New digs in the park

Good news at the trusty ol' Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, whose just-okay rooms have always relied on their stone's-throw proximity to Yosemite Falls to draw a crowd. Now, two prototype eco rooms have opened, with all the efficient, organic, high-tech touches you'd expect, plus a serious upgrade in style. Headboards of live-edge hickory are a swirl of a centerpiece, and colorful countertops are made of glass from curbside recycling bins in San Francisco. With luck, the lodge will start converting more rooms by the end of the year. For now there's no guarantee, but it doesn't hurt to request one of the green rooms when you reserve. From $207; yosemite park.com

Coming with the whole gang? Check out the swish new John Muir House at Evergreen Lodge, which blows away the frumpier rentals at Yosemite West. Sleeps 10; $895; evergreenlodge.com

Eco-friendly kitchens are gaining steam

By Lynn Underwood

The motivation: Cathy and Mike Spengler's whole-house remodeling included an updated kitchen. "It was such a big project that we wanted it to be the least wasteful and energy-efficient as possible," Cathy said.But there's more to green than a label on a package, said designer David Heide, owner of David Heide Design Studio in Minneapolis. He considers good design a key green component.By David Heide Design Studio; www.dhdstudio.com.The stuff: They used beech salvaged from Lake Superior for the formaldehyde-free cabinets. "It's such beautiful wood, and it's so cool that it has that history," she said. The countertops are composed of granite and onyx remnants, and the breakfast bar is made of oak certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. While the Spenglers installed energy-efficient, triple-paned windows, they repaired and refinished their existing hardwood floor."A bad design filled with lots of green products that end up in a Dumpster five years from now isn't green at all," he said.Scripps Howard News ServiceBEECH WOOD BEAUTYThe stuff: The cabinets are built without formaldehyde, with doors made from sustainably grown poplar wood fabricated into veneers. The recycled paper countertops "feel as hard as stone," Eric said. Multicolored recycled glass covers the center island. Instead of putting in a new floor, the Hattings refinished their existing maple one. All the paints and finishes are low-VOC. While they paid a little more for some of the green materials, Eric said, the end result is a kitchen that "is more visually appealing and re- uses materials."Today's green kitchens have nothing to do with color. They're environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and nontoxic. They boast countertops made of recycled glass or paper, and floors of renewable bamboo or cork. The appliances use less energy, and paint with low volatile organic compounds (low-VOC) keeps the air clean.By Otogawa-Anschel Design Build; www.otogawa-anschel.com.MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE"At the time it was a radical concept, that you could use linoleum and cork and salvaged granite, and it could look high-end and classy," he said.By Natural Built Home; www.naturalbuilthome.com."There's no limit to cool products that have green attributes," said Anschel. "Five years ago, it was a struggle to find low-VOC paint. Now it's at big-box stores."The motivation: Owner Molly Dinneen wanted to update her Craftsman-style kitchen, but hoped to incorporate many of the room's existing materials. "There's nothing more green than re-using what you have," said David Heide, her designer.GREEN-MINDED MAKEOVERJust a few years ago, calling a kitchen green would have meant the walls were painted sage.The motivation: Owners Eric and Shelly Hatting designed their new kitchen, then looked for green products. "We've always liked the look of the materials," said Eric. "The fact that they were formaldehyde-free and mostly recycled sealed the deal."Here are some different ways to the same green end by several Minnesota firms:Now, manufacturers are crowding into what's considered a hot market, offering green building products in a wide range of styles, colors and prices.Eco-friendly kitchens, a byproduct of the green building movement, continue to gain steam, even in the sluggish economy, because more people want their homes to be healthier. They also want to do what they can to minimize the impact on the environment. But it took some time for green design to move beyond the back-to- basics style.Michael Anschel, principal at Otogawa-Anschel, was one of the architects on the front lines of green design in Minnesota. He helped develop the Minnesota GreenStar certification program in 2006, which includes guidelines for green kitchen remodeling projects.A BETTER BUNGALOWThe stuff: Dinneen patched and refinished the existing wood floor and restored and reinsulated the kitchen windows. She recycled her old appliances and replaced them with Energy Star appliances. The new formaldehyde-free cabinets are made of wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which means it comes from a well- managed sustainable forest. Other green features include a low-flow faucet, under-cabinet halogen lights and a clay farmhouse sink that can be recycled.

