Lifestyles & Trends - Green Living

When it comes to good lighting, the future is now

Imagine not having to change a light bulb for years. There are LED products available in 2010 that will make frequent light bulb changes so 20th-century.

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The 60-degree factor: What to do when the temperature tells you it's time to get out in the lawn and garden

Like an alarm clock for our senses and our gardens, the thermometer swelling to 60 degrees awakens us in the spring. We all get the irresistible urge to get outside, birds are chirping, animals come out from hibernation and plants start unfurling their leaves and flowers to color our world.

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Roofs now can take on an artistic look

Some things get better with age - wine, cheese, cars. Building supplies don't usually fall into that category. So, if your house is looking a little shabby, try giving it a facelift by updating one of the largest exterior surfaces - your roof.

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Landscaping with retaining walls adds curb appeal, usability to your home

The best investment you can make in your home - both for your pocketbook and your personal enjoyment - is in landscaping. Real estate experts agree that every dollar you put into your yard eventually will return one to two dollars when you sell. And at a time when home values are sagging, that's something to consider.

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Gardening is making a popular comeback

Change has come to America. The pop culture phrase "show me the money," boiling throughout business and industry, has cooled down and is forcing people to take a hard look at what is really important in life.

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Green your spring cleaning routine

Do you feel like Mother Nature set up camp in your home over the winter? Cold winter months spent indoors often translate to dirt and clutter buildup around the house. And, if you're like television personality Hannah Keeley, with those first few warm spring days comes the irrepressible urge to throw open the windows and get down and dirty with some serious spring cleaning.

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Five surprising facts about fireplaces

When it comes to creating ambiance and warmth in a home, nothing can beat a fireplace, especially during this time of year. But are you aware that the right fireplace or stove can also help reduce your heating costs? Or that your existing fireplace's efficiency can be boosted significantly by installing an insert, and for less money than you might think?

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Buying a home or making green home improvements? Don't miss out on these tax credits

A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes.

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Greening the kitchen with eco-friendly cabinetry

Homeowners embarking on a kitchen remodel typically must select the style, the quality of craftsmanship and the materials that meet their unique values and project goals. With the pressing need to increase energy efficiency and conserve resources, green remodeling continues to gain in popularity.

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Water is not the 'infinite' resource many believe

Do you ever think about how the water coming out of your faucet makes its way into your home? Or look out at the river as you're driving to work and expect it will always look the same? Though water is often perceived as an infinite resource that can't become endangered, by 2015, a majority of U.S. states may face water shortages. Some of those places may be right there in your backyard, and the loss of these ecosystems could affect your daily life.

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