Issues > March/April 2007 (#119) > Earth Day Reading

Earth Day Reading

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Though it's not a how-to manual, Green Remodeling is an in-depth guide on building construction, exposing energy suckers like antiquated refrigerators and products like vinyl siding whose manufacturing releases dioxins, then divulging a host of healthy alternatives. Want to give your house a face-lift room-by-room? Consult Chapter 6, which breaks down remodeling efforts from the bedroom to the kitchen, including checklists for every nook and cranny. If you're more interested in exploring topics such as green energy, insulation or plumbing, skip ahead to individual chapters delving into the nuts and bolts of construction.

Whereas some home reno books tend to read like operator's manuals, Johnston and Master bring a breezy style to the pages, making it not only entertainingly informative, but qualifying it for the bedside table. They take into account the numerous facets in construction, from the emotional wear and tear on homeowners, and the fiscal drain to the enormous resources consumed and refuse created. Not to worry about the last item—85 to 90 percent of construction waste is recyclable, and you'll find tips on how to dispose.

What tends to be an overwhelmingly chaotic process, making your living environment healthy and green, Johnston and Master simplify through an easy-to-navigate manual, organizing and subdividing topics into concise sections. They devote 20 pages to indoor air quality, covering issues from carbon monoxide to mold and advising how to minimize or eliminate risk. Each page is chockablock with information outlining problems with current building design and how to change for the better.

Some readers may be annoyed that Johnston and Masters leave out products, stores and manufacturer details, but they do include a handy website resource section listing various organizations from non-profits to government agencies, which can steer you in the right direction (The Green Guide included). For the armchair reader, they devote a chapter to finding eco-friendly architects and remodeling contractors to do the dirty work.

If you've ever wanted to transform your home into a green getaway, this book will become your best friend. If you think your house could be more sustainable, but not sure how, this book will tell you. Whether you're a first-time homeowner or the neighborhood handyman, you'll find in it a trove of valuable tips and practical know-how.

—Kate Harris

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