Articles

Buyer’s Guide to Stains

September 04, 2009

Green Home Guide Staff

Paint & Coatings

This buyer’s guide summarizes the environmental pros and cons and durability of the three major categories of wood stains: natural oil, acrylic or urethane, and water-based. Use it to find the best... Read more

Selecting Healthy and Environmentally Sound Clear Wood Finishes

September 04, 2009

Alex Pennock

Paint & Coatings

Clear finishes protect wood from wear, moisture, and aging, but they can degrade the environment—in your home and elsewhere. This overview provides in-depth comparisons of Lacquer, Natural Oil,... Read more

Paint like a green pro

September 04, 2009

Gabe Luna

Paint & Coatings

Gabe Luna founded green contractor MoonDance Painting in the San Francisco Bay Area after working for one of the largest residential painting companies in California—and finding the massive waste,... Read more

Selecting healthy and environmentally sound stains

September 04, 2009

Alex Pennock

Paint & Coatings

Clear Finish Buyer’s Guide

September 04, 2009

Green Home Guide Staff

Paint & Coatings

This buyer’s guide compares and contrasts clear finish materials on their environmental and health qualities, and includes selection tips. Use it to find the best clear coating for your specific... Read more

About VOCs

Green Home Guide Staff

Paint & Coatings

Low- or no-VOC is synonymous with green paints and coatings. According to the EPA, VOCs can cause respiratory, skin, and eye irritation; headaches; nausea; muscle weakness; and more serious ailments... Read more

Take Steps toward a Poison-Free, Natural Lawn

September 04, 2009

Sherri Osaka

Landscaping

Lawns have gotten a lot of bad press lately—and not undeservedly. They use a tremendous amount of water and gasoline, and they pollute streams and other water resources with herbicide- and pesticide-... Read more

Sustainable Landscaping Saves Water, Cuts Environmental Risks

September 04, 2009

Tom Ash

Landscaping

Studies by public agencies across the country show home landscapes waste as much as 50 percent of the water used outside. In addition, residential application of pesticides per acre is typically 20... Read more