Wood-Framed Homes Prove To Be Better for Environment

Wood-frame homes are more environmentally friendly than those constructed of steel or concrete, according to a new study by 15 U.S. universities and research institutes.

Additionally, the researchers, known as the Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials, or CORRIM, concluded that most of the energy required to build an average home is consumed during the manufacture of building materials - not during actual construction.

"These are landmark findings," said Kelly McCloskey, president and CEO of the Wood Promotion Network. "This offers a first-ever snapshot of how building materials impact our environment."

Tips on Becoming an Earth-Friendly Consumer

April is Earth Month, a time for people to stop and think about how they can do their part to help the environment.

According to Environmental Defense, a leading nonprofit organization committed to protecting the environment, the United States is ranked the No. 1 global warming polluter.

What can you do to help change that? Here are some small steps that you can take every day toward becoming a more conscious consumer:

Biofuels are a Green Energy Source

Biofuels are also a green energy source. It has been around for a very long time and lately, people are beginning to take notice.

Liquid biofuel which is the one used in cars is a natural and renewable domestic fuel that can only be used for diesel engines. This can be made from vegetable oils mostly soy and corn. The nice thing about it is that it contains no petroleum, is nontoxic and biodegradable.

By fueling up with biofuel, you decrease the pollutants in the air because it does not emit anything. Right now, it is the only fuel approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), passed every Heath-Effects Test of the Clean Air Act and meets the requirements of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).

Environmentally-Friendly Natural Household Cleaners

Many people use a vast array of chemical-laden household cleaners and products around the home on a daily basis. What they may not be aware of is the fact that many of these chemicals can be damaging to their health when inhaled. Apart from the inhalation aspect, skin irritations often occur when coming into contact with many chemical cleaners.

Many disinfectants contain phenol (aka carbolic acid) or cresol. These can attack the central nervous system, liver, kidneys, spleen, and pancreas.