It's Easy Being Green

This is the third and last post in a series discussing a new book, Off the Grid: Modern Homes + Alternative Energy with the author, Lori Ryker.  Two people have already registered for the book giveaway in previous posts.  To gain another entry into the contest: 1)  Read the following Q&A topics with Lori Ryker 2)  Leave a comment below outlining how you would like to incorporate the use of alternative energy in your house. 3)  For a bonus entry, subscribe to my RSS Feed and leave a comment... (more...)

Who knew an activity that sounds so dirty on the surface could be so beneficial, not only for our planet but also for yourself?  This morning a dumpster dive find that required really no diving came in especially helpful. Jack, our orange tabby cat, decided to projectile vomit all over the beige carpet this morning.  In a feined attempt I tried to catch him and get him to a solid surface instead of puking on the carpet.  Instead I was left cleaning up quite a mess, hoping it wouldn’t add... (more...)

If you haven’t already read my brief review on a new book profiling modern architecture and alternative energy, click here. A new book profiling 10 modern homes and how they're built with alternative energy useage in mind Lori Ryker, author of Off The Grid: Modern Homes + Alternative Energy, grew up in Texas and has lived several places around the world. She now lives in Livingston, Montana and teaches at Montana State University’s School of Architecture and is a partner of Ryker/Nave... (more...)

We all know times are tough and our money just doesn’t stretch quite as far as we want it to these days. For all those people who have stretched themselves as thin as they possibly could have, I think this economic contraction is something they need to go through. We all know who these people are and more than likely you have one of them as a neighbor. I’m talking about the family who drives nothing but large trucks and SUV’s, has the brand new toy hauler trailer with living compartment... (more...)

T and I were up late last night, tackling a major renovation here at It’s Easy Being Green. You’re now officially reading and perusing my blog, totally redone. There are some minor tweaks that will still need to be fixed over time but we both think it looks pretty damn snazzy! We’re a couple who likes change so maybe we’re more akin to have things look differently on a regular basis. T was a big help and now I think she’s ready to tackle a makeover on her own blog. For... (more...)

There’s a lot of talk these days centering around living life on Earth a bit greener than we have been. Green living, alternative energy and sustainability are all buzz words surrounding the movement to live more in harmony with our environment. Some might question though whether that movement can really be partnered with the construction of a new home utilizing modern architectural designs. A new book profiling 10 modern homes and how they're built with alternative energy useage in mind Lori... (more...)

The so-called “Dog Days of Summer” are paying off in the veggie garden this week. My wife and I have spent quite a bit of time outside pulling weeds, smashing squash beetles, plucking Tomato Hornworms and giving our little 10×4 foot plot of wholesome paradise some good ‘ol TLC. Mother nature has been a big help too, squeezing some much needed rain out of a passing cloud or two at least once a week. That’s apparently a rarity out here in southwestern Indiana during... (more...)