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A friend informed me that the compact fluorescent light bulbs have mercury in them.
1. Is this true?
2. If so, how are we to dispose of the bulbs and the mercury if and when they ever stop working?

Posted by sf – March 24, 2008 6:10 PM

I never really thought of "green" as simply buying second-hand stuff, but I guess it is. I do it more because I like the look of it than for any other reason, but if it's helping the planet too, so much the better!

Posted by Shalom – March 25, 2008 8:34 PM

So true that green isn't all about spending big bucks. As we remodel our kitchen we've unconsciously gone green while trying to remain cost effective. Using wood from an old porch ceiling, a beam from a barn, and repainting our refrigerator have all added intriguing beauty to our kitchen, all the while "being green."

Posted by mushroom – March 26, 2008 9:34 AM

I have watched shows where they take perfectly good building materials and throw them in a dumpster. In Designer's Challenge they have ripped out 5 year old cabinetry with a sledge hammer or crow bar. Take the time and unscrew them from the wall and give them to Design Re-mix, Design on a dime, Decorating cents or donate them to charity. My husband and I have used recycled building materials in our own home.Make HGTV shows green by recycling those building materials; our landfills are full enough. Sincerely Jenniene Overfield

Posted by Jenniene Overfield – March 26, 2008 4:46 PM

On the CLF's:
1. Yes they contain a small amount of mercury.
2. They are also recylcable, the mercury is reusable, along with a few other parts of the bulb. Check with local recyling centers some cities have websites detailing the when and where's of recyling them. I believe IKEA has invited people to recylce thier CFL's at thier stores, but yes you have to actually have a store close enough to go to.

Good Luck!

Posted by apast – March 26, 2008 5:37 PM

Of course shopping at a second hand store is eco-friendly. However, it's good to point out that going green doesn't have anything to do with green dollar bills. With all the hype of 'vintage' some second hand stores charge more for the used item than a brand new alternative. However, with a little work, you can definitely be frugal and eco-friendly at the same time.
Also, I know it costs big bucks to add solar panels to your roof, but it's a big tax break, AND if you generate enough electricity for your home and then some, the electric company will harvest it from you and PAY you for it! So it's good to look in to eco-friendly options like that too!

Posted by Rachel – March 27, 2008 9:17 AM

I can now see the importance of going green. There has been much damage done to "Mother Earth" and if we want to be able to enjoy her in the future, we must take care of her from now on. I find myself trying to do the same within my own environment-at least I try. Could you imagine what we as the human race would be able to do if everyone tried to do something to go green? We would be able to accomplish a great deal. "So, go Green!"

Posted by Carmen Meyers-Owens – March 27, 2008 9:43 AM

Is there a way to think about the handicapped as we go green? I happen to be a perosn with disabilities and often find myself checking "everything" to see if the builders have considered persons with disabilities-not to the point that it is noticeable by someone that does not have disabilities, but something that will help everyone disabled and not disabled."It is just a thought."

Posted by Turtle – March 27, 2008 9:51 AM

When remodeling a kitchen or bathroom does the use of natural stone such as granite help you to go green? Can granite be considered since it does not give off gases inside the home environment?

Posted by Carmen – March 27, 2008 9:56 AM

CFLs, like all fluorescent bulbs, do contain mercury. (It is the reaction of mercury to pressurized gas in the bulb that makes light.) However the amount within the bulb is very small; GE and Phillips make extra low-content bulbs that are healthier. The bulbs can be recycled at some stores and recycling facilities. Some landfills also have a specific procedure for dealing with CFLs, call your sanitation provider to check on local ordinances.
If you should break a CFL in your house, keep in mind that you can exceed your lifetime dosage from one bulb. Clean it up with rubber gloves and a dustpan. Do not vacuum as it can ruin your vacuum and spread fine particles of mercury into the air.

Posted by mcgyver – March 27, 2008 4:40 PM

It is great to see a green home, and I just used a product called American Clay to do my bedroom and I love the NO VOC product and the look. I thought living in the midwest this was a southwest only type of product but it is not. I love the look, the feel, the green element, and and plan on doing my living room next.

Posted by kathy – March 27, 2008 4:59 PM

Another important thing to remember as we go green is water usage. Cutting down on shower times, not running water when we shave, brush teeth or do dishes can be a big help. I know that those aren't related to decorating, but they're important to keep in mind.

More on topic: new faucets, shower heads, etc. from Moen and others can drastically reduce water use, while still offering stylish decorating options.

Posted by Adam Burton – March 28, 2008 10:23 AM

Due to allergies and an autistic child with a compromised immune system, I am removing the carpeting from my home. I would like to use wood. However, every material safety data sheet I have read shows formalgahide or other chemicals. Does anyone have any ideas on a safe and green flooring alternative.

Posted by Kathaleen – March 29, 2008 11:01 AM

Earth Day is my favorite !!
But, HGTV the Green Home is another !!

Posted by Mitchell – March 29, 2008 9:43 PM

I do as much as I can but I as well would like more ideas that I can implement into my own home that would help me to go green. I do the CFL and have alresdy saved $20 on my bill,etc.

Posted by Terri – March 30, 2008 5:56 PM

On the subject of solar panels, CHECK WITH THE UTILITY REGULATOR IN YOUR STATE! A few states such as Michigan, where I am, utilities get to keep your overgeneration without paying you for it. I think 3 or 4 other states are like this. So plan your system accordingly. It's good to have no electric bill, but there's no sense giving it away either.

Posted by drstix – March 31, 2008 5:08 PM

I bought the wrong paint color I would like it darker. The color is a medium tan,I would like to use the paint if I can make the paint a darker tan or taupe. The paint is valspar for bathrooms from lowes,any suggestions.

thank you

Posted by melinda – April 2, 2008 11:56 PM

Are "Organic Paints" Safe for Expecting Moms?
I have heard conflicting opinions regarding the safety of organic paints and that some contain toxic solvents such as turpentine...What is your take on safe paints or should expecting moms just NOT paint at all!?

Posted by DaughterNature – April 5, 2008 6:19 PM

Kathleen, For the care of your loved ones especially your child who is immnue deficiency, take care to change your products to GREEN. Flooring Bamboo Wood. Look for stains from green suppliers with No VOC"s read alot before, tile is inert however you need to seal it (no VOC"S), look into that, marmolleum, more alternaives. This is from someone who is immnue compromised. Change his food as well to organic (USDA) highest stand look for seal, read your labels.

Posted by may – April 9, 2008 12:31 AM