How much time do you spend in your home on an average day? Is it eight hours? 10 hours? More? Would you like your home to be as comfortable and energy efficient as possible? Then it makes sense to assess just how much energy you use—or waste—each day in powering, heating, and cooling your home.…
Thinking about building or renovating green? Wondering where to start? Maine is home to some of the nation’s leading green building experts. Whether you are looking to hire professional assistance or educate yourself, the following resources offer a road map to guide you on your way. Maine chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council Your…
By guest columnist Bill Bell Pellet heat, which costs the equivalent of #2 heating oil at $2.00 per gallon, is Maine’s logical answer to volatile oil prices. While wood pellet prices will always fluctuate somewhat, they will be far more stable—and generally much lower—than oil. In fact, one of Maine’s major pellet heating firms now…
By Lynn Ascrizzi An illuminating fact: The amount of “raw sunshine” that hits the Earth’s surface in one hour is enough to power the entire world for a year. Yet, many folks in Maine and beyond still think there’s not enough annual sunshine generated in the Northeast to make solar energy systems worthwhile. Time to…
By Lynn Ascrizzi It’s odd to think that cold, underground temperatures can generate enough warmth to heat your home in winter. But that’s exactly the idea behind a geothermal heat pump system. Below-ground temperatures in Maine stay at a constant 45 to 50 degrees F. Relatively speaking, that’s pretty warm, enough so, that a heat…
Have you ever entertained the dream of becoming a Master Gardener? The University of Maine’s Cooperative Extension offers an in-depth program that involves 40 hours of current research-based training, plus 40 hours of volunteer work, providing plant enthusiasts with a solid foundation in the art and science of horticulture. With certification, Master Gardeners are able…
Friends of Casco Bay suggests things we can all do to ensure clean water. For more information, go to www.cascobay.org. Count how many you already do! Don’t put household chemicals or pet wastes down the storm drain, or they may end up in the ocean. Maintain a green yard for a blue bay—without pesticides and…
By Lynn Ascrizzi To many home gardeners, the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) may be little more than a weed. But, the tall native wildflower is a first line of defense when it comes to naturally controlling the pesky Japanese beetle. This biennial plant is widely found in meadows, roadsides and neglected areas of the…
There’s nothing like the sun to dry your clean laundry! The sun and breeze on a spring or summer day can dry your clothes in about the same amount of time as an electric dryer can—and it costs you nothing while using the earth’s only limitless source of energy. The heat and friction caused by…
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the air in our homes can be many times more polluted than the air outside. Many things can contribute to poor indoor air quality including building materials, mold, radon and household cleaners. Choosing cleaning products made from all natural ingredients is one way to lessen your exposure to environmental…