Author Archive

Green your new home without breaking the bank

By ccullen • Apr 26th, 2010

You’re building a new home and want to do your part in protecting the environment, but let’s face it–you’re not at the point where you want to invest in installing solar panels on your roof. You’re looking for earth-friendly ways to green your new home without breaking the bank.
Luckily, there are some simple things that [...]



Importance of Air Quality: Check out the air quality in your new neighborhood before you buy

By ccullen • Feb 1st, 2010

When you move, you typically check out the safety of the neighborhood, quality of schools and distance to shopping, restaurants and work. Now you can add another item to that checklist: the local air quality.
When considering a move to a new city, air quality should be one of your top considerations, because the quality of [...]



What’s in Your Water?

By ccullen • Jan 7th, 2010

We know we all need water to survive, but when you turn on the tap, you can’t help but wonder: What exactly is in my tap water?
The answer is quite simple. Your drinking water is not as pure as it should be.
In 2009, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave America’s water infrastructure a [...]



15 Tips for a Greener Home

By ccullen • Jul 10th, 2008

You’re building a new home and want to do your part in protecting the environment, but let’s face it—you’re not at the point where you want to invest in installing solar panels on your roof. You’re looking for earth-friendly ways to green your new home without breaking the bank.



Lake Living at Its Best

By ccullen • Jun 26th, 2008

Tim Sykes was accustomed to having water views in his home on Florida’s Marco Island, so when he decided to build a 4,500-square-foot vacation home on Rarity Bay in Vonore, TN, he did not want to sacrifice anything—not the view, or any amenities.



Tips for when Drought Has You Over a Barrel

By ccullen • Apr 1st, 2008

Once upon a time, folks saved their pennies for the proverbial rainy day. With recent droughts and concern about the environment, more people are thinking of saving their rainy days for future use. How? By purchasing barrels meant to catch and contain rain water.



New Urbanism Communities Herald A Return to the Small Town Atmosphere of Old

By ccullen • Dec 27th, 2007

Do you think the days of friendly neighborhoods, with banks, ice cream shops and diners set around a town green, are gone? Think again. Picture this: traditional small city blocks, with narrow, tree-canopied streets, parks and gazebos. Sidewalks meander past homes of various sizes and styles.