If the recycling bin is overflowing with large plastic jugs & packaging from everyday grocery purchases maybe it's time to be a little more eco-friendliy with Tru Earth Laundry Eco-Strips laundry detergent? We put them to the test. Do Tru-Earth Eco-Strips laundry detergent actually get clothes clean? Any new product…

If you want to improve your carbon footprint but can't afford your own rooftop solar array, you can purchase clean energy credits and have renewable energy offset your power use. What is the cleanest energy? Despite how commonly  the term ‘clean energy’ is used, there is actually no such thing. At least not in the…

Ever wonder what happens to the recycling you send out to the curb? It may surprise you to learn that it is often sorted by hand. Learn how to sort it properly here. Spending more time at home in the last few months since Covid-19 redefined our reality has presented many with an opportunity to clean, rearrange…

When building a new home, especially sustainable high-performance eco homes like Passive House or Zero Net Energy in a cold climate, some heat is still necessary. Is the greenest option electric heating. More and more homebuyers are starting to demand energy-efficient new homes and are pushing the building…

There will come a point where the cost of insulation in any attic, wall or basement - and the energy required to manufacture and transport it - will outweigh any savings. Want to find out where that point is. Home insulation - how much is too much? A House can definitely be under-insulated (millions of homes…

Passive cooling techniques such as reflective window films can increase comfort, home durability and lower energy bills at the same time. Extreme summer temperatures pose a very real health risk to the most vulnerable members of society.  There are some tips to help keep a home cool during a heat wave , but faced…

Those setting out to build an efficient, sustainable or even net zero home in the USA or Canada, or to renovate an existing home for lower energy costs and better comfort, need to ask first; "what climate zone am I in?". The first step to building a durable and energy-efficient home in North America, including…

A layered no-dig lasagna garden may be an easy way to convert a lawn into a food producing garden - but it's critics may say it's too easy - Ecohome investigates. As with any easy gardening technique, there is a lot to consider regarding lasagna gardening that specifically relates to its many benefits and ease of…

E-bikes can be an excellent mode of autonomous green transportation that promote exercise and reduce pollution in urban centers. Ebikes or electric bikes - an increasing trend for urban commuting A basic ebike gives a rider about the same experience as a normal bike, just with a bit less effort . You can still ride…

Lasagna gardening is one of the easiest ways to grow vegetables at home and turn a high-maintenance lawn into a productive garden space. What are the pros and cons of the lasagna garden? Do they work for clay soils. Lasagna gardening - what is it? The easiest way to turn a backyard lawn into an organic…

In 2019, renewable energy sources accounted for the majority of power used in the US, the first time since 1885 that coal was not the country's main source of power. Energy generated by fossil fuels has dominated the globe for generations . Some countries have pushed for a faster transition to cleaner fuels than…

More and more people are installing bidets at home, so Ecohome took a look... does the idea of a jet of water blasting your nether regions seem a hard leap to make at first? Well, the times they are a changin’. Should we consider adding a bidet? Although quite popular in Africa, Asia and Europe, the bidet has been…

Architect-designed contemporary homes always attract attention - especially ones that are super efficient, stunningly beautiful and that ooze quality - But the Abri range is all that and more - It's Affordable too. Exceptional prefab eco homes - introducing the Abri range These ultra high performance prefabricated…

Smart door locks offer convenience & security, especially when teamed with an optional camera & smart doorbell with siren. Like screening calls on your mobile, unwanted visitors can be filtered out - or open the door remotely. What is a smart lock for a home? Smart door locks are deadbolt front door locks that can…

Which type of insulation is best for reducing emissions and safely mitigating climate change? There may be a case to be made for EPS rigid insulation. Are foam insulation panels a green choice? The short story is, maybe. And the long story is, well.... When we launched Ecohome about a decade ago, our mission was to…

Zero-carbon housing & zero-energy housing are terms used interchangeably to define single family dwellings with a very high energy efficiency rating - but the overall calculation includes many other factors & should insist on good internal air quality. The low carbon footprint of the S1600 kit house The…

Houston, Texas to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2025 as part climate change mitigation strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050. City of Houston to be powered with 100% renewable energy In April, 2020, The City of Houston announced a renewed deal with NRG Energy as the City’s retail electric provider, with…

A new type of two layered paint in a range of colors has been developed by researchers at Columbia University in New York that can save energy & reduce cooling bills. Sounding too good to be true, we took a closer look. Reflective paint keeps buildings cool & lowers AC bills Studies show that a…

Architect-designed modern & minimalist homes always attract attention - especially ones that are super efficient, stunningly beautiful and that ooze quality - But Le Refuge is all that and more - It's Affordable too. The tiny house movement is on the far end of the scale of a very encouraging and growing trend…