Scripps Howard News Service

New Products

Bench Seat Fits Aging-In-Place Set

Resource Double Oven Saves EnergyThe CompoKeeper is designed to assist with composting of food scraps in the kitchen. The CompoKeeper works like a huge zip lock bag lining the inside of a waste bin that can be opened and closed using the foot pedal or turning the hand lever. Keeping compost in the CompoKeeper allows recyclers to store food scraps without the unpleasant odors and side effects of indoor compost storage.Custom Stainless Hood Vents Multi-Function StoveOdor Problems Resolved with Indoor ComposterDrawer Sides Made from White Birchwww.Broan.comCircle No. 215 on Product CardColors Abound in Glass VesselsCircle No. 203 on Product CardCircle No. 210 on Product CardBellavita Tile's Botswana series of tile mixes slate and glass for a shimmering yet natural look. The Botswana series comes in six colorways: Makgadi White (shown), Chobe Earth, Okavango Savannah, Mashatu Gold, Nxai Sand and Savute Night. The mosaic pattern is fashioned by combining 1''x1'', 1''x2'' and 2''x2'' tiles on a 12''x12'' sheet.Circle No. 201 on Product CardCircle No. 202 on Product Cardwww.thinkglass.comThe Empire Collection from Richelieu Hardware includes a range of decorative knobs and pulls. The pieces are crafted from cast iron and are available in multiple sizes and finishes.www.fourseasonscorp.comArchitecture Influences Hardware DesignCastlewood by AMS introduces Birch Plywood Drawer Sides made from 1/2''-thick C -2 grade white birch plywood with a protective clear UV finish. The drawer sides feature a tight birch core that is free from voids and core overlaps, and CARB compliant. The drawer side banks come in 96'' lengths with top edge banded and are available in a variety of heights from 2'' to 12''. Drawer blanks are grooved to accept up to a 5mm drawer bottom.www.castlewood.comwww.bellavitatile.comRefrigerator Drawers Offer Rapid CoolingAriston's new ARWDF 129 & 129 S Combination Washer/ Dryer is compact at just 24'' wide. Condensation technology contains and reuses the hot air created by the drying process, allowing excess moisture to leave through the drain hose. The unit can wash and dry loads in less than 60 minutes.ThinkGlass creates an array of custom glass countertops that are made from 100% recyclable glass. Each countertop is unique, with a huge selection of molded textures and hand-painted colors available. Customers can select their glass thickness, edge treatments and even add LED lights. The countertops are naturally resistant to scratches, mold and mildew, and can endure high heat without cracking or scorching, the company notes.Range of Options Marks Lav SeriesCustom Fused Glass Bowl Vessels from Meyda Custom Lighting feature a broad range of colors and designs. The Tropical Fused Glass Bowl Vessel is kilnfired, fused glass in colors of blue, yellow, green and red swirl and stripe motifs. The vessel stands 4.25'' tall and 15'' wide.Four Seasons Metals recently completed the design, production and installation of a custom stainless steel, four-light vent hood for a large multi-function stove that features five cooking elements - an oven, griddle, hibachi/wok, deep fat fryer and rice steamer. The hood features commercial grade lights and a 2500 cfm fan capable of venting all five cooking areas at once, if necessary.Whirlpool recently introduced the Resource Saver Double Oven Range. The upper oven uses 50 percent less energy and preheats in half the time, compared to a full-size oven. Users can bake at two separate temperatures simultaneously. The electric double oven has a combined 6.7 cu. ft. capacity.Circle No. 206 on Product CardPerlick Corp. has added Refrigerator Drawers to its C -Series product line of refrigeration products. Part of the company's moderately priced series, the 24" Refrigerator Drawers feature 5.3 cu. ft. of capacity, and each drawer is deep enough to accommodate a gallon of milk. The series is powered by a quiet 700 BTU compressor, with the firm's RAPIDcool refrigeration technology allowing for fast temperature pull-down.The Humidity Sensing Recessed Fan/Lights from Broan-NuTone resemble a recessed light but feature a humidity sensing switch that triggers the concealed, quiet ventilation fan. Energy Star-qualified, the fan/light features SensAire technology to help ensure moisture is effectively exhausted at the source.The Marquee Collection of undercounter lavatories from Porcher includes three sizes, four shapes and six different surfaces - creating 96 choices in all with the various options available. Inspired by the faceted beauty of diamonds, the symmetrical, vitreous china sinks are available in round, oval, square and rectangular with chamfered detailing. The three colors -white, biscuit or black - are offered in a fully glazed or matte finish.Hardware Has Ornate DesignFan/Lights Sense Humiditywww.richelieu.comLiners Direct has introduced a bench seat that measures 25''x15-3/4'' and is designed for comfort and the transfer of people in need of the resource. The bench fits along the back of the side wall but can be installed along the soap dish wall in larger showers. It is available in four solid colors and side wrap material is available in all of the wall colors the company offers.Circle No. 209 on Product Cardwww.whirlpool.comHardware Line Offers Many ChoicesCircle No. 212 on Product CardCircle No. 208 on Product CardGlass Countertops Provide Custom Lookwww.reveal-designs.comwww.linersdirect.comCircle No. 205 on Product CardLaundry Unit Combines Washing & Dryingwww.niceknobs.comCircle No. 204 on Product Cardwww.perlick.comwww.meyda.comwww.aristonappliances.usCircle No. 213 on Product Cardwww.porcher-us.comCircle No. 214 on Product CardNice Knobs! is a line of wood knobs, cabinet pulls and appliance pulls available in many shapes and sizes, as well as 11 wood species. Shown is a set of cherry knobs and pulls that work with many styles of cabinetry.www.compokeeper.comMosaic Combines Slate and GlassBorn out of a partnership between Reveal Designs and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the initial series within the Taliesin Design Hardware Collection feature elegant, simple lines. The Series 630 and Series 631 can be mixed for an eclectic look, and feature 4.25'' pulls that may be finished with stainless steel and a choice of beech, walnut, oil rubbed bronze or as solid stainless pieces.Circle No. 207 on Product Card

