Review of Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home (Paperback)

Going Green is "the Next Big Thing" after the invention of the internet. It is one of the most important trends of this century. "Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" is an important contribution to the revolutionary trend of Going Green.

"...Although earliest cultures had built their dwellings with respect to natural world, in modern times little attention had been given to situating homes on sites in relation to nature; that is, to the sun, the prevailing winds, and other natural world elements that had sustained even primitive man for centuries in the most rudimentary of dwellings since the beginning of time...

Another way of introducing you to the concept of sustainable housing and greener living is to understand that up until the present what has been the standard, acceptable way to build housing just wasn't working anymore...

Finally, the economic pressure from our dependence upon fossil fuels as a people has been the single most influential factor in changing the status quote today. Simply stated, we no longer have a choice. The time has come to replace the status quo with alternative solution. And, the time is now."Avrim Topel and Vicki Topel write in "Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home."They continue to use their real life experience of building a LEED-Silver home to introduce the green buildings to ordinary people in plain and simple English.

"Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" include nine chapters: Assembling the Creative Team; Defining Green and Sustainable; The Conceptual Design Plan; Sitework and Permitting; Products, System and Materials; Construction Documents: The Working Drawings; The Construction Process: A Photo Essay; Reflections in Hindsight: Notes from the Interior; and Notes from the Garden.

I particularly like the Chapter of "Reflections in Hindsight."For example, Avrim Topel and Vicki Topel mention their experience of trying to use reclaimed wood, but cannot get structural engineer's stamp of approval on it because there is no grading system for reclaimed wood yet. Another example is Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS). While they are great products for insulation and preventing mold, they also present challenges for running plumbing lines and electrical conduits within the walls. All these are very valuable lessons learn, and you have the benefits of knowing them in advance if you read this book before building your green home.

"Green Beginnings: The Story of How We Built Our Green & Sustainable Home" has 186 pages, 100 sequenced color photographs, and a glossary of green and sustainable terms and language. It is a valuable book for anyone interested in going green or building a green home.

Gang Chen, Author of "LEED AP Exam Guide" & "Planting Design Illustrated." LEED AP, AIA



Product Description
This book is the first of its? kind to present the subject matter both experientially and from a homeowner?s perspective. Using non-technical, easy-to-understand, plain English, the authors identify and define green and sustainable concepts, materials and systems, and explain how these various components come together and relate to each other in today?s green homes. Their homespun narrative style of storytelling makes readers feel as though they are conversing with two old friends and simplifies learning and comprehension. Following the projects timeline, the authors inject experiential advice at key planning and construction phases when applicable. Topics include selecting architects, builders and other professionals, the LEED For Homes program, and cite the benefits green homes avail homeowners. Construction activities are illustrated with 100 sequenced color photographs, and a glossary of green and sustainable terms and language provides the reader with a reference guide.

From the Back Cover
"Finally, a simple green guide written by someone who's been there. GREEN BEGINNINGS is a delightful departure from difficult-to-understand construction books. Written in plain English, Ave and Vicki guide homeowners in ways to work with architects and builders on their new green home" --Amy Cornelius, Green Builder/Construction Manager Hugh Lofting Timber Frames

"GREEN BEGINNINGS provides a common sense and meaningful approach to understanding green homes for the newcomer and professional alike. Sequenced photography takes the guesswork out of the equation and fulfills the readers expectations completely. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking entry into this new and rewarding way of homebuilding." --Matthew Moger, AIA, Lyman Perry Architects

"A story and a lesson, brilliantly crafted, easily understood, and documented with photography. Avrim and Vicki Topel have created a simple approach to teaching the essence of green homes for everyman." --Tad Radzinsky, P.E., LEED APPresident, Sustainable Solutions Corporation



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Review of Ecoholic: Your Guide to the Most Environmentally Friendly Information, Products, and Services (Paperback)

I first learned about this Canadian eco-bible a couple of summers ago on a trip to Toronto. At the time, I swore I would move up there if the impending election went awry. But then change came our way, Ecoholic was published stateside, and I breathed a sigh of relief. I like to think of myself as green: I recycle, I compost, I buy organic groceries and beauty products, I drink tap water. I didn't realize that there's so much more I could do--or not do--to lessen my carbon footprint. Also, I didn't realize exactly why I had adopted new, seemingly better habits, I just adopted them semi-blindly. This book explains the why and helps you distinguish between actual green living and green-washed living. It's very well researched, and the writer has a lot of creative ideas about how to deepen one's commitment to the earth. It's a lot of information to swallow in one go, so I would recommend using it more as reference guide. If you're the type who puts bricks in your toilet tank, or insists on using composting toilets, you might already be in tune with a good chunk of the information in this book. If, however, you're more like me, it's just the right fit.

Product Description
“This book is for people who want to dosomething to lighten their impact on theplanet.” —David SuzukiEcoholic is an eye-opening guide toseparating the green from the greenwashed in the maze of products lining our shelves. Unlike other eco guidebooks, Ecoholic names names and gives you the dirt on what not to buy and why, as well as the dish on great clothes, beautyproducts, home supplies, and more.

We all know that the earth is in trouble,but we're often left scratching our heads overhow to change things. How do we avoid poisoningthe planet and ourselves with the products weslather on our scalps and squirt onto ourfloors? And what safe alternatives actually getthe job done?

Filled with tips oneverything from which seafood is safe to eat togetting the hormone disruptors out of your kids, your carpets, and your love life,Ecoholic is a witty and indispensableguide to the small ecochoices that make thebiggest difference.

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About the Author
Adria Vasil is a best-sellingauthor and journalist for Canada's NOWmagazine, where she has been writing the“Ecoholic” column for five years. She lives inToronto.


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Review of Green Made Easy: The Everyday Guide for Transitioning to a Green Lifestyle (Paperback)

I am not a green person. I like and take care of the enviroment of course but I don't go out of my way to be a "GREEN PERSON", they really annoy me. But, Chris has a way of not offending people like me because he is able to pull you inline with his way of thinking.I think I am changing colors, way to go Chris!

Product Description

In Green Made Easy, author and green pioneer Chris Prelitz shares how to be both environmental and economical at the same time. Going green is not only good for our planet, it's good for your pocketbook. For over 20 years, Chris has been helping businesses, home owners, and corporations lower their monthly expenses by going green. Chris and his wife, Becky, share a green solar-powered home in Laguna Beach, California, which Chris designed and built. Most months they produce more power than they use and receive a credit from their power company instead of a bill!

In this book, Chris shares personal experiences, lessons learned, and reflections that humorously touch the heart and inspire the spirit. The chapter "Busting Green Myths" will sway even the most cynical person toward better eco-choices that will also save money. Chris says, "We're rediscovering that it's so much healthier, more lucrative, and better for every living thing to transition away from wasteful, polluting technologies and make choices that work in harmony with nature."

Green Made Easy is written in a friend-to-friend, conversational style and examines our daily lives from personal care and cosmetics to solar-energy systems. This book will delight and inspire any and all who dream of making a difference and wish to create a thriving, healthy future for generations to come.

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