Sustainability

Go greener with these sustainable living tips and tricks for how to make your house more environmentally friendly.

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9 Self-Sustaining Home Ideas

Discover innovative self-sustaining home ideas for eco-conscious homeowners trying to reduce their dependence on the grid.


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8 Most Popular Green Building Certifications

Interested in sustainable living? Gain insight into popular green building certifications for single-family homes in the U.S.


Is There a Future for Sustainable Construction?

Sustainable construction benefits the environment, but higher costs and slower project timelines can conflict with the growing need for housing.


GAF Timberline Solar Energy Shingles Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

The affected shingles have been installed as part of larger home solar systems, so reach out to your contractor!


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What Is Backdrop Paint?

The trendy paint company has taken over the internet—but is it worth all the hype?


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What are Earth-Sheltered Homes?

If you're looking for an eco-friendly and energy-efficient home with additional privacy, this might be the style for you.


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12 Sustainable Materials To Know

Producing and using green materials is one way to keep our planet clean and healthy. Here are some materials that...


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Homeowner’s Guide: What Is Carbon Footprint?

How we live, what we buy and how we get around contribute to our carbon footprint. Here's how to calculate...

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Reader Project: Like Father, Like Son

David Moore and his family know a thing or two about putting repurposed building materials to good use. Read his...


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What Are Forever Chemicals?

Forever chemicals hang around in the environment, causing health problems like cancer and obesity. Find out where they are and...


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6 Types of Renewable Energy

All types of renewable energy are cleaner and last longer than non-renewable energy. All we need is technology to convert...


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What Is Polyvinyl Alcohol and How Does It Impact the Environment?

Dish and laundry pods are handy, but we're only just starting to learn how they harm waterways, animals and our...


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10 Sustainable Furniture Companies To Know

Fight the wasteful tides of fast furniture by supporting one of these sustainable furniture companies.


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How Is Solar Energy Used in Homes?

Looking for ways to reduce your dependency on fossil fuels and power your home with solar energy? Here are some...


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A Complete Checklist for Maintaining Your E-Bike

Your safety and your E-bike's lifespan depend on proper maintenance. Luckily, it's not too complicated. Here's how to keep it...


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How Electric Cars With Solar Panels Are Changing the Game

Self-charging an electric car with solar panels makes sense. But there's a reason we don't see more integrated solar panels...


9 Carbon Footprint Facts You Never Knew

From your sidewalk to your cordless drill, here are a few carbon footprint facts that might surprise you, and help...

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11 Ways To Become More Self-Sustaining at Home

Making our homes sustainable is also a win for our wallets and health. From parties to pergolas, here are some...


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What Is Composting In Place and How Do You Do It?

Enrich your soil, improve its structure, and give your plants a much-needed nutrient boost the easy, sustainable way, with composting...


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What Exactly Is a Bioswale?

You've likely already seen these planted ditches on the side of the road. Here's how they work.


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How To Avoid Microplastics at Home

Scientists estimate we consume a half pound of plastic a year. Here's how to reduce your exposure to microplastics.


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What Are Microplastics?

Microplastics are pervasive in the air, soil, water — and our homes. Learn about where they come from, where they're...


Inside Family Handyman’s Sustainable Studio at Dodge Nature Center

See how Family Handyman is making an impact in the world around us.

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What Is a Circular Economy?

The buzzphrase sounds cryptic, but it's actually a simple concept you're probably already moving toward. Let's dive in.


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Traditional vs. Sustainable Building Materials

With sustainable building materials becoming more available to DIYers, let's examine how they compare with their traditional counterparts.


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How to Frame a Structure Using Energy-Saving Techniques

Here's a framing technique that maximizes insulation space and reduces heat transfer through the walls.


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What Are Ecobricks and How Can You Use Them?

Find out how to transition single-use plastic into building materials at home for free with our handy guide to ecobricking.


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Are Plastic Bags Recyclable?

Yes! But there are caveats. Here's how to figure out which single-use bags are recyclable and where to take them.


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Plastic Free July: How to Start Reducing Your Plastic Waste

If you're looking to live a more sustainable life but don't know where to start, consider taking up the Plastic...