Circle No. 215 on Product Card

The Value Of Remodeling And Living Smart

Last week was the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Honestly it came and went without much fanfare - and I'm not sure why. The green movement is here to stay and hopefully inspires all of us to realize that the choices we make inside our homes impact everything around us. We have a responsibility to our kids to set the example and encourage them to live a more environmentally responsible and healthful lifestyle.

I'm making a concerted effort to live more responsibly and to design my projects more efficiently. Building and designing green is really an exercise in sensibility - where newly built and renovated homes are designed to be more energy and water efficient, durable, longer lasting and healthy to live in due to high indoor air quality - free of radon moisture and mold.- Kitchen remodels traditionally give you the best ROI in your home. Sure you can renovate and repurpose existing space, but just replacing your old laminate countertops with a new recycled glass counter surface, or changing out that old cracked ceramic floor tile with a highly sustainable bamboo material, will instantly add value to your home and improve your air quality at the same time.- Increasing your energy efficiency by improving the R-values in your attic insulation or basement and crawlspaces will help reduce your energy costs - which in turn improves the overall value of your home.- Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out. Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy. But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure. In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home's insulation value.So if you are thinking about renovating, remodeling or retrofitting, which simple "green" improvements would add the most value to your home?- Bathroom upgrades typically run a close second to kitchen improvements and their return on investment. By repainting with low or zero paints, re-grouting your tiles, or replacing all your old plumbing fixtures that conserve water will not only add value but save money as well.

- Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out. Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy. But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure. In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home's insulation value.

If you like to be beside the seaside then you need coastal outdoor lighting

Living close to Britain�s coastline is wonderful place to have a home and raise a family. But seaside residences are exposed to all the elements and many garden light fixtures and fittings are just not up to the job. You need specialist coastal outdoor lighting.

Bulkhead / Porch Lights - these are usually oval shaped and they�re fitted to walls. They�re ideal for use in porches and any areas where children play as they�re tough enough to cope with flying bats and balls.Victorian-style Garden Lanterns � these are a very traditional design of garden lighting. Many have reversible fittings so they can be mounted as either a downwards or an upwards lantern. They particularly suit cottages or traditional houses. They can be fixed to the house but work equally well on garden walls to illuminate driveways or the garden. Porch lanterns, which hang from a chain, look wonderful too.Wall Lights � there are a huge choice of garden lights available, ranging from functional security lights through to the decorative. Many are flush fittings so they�re good for narrow paths or covered walkways, and very useful when positioned near a front door.There is a wide choice of styles available on the market now. So you will be able to find something suitable whether you want to brighten up your hotel, illuminate your B&B or simply want to make more use of your seaside home�s garden and patio areas.Stuart Richardson - www.outdoorlightingonline.co.ukPopular coastal outdoor lighting ideas include:So remember, when brightening up the outside of your seaside residence make sure you invest in durable and corrosion-proof lighting and lamps.Garden Lighting Columns, Bollards and Posts � these coastal outdoor lights look fantastic around any decking or patio areas and some can be used as PIR (motion sensor) security lights too. Many of these types of lights are designed to provide a more contemporary look for gardens.

Stuart Richardson - www.outdoorlightingonline.co.uk

Author: Stuart Richardson

The Importance Of Saving Home Energy And Exactly How It Can Be Done

In this advanced way of life, the value of saving home energy is consistently rising since an increasing number of scientific as well as technological creations are really absorbing the organic and natural resources on the planet that are merely finite. If all people were to conserve energy, the world would probably have far more chance for scientific, communal in addition to political enhancement. Its for these reasons, experts along with environmentalists suggest that we all do what we should can to save energy. Although switching off and also unplugging home appliances of saving energy is often a convenient technique for saving electricity, you'll have to head for a few other energy conserving tips concurrently.

