and Practice
Some say this book is the seminal text on green chemistry. The concept of lowering risk by reducing hazard rather than exposure is discussed. The 12 principles of green chemistry are described in detail. More>

WORTHY COMMUNITY
Earthaven Develops Village-Scale Economy
Earthaven Ecovillage, an intentional community located in Rutherford County, explains how some of its members earn a living on-site or in nearby Asheville. Tours of Earthaven are available to the public by reservation. More.

WORTHY ORGANIZATION
U.N.'s Sustainable Development Division
The United Nations' Division for Sustainable Development initiates and participates in many "greener" meetings, conferences and initiatives offered around the globe. More>