Modular Homes Go Green

Modular (pre-fabricated) homes have often suffered a bad reputation, but now, some of them are on the cutting edge of green living. Based just upon how they are built, modular homes may be a more efficient, green way to go anyhow. Unlike traditional homes, modular homes can be made in a warehouse, so they are more time efficient because rain, snow, wind, etc. won’t stop the construction. But, today’s modular homes are also proving to be more energy efficient. All American Homes, from Elkhart, Indiana, has built what they call the Living Zero Home. The home uses fiber cement siding, … Continue reading

Mark Ruffalo Talks Fracking

Academy Award nominated actor Mark Ruffalo appeared on “The Colbert Report” last night to talk about fracking – hydro-fracking in particular. I’ve blogged about fracking before. It is the practice of drilling for natural gas using a combination of water and chemicals. The fluid is injected into shale, which causes fractures in the rock, which releases the natural gas. The problem is many believe this method of extracting natural contaminates local drinking water. I remember reading an article about the pros and cons of fracking in PEOPLE magazine. One lady, I cannot remember what state she lived in, was actually … Continue reading

The Earthaven Eco-Village

After watching the Dancing Rabbit Eco-Village episode of “30 Days” yesterday, I decided to do a bit more research on other eco-villages. The first one I found was Earthaven, in the Southern Appalachians of North Carolina. This eco-village was founded in 1994 and covers 320 acres near Ashville. Right now, Earthaven has 60 members (50 of who live on the land), but they are hoping to grow to 150 people with 54 homesites. Eventually, they hope to have neighborhoods, businesses, orchards, market gardens, and wetlands. Right now, they have roads, footpaths, bridges, campgrounds, ponds, constructed wetlands, off-the-grid power systems, gardens, … Continue reading