As everyone knows, another really good method for reducing home energy is definitely to take away the existing filament bulbs and then switch them with CFL light bulbs. This can definitely help you save a considerable amount of electricity and money as soon as it all accumulates. The benefits associated with this sort of lighting products is that they can keep going 10 times more as opposed to filament light bulbs, they give clean white light rather than a yellow light, and naturally they eat up considerably less energy. Another thing regarding these types of bulbs which makes them really cool is that they really are completely recyclable, meaning that you actually will not be required to dump them all and induce additional wastefulness at the landfill.Lastly, yet another intriguing method is to try to reduce the actual thermostat reading to as low as possible, somewhere around 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit and then keep it right there - do not let it go up! You will save home energy and even some money using this tactic; taking the heat from the thermostat lower two or three degrees can help you save a number of dollars when everything adds up. In general, building an environmentally friendly and also energy saving way of living is an activity that is very important for everybody, and not simply those people who are keen on lowering costs by simply doing this sort of things. Many houses have similar forms of energy allocated and put to use in the same appliances. Still, a number of people have really found out precisely how to make the most of the energy crisis to not only increase the efficiency of their own properties, but also to have a far more calm, time as well as financially successful lifestyle.

Lastly, yet another intriguing method is to try to reduce the actual thermostat reading to as low as possible, somewhere around 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit and then keep it right there - do not let it go up! You will save home energy and even some money using this tactic; taking the heat from the thermostat lower two or three degrees can help you save a number of dollars when everything adds up. In general, building an environmentally friendly and also energy saving way of living is an activity that is very important for everybody, and not simply those people who are keen on lowering costs by simply doing this sort of things. Many houses have similar forms of energy allocated and put to use in the same appliances. Still, a number of people have really found out precisely how to make the most of the energy crisis to not only increase the efficiency of their own properties, but also to have a far more calm, time as well as financially successful lifestyle.

Author: Adam Maher

Home Cleaning Tips - Reuse Or Recycle Unnecessary Things

Recycling things is important to cut down the waste, but it�s only one of the three Rs of living sustainably. The other two are Reducing and Reusing. Reusing can often take a bit of creativity and lateral thinking. But if you don�t have a Depression/WWII era granny to get ideas for reusing things from, then try these to start you off:

� Other light ideas - bathroom spot lights, especially for heat and bathroom down lights may be the much needed solution for your bath or shower area. If living with your boxed-in fluorescent lighting is a must, minimize its use with a small decorative lamp or at least a few strategically placed and scented candles.If you still cannot find fluorescent lighting to fit your needs, you can also consider efficient halogen lighting options. No matter what, natural lighting is the best and cheapest form of illumination. If you are planning a major bathroom renovation, you can always consider installation of a window or skylight to lessen your dependence on electricity.� Ventilation or a vent fan to remove odors, airborne irritants, and moisture needs to be left on for at least 20 minutes after a shower. Consider a timer to ensure for that vent fan or if space and design permits, include a operable window for natural ventilation and daylight.� Ambient Light � Ambient or general lighting helps you move safely around a room or area. This is the light that replaces natural sunlight and without a window or skylight, it would be essential in your bathroom. Considering a small bathroom space, we can rule out the need for hanging lights like chandeliers or pendant lights. Although they are typically used to illuminate space and provide overhead lighting, your bath space is at a premium. Use of flush mounted or perhaps recessed cans could be an option for the main bath area or other the toilet and/or shower. Care should always be taken in the bathroom to ensure that your lighting choices withstand moisture.Eco-friendly can also be eco-pretty, as you discover ways to get back to nature and save money with energy efficiency throughout your home. Natural elements and lots of color can give you a complete bathroom makeover with very little expense. Let's take advantage of Mother Earth and look at ways to embrace her beauty and going green.Going green in your bathroom might just be as simple as changing the color of your bath towels; hopefully we have given you many more ideas for energy efficiency and lighting.All is not lost, as a matter of fact; dealing with a small space can be lots of fun and there are some really cool, even ego-friendly ideas available to you, for a modest budget. That is assuming you're not going to knock down walls or buy a new home. Come to think of it, making a few lighting improvements can be one of the most economical upgrades to a home before you plan to sell. Kitchens and bathroom are highly scrutinized by future home buyers.Let's get started with some lighting fundamentals. Lighting like most d�cor decisions, should be functional in addition to pleasing to the eye. It's a good guess that your existing lights in the bathroom are outdated and fail to serve your basic needs.� Cabinets and Vanity Tops made from wheat-board or other low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) materials. Standard cabinets can off-gas potentially harmful VOCs for up to 15 years.

The big thing to remember when you are keeping things to reuse is not to be a hoarder. Only keep as much as you will actually need. If you have already got scoops for your sugar, your salt, your flour and the cat kibble, then don�t make another scoop. If your freezer is full up with frozen goods, don�t hoard any more containers for freezing. Just recycle the items instead!

Author: Nick Vassilev