Green Home Tips from the Improper Bostonian

In the April 2-15 "Homes" issue of the Improper Bostonian, "Metro Boston’s granola guide to entertainment, culture and eco-harmony", writer Lisa Pierpont brings us into the home of the Crawfords – a Brookline-based family who forfeited their sprawling Victorian home for a fixer-upper ranch with green plans in mind. The home sits on a southern-facing lot, providing plenty of sun exposure and reduced heating costs.

The complete makeover of the previously run-down ranch included heat recovery systems, recycled and formaldehyde-free wood floors, an energy-efficient air circulation system, antique reclaimed furniture and other recycled home accents, low-VOC paints made from water, clay and mineral dyes, a heat-storing stone stairway, radiant heat and a gas fireplace (which combined cut their heating costs by 2/3!), and a calming, natural-looking decor to complement its earth-conscious atmosphere.

From the local forest made flooring to the recycled barn door separating the children’s rooms from one another, the Crawfords’ house has seemed to catch every last detail when it comes to blending functionality and design for a sustainable future. 

Pierpont gives us a few helpful tips throughout the article for making our homes a greener place without having to go to quite the extent that the Crawfords have –

• Use a programmable thermostat to reduce your home’s temperature when you’re home for longer than expected.

• Wash clothing in cold water (though remember to wash sheets and pillows in hot water to get rid of dust mites!) 

• Use household ingredients or environmentally friendly cleaners instead of toxic commercial chemicals.

• Insulate your hot water pipes with snap on foam.

• Limit the amount of grass you have that’s soaking up water and being sprayed with pesticides and herbicides.

Have you taken any action in your home to create a happier healthier place for your family and the environment? Let us know with a comment!